JP7345127B2 - Dryer, control device, and control program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a dryer that dries objects to be dried such as clothes, a control device that controls the dryer, and a control program.

As a method for increasing the drying performance of clothes dryers and washer/dryers, there is a method of using microwaves as a heat source for heating moisture in clothes (for example, see Patent Document 1). According to this method, by irradiating the clothes with microwaves and directly heating the moisture in the clothes, the moisture in the clothes can be quickly evaporated, compared to conventional hot air drying using heaters or heat pumps. You can dry your clothes in a short time.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a conventional clothes dryer described in Patent Document 1. This clothes dryer includes a microwave irradiation means 101 that irradiates microwaves to clothes, a clothes storage 102 that stores clothes, a blower 103 that takes outside air into the clothes storage 102 and sends out air inside the clothes storage 102, and a heater 104 for drying, a microwave control means 105 for controlling the microwave irradiation means 101, a microwave reflection detection means 106 for sensing the state of microwave reflection, and a control for controlling the microwave control means 105. It is equipped with a circuit 107.

The clothes dryer having this configuration can shorten the drying time of clothes when the moisture content of the clothes is about 30% or less by directly heating the water adhering to the clothes fibers using microwaves. Furthermore, if the clothing has metal buttons or the like, it is possible to detect that an abnormality has occurred in the reflected microwave waves and stop the microwave irradiation.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-000249

If the clothes stored in the clothes storage 102 have metal objects such as buttons or zippers attached to them, it is dangerous if the electric field strength of the microwave inside the clothes storage 102 becomes strong and sparks are generated. A technology that can further reduce the generation of sparks even when the vehicle is stored is essential.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and aims to provide a technique for more appropriately controlling a dryer that dries objects to be dried by irradiating electromagnetic waves.

In order to solve the above problems, a dryer according to an aspect of the present invention includes a tank that accommodates an object to be dried, and a dryer that dries the object by heating moisture contained in the object to be dried stored in the tank. The apparatus includes an irradiation section that irradiates the inside of the tank with electromagnetic waves, a detection section that detects the intensity of the electromagnetic waves when the irradiation section irradiates the inside of the tank with electromagnetic waves, and a control section that controls the irradiation section. The control unit includes an intensity acquisition unit that acquires the intensity of the electromagnetic waves detected by the detection unit, and a control unit that smoothes the intensity of the electromagnetic waves by adjusting the output of the irradiation unit according to the intensity of the electromagnetic waves acquired by the intensity acquisition unit. A smoothing section.

Another aspect of the invention is a control device. This device includes an intensity acquisition unit that acquires the intensity of electromagnetic waves when electromagnetic waves are irradiated into the tank to heat the moisture contained in the drying object stored in the tank and dry the drying object. and a smoothing section that smoothes the intensity of the electromagnetic waves by adjusting the output of the irradiation section according to the intensity of the electromagnetic waves acquired by the intensity acquisition section.

Note that arbitrary combinations of the above-mentioned components and expressions of the present invention converted between methods, devices, systems, recording media, computer programs, etc. are also effective as aspects of the present invention.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique for more appropriately controlling a dryer that dries objects to be dried by irradiating electromagnetic waves.

1 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a washer/dryer according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a microwave heating device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a microwave control device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 4(a) is a diagram showing an example of the intensity of the reflected wave detected by the microwave detection section and the intensity of the irradiated wave adjusted by the smoothing section, and FIG. 4(b) is a diagram showing an example of the intensity of the reflected wave detected by the microwave detection section. It is a figure which shows the example of the intensity|strength of the reflected wave detected by the microwave detection part, and the intensity|strength of an irradiation wave when there is no microwave. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a drying process of the washer/dryer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the intensity of a reflected wave detected by a microwave detection unit and the intensity of an irradiated wave adjusted by a smoothing unit. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a drying process of the washer/dryer according to Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the intensity of a reflected wave detected by a microwave detection unit and the intensity of an irradiated wave adjusted by a smoothing unit. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a drying process of the washer/dryer according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a microwave control device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the intensity of a reflected wave detected by a microwave detection unit and the intensity of an irradiated wave adjusted by a smoothing unit. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a drying process of the washer/dryer according to Embodiment 4. It is a figure showing the composition of the washer-dryer concerning Embodiment 6. It is a figure showing the composition of the washer-dryer concerning Embodiment 7. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional clothes dryer described in Patent Document 1. FIG.

The dryer of the first invention includes a tank that stores an object to be dried, and irradiates electromagnetic waves into the tank in order to heat the moisture contained in the object to be dried stored in the tank and dry the object to be dried. An irradiation unit, a detection unit that detects the intensity of electromagnetic waves when the electromagnetic waves are irradiated into the tank by the irradiation unit, and a control unit that controls the irradiation unit, and the control unit is configured to detect the intensity of the electromagnetic waves detected by the detection unit. It is characterized by comprising an intensity acquisition section that acquires the intensity of the electromagnetic waves, and a smoothing section that smoothes the intensity of the electromagnetic waves by adjusting the output of the irradiation section according to the intensity of the electromagnetic waves acquired by the intensity acquisition section. shall be. According to this aspect, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves inside the tank can be accurately controlled and generation of sparks can be suppressed.

A second invention is that in the first invention, the smoothing section is configured to lower the output of the irradiation section when the intensity of the electromagnetic wave detected by the detection section is higher than a predetermined upper limit value. . According to this aspect, the intensity of electromagnetic waves inside the tank can be controlled more accurately, and generation of sparks can be suppressed.

A third invention is based on the first or second invention, wherein the smoothing section is configured to increase the output of the irradiation section when the intensity of the electromagnetic wave detected by the detection section is lower than a predetermined lower limit value. It is something. According to this aspect, the drying efficiency can be improved while suppressing the generation of sparks.

A fourth invention is that in any one of the first to third inventions, the smoothing section is configured to stop the output of the irradiation section when the intensity of the electromagnetic wave detected by the detection section is higher than a predetermined upper limit value. It is composed of According to this aspect, the intensity of electromagnetic waves inside the tank can be controlled more accurately, and generation of sparks can be suppressed.

In a fifth invention, in any one of the first to fourth inventions, the smoothing section is configured to adjust the output of the irradiation section according to a time change in the intensity of the electromagnetic wave detected by the detection section. It is something. According to this aspect, the intensity of electromagnetic waves inside the tank can be controlled more accurately, and generation of sparks can be suppressed. Moreover, drying efficiency can be improved.

According to a sixth invention, in the fifth invention, the smoothing section is configured to adjust the output of the irradiation section by following in real time the intensity of the electromagnetic waves detected by the detection section. According to this aspect, the intensity of electromagnetic waves inside the tank can be controlled more accurately, and generation of sparks can be suppressed. Moreover, drying efficiency can be improved.

A seventh invention is based on the fifth invention, wherein the smoothing unit detects a cycle of the intensity of the electromagnetic wave detected by the detection unit, and outputs the output of the irradiation unit according to a time change in the intensity of the electromagnetic wave in the detected cycle. It is configured to adjust. According to this aspect, the intensity of electromagnetic waves inside the tank can be controlled more accurately, and generation of sparks can be suppressed. Moreover, drying efficiency can be improved.

An eighth invention is based on any one of the first to seventh inventions, wherein the irradiation section irradiates electromagnetic waves with a frequency of 2.45 GHz band or 915 MHz band into the tank, and the detection section irradiates electromagnetic waves with a frequency of 2.45 GHz band or 915 MHz band. It is configured to detect the intensity of electromagnetic waves of frequency band. According to this aspect, the intensity of electromagnetic waves inside the tank can be accurately detected using microwaves in a frequency band that can be used by the microwave heating device.

According to a ninth invention, in any one of the first to eighth inventions, the detection section is configured to detect the intensity of the reflected wave reflected from the tank. According to this aspect, the intensity of electromagnetic waves inside the tank can be controlled more accurately, and generation of sparks can be suppressed.

A tenth invention is that in any one of the first to eighth inventions, the detection unit is configured to detect the intensity of a composite wave of an incident wave irradiated into the tank and a reflected wave reflected from the tank. It is something that According to this aspect, the intensity of electromagnetic waves inside the tank can be controlled more accurately, and generation of sparks can be suppressed. Furthermore, the manufacturing cost of the dryer can be reduced.

In an eleventh invention, in any one of the first to eighth inventions, the detection section is provided outside the tank and configured to detect the intensity of electromagnetic waves leaked from the tank. According to this aspect, the intensity of electromagnetic waves inside the tank can be controlled more accurately, and generation of sparks can be suppressed. Furthermore, the manufacturing cost and size of the dryer can be reduced.

According to a twelfth invention, in any one of the first to eighth inventions, the detection section is provided inside the tank and is configured to detect the intensity of electromagnetic waves within the tank. According to this aspect, the intensity of electromagnetic waves inside the tank can be controlled more accurately, and generation of sparks can be suppressed.

The control device of the thirteenth invention acquires the intensity of electromagnetic waves when the tank is irradiated with electromagnetic waves in order to heat the moisture contained in the drying target stored in the tank and dry the drying target. and a smoothing section that smoothes the intensity of the electromagnetic waves by adjusting the output of the irradiation section according to the intensity of the electromagnetic waves obtained by the intensity obtaining section. According to this aspect, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves inside the tank can be accurately controlled and generation of sparks can be suppressed.

The control program of the fourteenth invention causes the computer to generate electromagnetic waves when electromagnetic waves are irradiated into the tank in order to heat the moisture contained in the drying target stored in the tank and dry the drying target. It functions as an intensity acquisition section that acquires the intensity, and a smoothing section that smoothes the intensity of the electromagnetic waves by adjusting the output of the irradiation section according to the intensity of the electromagnetic waves acquired by the intensity acquisition section. According to this aspect, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves inside the tank can be accurately controlled and generation of sparks can be suppressed.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Further, there is no problem in combining the contents described in the plurality of embodiments to the extent possible.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a washer/dryer according to a first embodiment. The washer/dryer 50 of this embodiment has the function of washing and drying laundry such as clothes, and can be used as a washing machine that only performs the washing function or as a dryer that only performs the drying function. , also functions as a washer dryer, performing washing and drying functions.

As shown in FIG. 1, the washer/dryer 50 includes a water tank 3 formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom in which washing water is stored. The water tank 3 is swingably supported within the housing 2 (main body) by a damper 4 provided below. A rotary tank 1 in which laundry such as clothes (also referred to as "drying objects" when referring to the drying function) is rotatably provided in a water tank 3. This rotating tank 1 is formed into a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The rotating tank 1 is provided with its rotating shaft tilted forward upward with respect to the horizontal.

A drive motor 6 is attached to the back of the water tank 3. This drive motor 6 rotates the rotary tank 1 around the rotation axis in forward and reverse directions. The washer/dryer 50 rotates the rotary tub 1 by driving the drive motor 6 to agitate, beat, wash, rinse, and dry the laundry stored in the rotary tub 1 .

A door body 5 is provided at the front of the housing 2 so as to face the open ends of the rotating tank 1 and the water tank 3. A user can take laundry (clothing) in and out of the rotating tub 1 by opening the door body 5.

Further, an elastic sealing member is provided at the edge of the front opening of the water tank 3 over the entire circumference. When the user closes the door body 5, the sealing member is pressed by the door body 5 and elastically deforms, thereby ensuring watertightness and airtightness of the water tank 3 to the outside of the machine.

A water supply pipe 13 is connected to the top of the water tank 3. 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 3 via the water supply pipe 13. Further, a drain pipe 11 is connected to the lowest part of the water tank 3. A drain valve 10 is provided in the middle of a drain pipe 11. The drain valve 10 drains the water in the water tank 3 to the outside of the machine via the drain pipe 11.

A damper 4 is provided below the water tank 3. The damper 4 supports the water tank 3 and attenuates vibrations of the water tank 3 that occur due to unevenness of clothing in the rotating tank 1 during dehydration or the like. A cloth amount detection section (not shown) is attached to this damper 4. The cloth amount detection section detects the amount of vertical displacement of the shaft of the damper 4 due to a change in the weight of clothes or the like in the rotating tub 1. The washer/dryer detects the amount of clothes in the rotating tub 1 based on the amount of displacement detected by the clothes amount detection section.

The washer/dryer 50 also includes a circulation air path 7 that circulates air in the water tank 3 and the rotating tub 1, and a microwave heating device 30 that heats the moisture in the clothes in the rotating tub 1. The microwave heating device 30, which constitutes a heating unit that heats the drying object, irradiates microwaves, which are a type of electromagnetic waves, from a microwave irradiation port 32 provided in the water tank 3, and removes moisture from the clothes in the rotating tank 1. heat up.

The air circulation path 7 is configured as an air circulation path for drying clothes in the drying process. The air circulation path includes a water tank 3 and a rotating tank 1. The circulation air passage 7 is connected to an air outlet 8 (drying air outlet) provided on the upper side of the aquarium 3 , an outlet 9 (drying air outlet) provided on the rear side of the aquarium 3 , and the aquarium 3 . It is connected and provided.

A blower fan 16 is provided in the circulation air path 7 as a blower. The blower fan 16 circulates the drying air in the water tank 3 and the rotating tank 1 into the circulation air path 7.

An intake air passage 14 and an exhaust air passage 15 are connected to the circulation air passage 7, respectively. The intake air passage 14 takes air inside the housing 2 into the circulation air passage 7. The exhaust air passage 15 discharges the air within the circulation air passage 7 to the outside of the circulation air passage 7. The ends of the intake air passage 14 and the exhaust air passage 15 on the side not connected to the circulation air passage 7 are respectively open to the outside of the circulation air passage 7. The exhaust air passage 15 is provided upstream of the flow of drying air than the intake air passage 14. Alternatively, the air may be discharged to the outside of the circulating air path 7 through the drain pipe 11 without providing the exhaust air path 15.

A heater 17 that heats the drying air is incorporated in the circulation air path 7. This heater 17 is provided on the downstream side of the intake air passage 14 and in front of the air outlet of the water tank 3. Like the microwave heating device 30, this heater 17 also constitutes a heating section that heats the object to be dried, and is energized at the same time as the microwave heating device 30 or in place of the microwave heating device 30. In addition, methods for heating the object to be dried using the heating section include direct heating using microwaves, indirect heating by heating circulating air with a heater, or heating the inner wall of the rotating tank 1. There are various methods, and there are no particular limitations.

The washer/dryer 50 of this embodiment dries objects to be dried using microwaves irradiated from the microwave heating device 30 into the rotating tank 1 through the microwave irradiation port 32. If there is a high possibility of sparks being generated because there is metal attached to the heater 17, such as a button or a fastener, reduce or stop the output of the microwave irradiated into the rotating tank 1 from the microwave heating device 30, and Switch to drying method.

In the washer/dryer 50 of the present embodiment, microwaves are irradiated into the rotary tub 1, so that the intensity of electromagnetic waves leaking to the outside of the washer/dryer 50 is below the standard value determined in the area where the washer/dryer 50 is used. You need to configure it so that Therefore, the washer/dryer 50 of this embodiment includes an electromagnetic shield for suppressing leakage of electromagnetic waves irradiated from the microwave irradiation port 32. The electromagnetic shield is composed of at least the door body 5 and the rotating tank 1. For example, the electromagnetic wave shield is formed from a gap between the door body 5 and the rotating tank 1, which are made of a material containing an electromagnetic wave shielding material such as a metal that can reflect or absorb microwaves, and the door body 5 and the rotating tank 1. It may be configured by a choke structure formed at the contact point between the door body 5 and the rotating tank 1 in order to shield or attenuate leaking electromagnetic waves. As the choke structure, any choke structure known in the technical field of microwave ovens and the like can be used. Part or all of the water tank 3 or the housing 2 may be formed of a material containing an electromagnetic wave shielding material.

As a standard regarding leakage electromagnetic waves, for example, the Japanese Industrial Standard "JIS" stipulates microwave ovens with a rated high-frequency output of 2 kW or less and additional equipment that heats food using electromagnetic waves (microwaves) in the 2.45 GHz band. C9250" is available. 5.8 of the same standard states, ``The power density of leakage radio waves measured by the power density test of leakage radio waves specified in 8.2.12 of the same standard is (1) When the door is closed, ( ² ) When the door is opened and fixed to the maximum position just before the oscillation stop device of the oscillation tube operates, it must be 5 mW/ ^cm2 or less; (3) The main oscillation 5mW/ ^cm2 or less when the oscillation stop device other than the stop device is restrained.'' In addition, Annex 8 of the notification regarding the interpretation of the "Ministerial Ordinance Establishing Technical Standards for Electrical Appliances and Materials," which establishes the technical standards stipulated by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, as stipulated in Article 8, Paragraph 1 of the Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act. Almost the same content is stipulated in Section 2(95). The same standards as for microwave ovens are considered to be 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 were created based on scientific evidence by experts from various countries, be adopted as exposure limits for human protection. There is. This guideline specifies the exposure limit value as 0.08 W/kg (1 mW/cm ² ). The international standard "IEC62233" established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the Japanese Industrial Standard "JIS 1912" established based on it include measurements of electromagnetic fields related to human exposure from household electrical equipment and similar equipment. A method is specified. In the measurement method specified in the standard, the electromagnetic field is measured as a percentage of the exposure limit value by weighting the signal of the sensor that detects the electromagnetic field, and the exposure limit value specified in the ICNIRP guidelines is measured. If it does not exceed the above, it is determined that it complies with the ICNIRP guidelines. The electromagnetic shield is configured to comply with these standards.

Next, the flow of dry air will be explained. When the blower fan 16 is driven, the drying air, which has become humid due to the moisture taken from the laundry in the rotary tub 1, passes through the outlet 9 provided at the lower side of the water tank 3 and becomes a circulating air. It flows into the air passage 7 or the exhaust air passage 15. When the exhaust air path 15 is not provided, the air flows into the circulation air path 7 or the drain pipe 11. The air that has flowed into the exhaust air path 15 is exhausted to the outside of the circulation air path 7. On the other hand, the air that has flowed into the circulation air path 7 is sent toward the heater 17 by the blower fan 16, and is heated by the heater 17 when the heater 17 is operating.

The intake air passage 14 is provided so as to communicate with the circulation air passage 7 on the intake side of the blower fan 16 . The intake air passage 14 is also provided so as to communicate with the circulation air passage 7 upstream of the heater 17 . Therefore, the air outside the circulation air passage 7 taken in from the intake air passage 14 passes through the heater 17 after being mixed with the drying air flowing toward the circulation air passage 7 side. At this time, if the heater is operating, the mixed air is heated by the heater 17. Moreover, since the air outside the circulation air path 7 is mixed with the drying air, the humidity of the drying air after mixing becomes lower than that before mixing.

The air that has passed through the heater 17 passes through the air outlet 8 and is blown out into the rotating tank 1 again. Note that a clothes dryer without a washing function is not provided with a water tank 3 for storing washing water, a water supply valve 12, a water supply pipe 13, and a drain valve 10. The connection between the rotating rotary tank 1 and the circulation air passage 7 is configured such that the rotary tank 1 slides on a sealing member such as felt.

An inflow temperature detection section 18 is provided near the outlet 8 in the circulation air path 7 or near the heater 17. The inflow temperature detection unit 18 detects the temperature of the drying air flowing into the rotating tank 1 . The inflow temperature detection section 18 is composed of, for example, a thermistor.

A control device 20 is provided within the housing 2 . The control device 20 controls the blower fan 16, the microwave heating device 30, and the like. The control device 20 also controls the drive motor 6, water supply valve 12, drain valve 10, etc., and sequentially executes each process of washing, rinsing, and drying.

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of a microwave heating device 30 according to the first embodiment. The microwave heating device 30 includes a microwave irradiation section 31, a waveguide 34, a microwave irradiation port 32, a microwave control device 40, a reflection section 33, and a microwave detection section 36. . The microwave irradiation unit 31 irradiates microwaves as irradiation waves. The waveguide 34 guides the irradiated microwaves into the rotating tank 1 . The microwave irradiation port 32 is provided in the water tank 3 at the tip of the waveguide 34 . The microwave control device 40 adjusts the output of the microwave irradiated from the microwave irradiation section 31. The reflection unit 33 is provided between the microwave irradiation unit 31 and the microwave irradiation port 32, and reflects part or all of the microwave reflected from the rotating tank 1 and irradiates it into the rotating tank 1. The microwave detection section 36 is provided between the reflection section 33 and the microwave irradiation port 32, and detects the intensity of the microwave at a position between the reflection section 33 and the microwave irradiation port 32.

The microwave irradiation unit 31 is a microwave oscillator such as a magnetron, and oscillates electromagnetic waves with a frequency of 2.45 GHz that can be used by a microwave heating device. Note that the electromagnetic waves are not limited to the 2.45 GHz band allocated as the ISM (Industry Science Medical) band, and may be electromagnetic waves of a similarly allocated frequency such as the 915 MHz band. Microwaves whose output is adjusted to an arbitrary value by the microwave control device 40 are irradiated from the microwave irradiation section 31 . The irradiated microwaves are irradiated into the rotating rotating tank 1 through the waveguide 34 and the microwave irradiation port 32, and heat the moisture contained in the objects to be dried, such as clothes. At this time, by blowing drying air from the ventilation fan 16 to the clothes in the rotating tank 1, the moisture evaporated from the drying object is removed from the water tank 3 through the exhaust port 9 through the exhaust air passage 15 along with the drying air. is discharged to. Alternatively, it is discharged to the outside of the water tank 3 through the drain pipe 11. This accelerates the drying of clothes.

Among the microwaves irradiated into the rotating tank 1, a part of the microwaves that are not absorbed by the moisture contained in the drying object are irradiated with microwaves from the rotating tank 1 through the microwave irradiation port 32 as reflected waves. Return to part 31. The microwaves returned to the microwave irradiation section 31 are converted into heat and treated as waste heat.

The microwave detection unit 36 is capable of detecting microwaves with a frequency of 2.45 GHz band irradiated by the microwave irradiation unit 31, and detects the intensity of the reflected waves reflected from the rotating tank 1 and returned to the microwave irradiation unit 31. do. As described later, when estimating the amount of moisture contained in the object to be dried based on the ratio of the intensity of electromagnetic waves irradiated into the rotating tank 1 and the intensity of the reflected waves reflected from the rotating tank 1. In this case, the microwave detection unit 36 also detects the intensity of the incident wave irradiated into the rotating tank 1. In this case, the microwave detection unit 36 detects the intensity of the incident wave traveling from the microwave irradiation unit 31 toward the rotating tank 1 and the intensity of the incident wave traveling from the rotating tank 1 to the microwave irradiation unit 31, like a general directional coupler. It may be possible to separately detect the intensity of the reflected wave traveling in the direction. Further, a plurality of microwave detection sections 36 may be provided so that the incident wave and the reflected wave can be detected separately.

The reflecting unit 33 reflects part or all of the reflected waves that are reflected from the rotating tank 1 and travels in the direction of returning to the microwave irradiating unit 31, and rotates them again together with the microwave irradiated from the microwave irradiating unit 31. Inject it into tank 1. Therefore, the incident wave detected by the microwave detection section 36 includes, in addition to the irradiation wave irradiated from the microwave irradiation section 31, the microwave reflected by the reflection section 33 and traveling toward the rotating tank 1. Good too. Thereby, energy loss can be reduced and drying time can be shortened. Since the microwave detection unit 36 is installed between the rotating tank 1 and the reflecting unit 33, it is not affected by the reflecting unit 33 and can accurately measure the intensity of the microwave reflected from the rotating tank 1. Can be detected well.

FIG. 3 shows the configuration of microwave control device 40 according to the first embodiment. The microwave control device 40 is realized by hardware such as a microcomputer, a microcontroller, and an integrated circuit.

The microwave control device 40 includes an intensity acquisition section 41, an output adjustment section 42, and a smoothing section 45. These configurations are realized in hardware by the CPU, memory, and other LSI of any computer, and in software by programs loaded into memory, but here we will discuss their cooperation. It depicts the functional blocks realized by Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that these functional blocks can be implemented in various ways, such as only hardware or a combination of hardware and software.

The microwave control device 40 controls the microwave irradiation unit 31 in accordance with instructions from the control device 20 in a cleaning process, a rinsing process, or a drying process controlled by the control device 20. The microwave control device 40 heats washing water in a washing process, heats rinsing water in a rinsing process, heats water contained in an object to be dried in a drying process, and heats washing water or an object to be dried in a drying process. Microwaves are irradiated from the microwave irradiation unit 31 to the rotating tank 1 in order to heat and sterilize attached bacteria. In addition, when heating the washing water or rinsing water, microwaves may be irradiated to the water tank 3 in which these water is stored.

The intensity acquisition unit 41 acquires the intensity of the microwave (reflected wave) detected by the microwave detection unit 36. As described later, the smoothing section 45 adjusts the intensity of the emitted wave according to the intensity of the reflected wave acquired by the intensity acquisition section 41 so as to smooth the reflected wave. The output adjustment section 42 adjusts the output of the microwave irradiation section 31 according to the output adjusted by the smoothing section 45. Specifically, the smoothing unit 45 lowers the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31 when the intensity of the electromagnetic waves acquired by the intensity acquisition unit 41 exceeds a predetermined upper limit value. This makes it possible to accurately detect an increase in the electric field strength within the rotary tank 1 and lower the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31, thereby preventing the generation of sparks due to metals contained in the objects to be dried within the rotary tank 1. Can be suppressed.

FIG. 4A shows an example of the intensity of the reflected wave detected by the microwave detection section 36 and the intensity of the irradiated wave adjusted by the smoothing section 45. During one rotation of the rotary tank 1, the position of the object to be dried in the rotary tank 1 changes, and the distribution of the amount of water contained in the object to be dried changes, so the intensity of the reflected wave also changes. The smoothing unit 45 instructs the output adjustment unit 42 to lower the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31 when the intensity of the reflected wave acquired by the intensity acquisition unit 41 exceeds the upper limit value. Thereafter, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed, or when the intensity of the reflected wave acquired by the intensity acquisition section 41 falls below the upper limit, the smoothing section 45 returns the output of the microwave irradiation section 31 to the original value. The output adjustment unit 42 is instructed to do so. In the example of FIG. 4(a), the smoothing unit 45 stops the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31 when the intensity of the reflected wave exceeds the upper limit, and after a predetermined time (ΔT in the figure) has elapsed. At times, the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31 is returned to a predetermined value. Thereby, generation of sparks can be suppressed while maintaining drying efficiency. Note that FIG. 4B shows for reference the intensity of the reflected wave and the intensity of the irradiated wave when the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31 is not stopped by the smoothing unit 45.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the drying process of washer/dryer 50 according to the first embodiment. When the drying process is started, the output adjustment section 42 sets the output of the microwave irradiation section 31 to a predetermined value (S10). The microwave irradiation section 31 irradiates the inside of the rotating tank 1 with microwaves at the output set by the output adjustment section 42 (S12). The microwave detection unit 36 detects the intensity of the reflected wave reflected from the rotating tank 1 (S14), and the intensity acquisition unit 41 acquires the intensity of the reflected wave detected by the microwave detection unit 36 (S16). .

The smoothing unit 45 determines whether the intensity of the reflected wave acquired by the intensity acquisition unit 41 exceeds an upper limit value (S18). If the intensity of the reflected wave does not exceed the upper limit (No in S18), the control device 20 determines whether to end the drying process (S26). If the drying process is not to be completed (No in S26), the process returns to S10 to continue the microwave irradiation, and if the drying process is to be completed (Yes in S26), the microwave irradiation from the microwave irradiation section 31 is stopped. The drying process is then stopped (S28).

In S18, if the intensity of the reflected wave exceeds the upper limit (Yes in S18), the smoothing unit 45 sets the output value of the microwave irradiation unit 31 to zero (S20), and the microwave irradiation unit 31 , the microwave irradiation is stopped (S22). The smoothing unit 45 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the microwave irradiation was stopped (S24), and if it has not elapsed (No in S24), the process returns to S20 and the microwave irradiation unit continues to operate. 31 is maintained at zero. The predetermined time may be the time required until the intensity of the electromagnetic waves in the rotating tank 1 decreases to a level that does not cause sparks, and may be determined through experiments or the like. When the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in S24), the process proceeds to S26, and if the drying process is not to be completed, the process returns to S10 and the output of microwaves by the microwave irradiation section 31 is restarted.

In S20, the smoothing unit 45 may set the output value of the microwave irradiation unit 31 to a predetermined value that is lower than the value set in S10 and larger than zero. In this case, in S22, the microwave irradiation section 31 irradiates microwaves at the output set by the smoothing section 45 in S20.

The smoothing section 45 may increase the output of the microwave irradiation section 31 when the intensity of the reflected wave is below a predetermined lower limit. For example, in S18, it is determined whether the intensity of the reflected wave is within the range from the upper limit value to the lower limit value, and if the intensity of the reflected wave exceeds the upper limit value, in S20, the microwave irradiation unit 31 is If the output is set to a value lower than the value set in S10 and the intensity of the reflected wave exceeds the lower limit value, the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31 is set higher than the value set in S10 in S20. If the intensity of the reflected wave is within the range from the upper limit value to the lower limit value, the output of the microwave irradiation section 31 may be maintained at the value set in S10. This makes it possible to improve drying efficiency while suppressing the generation of sparks, thereby reducing the time required for drying.

After the drying process starts, while the object to be dried contains a relatively large amount of water, most of the electromagnetic waves irradiated into the rotating tank 1 are absorbed by the water and contribute to heating. The electric field strength within 1 is not excessively high, and the strength of the reflected wave is also low. At this time, even if the object to be dried has a metal button, fastener, etc., there is a low possibility that sparks will occur, so electromagnetic waves of relatively high output may be irradiated from the microwave irradiation section 31. As the drying process progresses and the moisture contained in the object to be dried decreases, microwaves that are not absorbed by the moisture will accumulate in the rotating tank 1, increasing the possibility that sparks will occur. The output of the electromagnetic waves radiated from may be lowered.

Therefore, the output adjustment unit 42 determines the amount of water in the rotating tank 1 estimated from the intensity of the reflected wave detected by the microwave detection unit 36, the ratio of the intensity of the incident wave to the intensity of the reflected wave, etc., and starts the drying process. The value of the microwave output set in S10 or S20 may be adjusted depending on the elapsed time after the microwave is activated. For example, the microwave output may be lowered stepwise or continuously as the intensity of the reflected waves increases, as the moisture content decreases, or as the elapsed time from the start of the drying process increases. . The value of the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31 may be determined depending on the weight of the object to be dried measured by a load cell etc. provided in the rotating tank 1, the drying time set by the user, the room temperature, humidity, etc. good.

Similarly, the smoothing unit 45 calculates the amount of water in the rotating tank 1 estimated from the intensity of the reflected wave detected by the microwave detection unit 36, the ratio of the intensity of the incident wave to the intensity of the reflected wave, and the drying process. Smoothing is performed in S18 according to the elapsed time since the start, the weight of the object to be dried measured by a load cell installed in the rotary tank 1, the drying time set by the user, room temperature, humidity, etc. You may adjust the upper limit value that is the standard for determining whether or not to do so. For example, the upper limit value may be lowered stepwise or continuously as the intensity of the reflected wave increases, as the moisture content decreases, or as the elapsed time from the start of the drying process increases.

The amount of water in the rotating tank 1 may be estimated using a microwave irradiation unit 31 such as a semiconductor device capable of oscillating microwaves of a plurality of different frequencies. In this case, the intensity of the reflected waves when the rotating tank 1 is irradiated with microwaves of a plurality of different frequencies from the microwave irradiation unit 31 whose frequency is variable is obtained, and the average value of the intensity of the obtained reflected waves or Estimate the moisture content based on the integral value. Thereby, the amount of water in the rotating tank 1 can be estimated more accurately. Only the microwave irradiation unit 31 with a variable frequency may be provided, or in addition to a relatively inexpensive microwave irradiation unit 31 such as a magnetron whose frequency is not variable, a microwave irradiation unit 31 with a variable frequency may be provided. A second microwave irradiation unit whose frequency is variable may be provided. In the latter case, relatively inexpensive low-output semiconductor elements can be used, so the manufacturing cost of the washer/dryer 50 can be suppressed.

The amount of moisture in the rotary tub 1 estimated from the ratio of the intensity of the incident wave and the intensity of the reflected wave may be used by the control device 20 to control the operation of the washer/dryer 50. For example, the control device 20 may stop the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31 and end the drying process when the moisture content decreases to a predetermined value that indicates completion of drying. The moisture content threshold for determining whether to end the drying process may be determined depending on the type of the object to be dried, or may be set by the user. For example, if you want to dry an object that retains a relatively large amount of moisture to give it a moist texture, set a high threshold value so that the object contains a relatively large amount of moisture. The drying may be completed with . Further, for example, the control device 20 may terminate the drying process after stopping the output of the microwave irradiation section 31 and performing the blowing operation.

In this way, by adjusting the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31 according to the intensity of the reflected wave, the electric field strength inside the rotating tank 1 can be adjusted, so that the electric field strength inside the rotating tank 1 can be This can prevent sparks from occurring and suppress the generation of sparks. In addition, throughout the drying process, it is possible to directly heat the moisture contained in the drying object using microwaves while appropriately suppressing sparks from metal attached to the drying object, increasing drying efficiency. It can improve drying time and shorten drying time.

[Embodiment 2]
Similarly to the first embodiment, the microwave control device 40 according to the second embodiment also adjusts the output of the microwave irradiation section 31 according to the time change in the intensity of the reflected wave detected by the microwave detection section 36. . The smoothing unit 45 immediately performs smoothing according to the intensity of the reflected wave acquired by the intensity acquisition unit 41. The configuration of microwave control device 40 according to Embodiment 2 is similar to the configuration of microwave control device 40 according to Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 3. The differences from Embodiment 1 will be mainly explained.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the intensity of the reflected wave detected by the microwave detection unit 36 and the intensity of the irradiated wave adjusted by the smoothing unit 45. Note that the broken line indicates the intensity of the reflected wave and the intensity of the irradiated wave when smoothing is not performed by the smoothing unit 45 for reference. The smoothing unit 45 adjusts the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31 by following the intensity of the reflected wave acquired by the intensity acquisition unit 41 in real time, and smoothes the intensity of the reflected wave. Thereby, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves within the rotating tank 1 can be adjusted more accurately, and the generation of sparks can be suppressed.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the drying process of washer/dryer 50 according to the second embodiment. When the drying process is started, the output adjustment section 42 sets the output of the microwave irradiation section 31 to a predetermined value (S60). The microwave irradiation section 31 irradiates the inside of the rotating tank 1 with microwaves at the output set by the output adjustment section 42 (S62). The microwave detection unit 36 detects the intensity of the reflected wave reflected from the rotating tank 1 (S64), and the intensity acquisition unit 41 acquires the intensity of the reflected wave detected by the microwave detection unit 36 (S66). .

The smoothing unit 45 determines whether the intensity of the reflected wave acquired by the intensity acquisition unit 41 exceeds an upper limit value (S68). If the intensity of the reflected wave exceeds the upper limit value (Yes in S68), the smoothing unit 45 adjusts the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31 so that the intensity of the reflected wave is equal to or less than the upper limit value (S70). If the intensity of the reflected wave does not exceed the upper limit (No in S68), the smoothing unit 45 maintains the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31 at a predetermined value (S72).

The control device 20 determines whether to end the drying process (S74). If the drying process is not to be completed (No in S74), the process returns to S62 to continue the microwave irradiation, and if the drying process is to be completed (Yes in S74), the microwave irradiation from the microwave irradiation unit 31 is stopped. The drying process is then stopped (S76).

In this way, by adjusting the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31 in real time according to the intensity of the reflected waves, the electric field strength inside the rotating tank 1 can be adjusted, so that the electric field strength inside the rotating tank 1 can be This prevents the spark from becoming too high and suppresses the generation of sparks. In addition, throughout the drying process, it is possible to directly heat the moisture contained in the drying object using microwaves while appropriately suppressing sparks from metal attached to the drying object, increasing drying efficiency. It can improve drying time and shorten drying time.

[Embodiment 3]
In the microwave control device 40 according to the second embodiment, when the intensity of the reflected wave acquired by the intensity acquisition unit 41 exceeds a predetermined upper limit, the smoothing unit 45 determines whether the intensity of the reflected wave is equal to or less than the upper limit. Although the output of the microwave irradiation section 31 was adjusted so that The output of the microwave irradiation unit 31 is adjusted so that the intensity of the reflected wave is maintained within a certain range of values. The configuration of microwave control device 40 according to Embodiment 3 is similar to the configuration of microwave control device 40 according to Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. Mainly the points different from Embodiments 1 and 2 will be explained.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the intensity of the reflected wave detected by the microwave detection unit 36 and the intensity of the irradiated wave adjusted by the smoothing unit 45. Note that the broken line indicates the intensity of the reflected wave when smoothing is not performed by the smoothing section 45 for reference. The smoothing unit 45 follows the intensity of the reflected wave acquired by the intensity acquisition unit 41 in real time, and adjusts the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31 so that the intensity of the reflected wave is maintained within a certain range of values. , smoothing the intensity of the reflected waves. In the example shown in this figure, the intensity of the emitted wave is adjusted so that the intensity of the detected reflected wave becomes a pattern that is inverted with respect to a predetermined intensity. That is, when the intensity of the reflected wave is larger than the value to be maintained, the output of the microwave irradiation section 31 is lowered according to the difference from the value to be maintained, and when the intensity of the reflected wave is smaller than the value to be maintained, the output of the microwave irradiation section 31 is lowered. , the output of the microwave irradiation section 31 may be increased depending on the difference between the current value and the value to be maintained. In addition, when it is estimated that the intensity of the reflected wave is out of the range of values that should be maintained based on the rate of change in the intensity of the reflected wave, acceleration, etc., the microwave The output of the irradiation section 31 may be adjusted. Thereby, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves within the rotating tank 1 can be adjusted more accurately, and the generation of sparks can be suppressed.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the drying process of washer/dryer 50 according to the third embodiment. When the drying process is started, the output adjustment section 42 sets the output of the microwave irradiation section 31 to a predetermined value (S80). The microwave irradiation section 31 irradiates the inside of the rotating tank 1 with microwaves at the output set by the output adjustment section 42 (S82). The microwave detection unit 36 detects the intensity of the reflected wave reflected from the rotating tank 1 (S84), and the intensity acquisition unit 41 acquires the intensity of the reflected wave detected by the microwave detection unit 36 (S86). .

The smoothing unit 45 adjusts the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31 so that the intensity of the reflected wave becomes a predetermined value (S88). The control device 20 determines whether to end the drying process (S90). If the drying process is not to be completed (No in S90), the process returns to S80 to continue the microwave irradiation, and if the drying process is to be completed (Yes in S90), the microwave irradiation from the microwave irradiator 31 is stopped. The drying process is then stopped (S92).

Also in this embodiment, the smoothing unit 45 calculates the amount of water in the rotating tank 1 estimated from the intensity of the reflected wave detected by the microwave detection unit 36, the ratio of the intensity of the incident wave to the intensity of the reflected wave, etc. The predetermined value that is set as the target value for maintaining the intensity of the reflected wave in S88 may be adjusted depending on the elapsed time after the drying process is started. For example, as the intensity of the reflected waves increases, as the moisture content decreases, or as the elapsed time from the start of the drying process increases, the target value for maintaining the intensity of the reflected waves is set stepwise or continuously. It may be lower. The target value may be determined according to the weight of the object to be dried measured by a load cell or the like provided in the rotating tank 1, the drying time set by the user, room temperature, humidity, etc.

In this way, by adjusting the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31 in real time according to the intensity of the reflected waves, the electric field strength inside the rotating tank 1 can be adjusted, so that the electric field strength inside the rotating tank 1 can be This prevents the spark from becoming too high and suppresses the generation of sparks. In addition, throughout the drying process, it is possible to directly heat the moisture contained in the drying object using microwaves while appropriately suppressing sparks from metal attached to the drying object, increasing drying efficiency. It can improve drying time and shorten drying time.

In the above example, the smoothing unit 45 adjusted the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31 in real time according to the intensity of the reflected wave acquired by the intensity acquisition unit 41, but as in the fourth embodiment described below, The intensity of the reflected wave for one cycle is stored, and the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31 is adjusted according to the stored intensity of the reflected wave so that the intensity of the reflected wave is maintained within a predetermined range. Good too.

[Embodiment 4]
FIG. 10 shows the configuration of a microwave control device 40 according to the fourth embodiment. In the microwave control device 40 according to the fourth embodiment, the output of the microwave irradiation section 31 is adjusted according to the time change in the intensity of the reflected wave detected by the microwave detection section 36. The microwave control device 40 according to the fourth embodiment has the structure of the microwave control device 40 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. It includes a period detection section 46 that detects. Other configurations and operations are similar to those in the first embodiment. The differences from Embodiment 1 will be mainly explained.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the intensity of the reflected wave detected by the microwave detection unit 36 and the intensity of the irradiated wave adjusted by the smoothing unit 45. Note that the broken line indicates the intensity of the reflected wave and the intensity of the irradiated wave when smoothing is not performed by the smoothing unit 45 for reference. In FIG. 11, as will be explained below, the time from T0 to T1 shows the intensity of the reflected wave and the intensity of the emitted wave when smoothing is not performed, and after time T1, the intensity when smoothing is performed by the smoothing section 45 is shown. Indicates the intensity of reflected waves and the intensity of emitted waves. When a relatively large number of objects to be dried are housed in the rotating tank 1, the objects to be dried also rotate as the rotating tank 1 rotates. Therefore, periodicity is observed in the intensity of the reflected waves that reflect the water content of the dried object. The period detection unit 46 acquires information regarding the rotation of the rotating tank 1 from the control device 20, and detects the rotation period of the rotating tank 1 (at the time of period detection in FIG. 11). The smoothing unit 45 stores the intensity pattern of the reflected waves for one period acquired by the intensity acquisition unit 41, with one rotation of the rotating tank 1 detected by the period detection unit 46 being one period. The smoothing unit 45 determines whether the intensity of the reflected wave is equal to or less than the upper limit value during the period (ΔT1, ΔT2 in FIG. 11) in which the intensity of the reflected wave exceeds the upper limit value, according to the intensity of the reflected wave for one period stored. The output of the microwave irradiation section 31 in the next and subsequent cycles is adjusted so that the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31 is adjusted so that the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31 in the next and subsequent cycles is adjusted (at the time of smoothing in FIG. 11). Thereby, generation of sparks can be suppressed while maintaining drying efficiency. One period may be an integral multiple of the rotation period of the rotating tank 1, or may be an integral fraction of the rotation period.

Since the moisture content of the object to be dried changes due to microwave irradiation, the periodicity of the electric field strength within the rotating bath 1 changes, and the periodicity of the intensity of the reflected waves also changes. Therefore, the smoothing unit 45 periodically updates the stored intensity pattern of the reflected waves for one period. Thereby, the intensity of the reflected wave can be adjusted more accurately by following the change in periodicity. For example, the smoothing unit 45 may update the intensity pattern of the reflected waves every few cycles and use it for smoothing until the next update, or update the pattern of the intensity of the reflected waves every cycle. It may be stored and used for smoothing in the next cycle.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the drying process of washer/dryer 50 according to the fourth embodiment. When the drying process is started, the smoothing section 45 clears the count value for counting the number of cycles (S130), and the output adjustment section 42 sets the output of the microwave irradiation section 31 to a predetermined value. (S132). The microwave irradiation section 31 irradiates the inside of the rotating tank 1 with microwaves at the output set by the output adjustment section 42 (S134). The microwave detection unit 36 detects the intensity of the reflected wave reflected from the rotating tank 1 (S136), and the intensity acquisition unit 41 acquires the intensity of the reflected wave detected by the microwave detection unit 36 (S138). .

The smoothing unit 45 determines whether the count value exceeds a set value (S140). In the example shown in this figure, the set value is 4 because the intensity of the stored reflected waves for one cycle is updated every five cycles. If the count value exceeds the set value (Yes in S140), the cycle detection unit 46 detects the start and end of one cycle and notifies the smoothing unit 45 (S142), and the smoothing unit 45 detects the start and end of one cycle. The pattern of the intensity of the reflected waves is stored (S144), and the count value is cleared (S146). In S140, if the count value does not exceed the set value (No in S140), steps S142 to S146 are skipped.

The smoothing unit 45 adjusts the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31 according to the stored intensity pattern of the reflected waves for one period so that the intensity of the reflected waves is equal to or less than the upper limit value (S148). When the adjustment for one cycle is completed, the smoothing unit 45 increments the count value (S150). The control device 20 determines whether to end the drying process (S152). If the drying process is not to be completed (No in S152), the process returns to S134 to continue the microwave irradiation, and if the drying process is to be completed (Yes in S152), the microwave irradiation from the microwave irradiation section 31 is stopped. The drying process is then stopped (S154).

Also in this embodiment, the output adjustment unit 42 determines the amount of water in the rotating tank 1 estimated from the intensity of the reflected wave detected by the microwave detection unit 36, the ratio of the intensity of the incident wave to the intensity of the reflected wave, etc. The upper limit value, which is set as the target value for maintaining the intensity of the reflected wave in S148, may be adjusted depending on the elapsed time after the drying process is started. For example, the microwave output may be lowered stepwise or continuously as the intensity of the reflected waves increases, as the moisture content decreases, or as the elapsed time from the start of the drying process increases. . The value of the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31 may be determined depending on the weight of the object to be dried measured by a load cell etc. provided in the rotating tank 1, the drying time set by the user, the room temperature, humidity, etc. good.

Similarly, the smoothing unit 45 calculates the amount of water in the rotating tank 1 estimated from the intensity of the reflected wave detected by the microwave detection unit 36, the ratio of the intensity of the incident wave to the intensity of the reflected wave, and the drying process. Depending on the elapsed time since the start, the weight of the object to be dried measured by a load cell installed in the rotary tank 1, the drying time set by the user, the room temperature, humidity, etc., one cycle's worth of drying is performed in S140. A set value that is a reference for determining whether to update the pattern of the intensity of reflected waves may be adjusted. For example, the set value may be lowered stepwise or continuously as the intensity of the reflected wave increases, as the moisture content decreases, or as the elapsed time from the start of the drying process increases.

In this way, by adjusting the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31 according to the intensity pattern of the reflected waves in the previous cycle, the electric field strength inside the rotating tank 1 can be adjusted. This prevents the electric field strength from becoming excessively high and suppresses the generation of sparks. In addition, throughout the drying process, it is possible to directly heat the moisture contained in the drying object using microwaves while appropriately suppressing sparks from metal attached to the drying object, increasing drying efficiency. It can improve drying time and shorten drying time.

[Embodiment 5]
In the first to fourth embodiments, the microwave detection section 36 detected the intensity of the reflected wave reflected from the rotating tank 1, but in the fifth embodiment, the microwave detection section 36 detected the intensity of the reflected wave reflected from the rotating tank 1. The intensity of the composite wave of the incident wave and the reflected wave reflected from the rotating tank 1 is detected. The configuration of the washer/dryer 50 of the fifth embodiment is similar to the configuration of the washer/dryer 50 of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

In the first embodiment, the microwave detection unit 36 detects the intensity of the reflected wave of the microwave traveling in the direction from the rotating tank 1 to the microwave irradiating unit 31, and the intensity of the reflected wave of the microwave traveling in the direction from the microwave irradiating unit 31 to the rotating tank 1. A directional coupler or the like is used to detect the incident wave separately from the intensity of the incident wave, but in the fifth embodiment, since the intensity of the composite wave of the incident wave and the reflected wave is detected, the directional coupler is used. does not require Thereby, the configuration of the washer/dryer 50 can be simplified, so the manufacturing cost and size of the washer/dryer 50 can be suppressed.

The microwave control device 40 of the fifth embodiment may adjust the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31 according to the intensity of the composite wave instead of the intensity of the reflected wave. In addition, the intensity of the reflected wave is obtained by subtracting the intensity of the microwave irradiated from the microwave irradiation unit 31 from the intensity of the composite wave detected by the microwave detection unit 36, and the The output of the wave irradiation section 31 may be adjusted.

According to this embodiment as well, it is possible to prevent the electric field strength within the rotating tank 1 from becoming excessively high and to suppress the generation of sparks. In addition, throughout the drying process, it is possible to directly heat the moisture contained in the drying object using microwaves while appropriately suppressing sparks from metal attached to the drying object, increasing drying efficiency. It can improve drying time and shorten drying time.

[Embodiment 6]
FIG. 13 shows the configuration of a washer/dryer 50 according to the sixth embodiment. The washer/dryer 50 according to the sixth embodiment includes a microwave detection section 36 that is provided outside the electromagnetic wave shield formed by the rotating tub 1 and the door body 5 and detects the intensity of electromagnetic waves leaking from the rotating tub 1. . The installation position of the microwave detection section 36 is not particularly limited as long as it is provided outside the electromagnetic shield. For example, it may be provided within the washer/dryer 50 or may be provided separately from the washer/dryer 50. When provided separately from the washer/dryer 50, for example, a mobile terminal or a separate measuring device may be used. The microwave detection unit 36 and the microwave control device 40 are connected by a wired signal or a wireless signal. The other configurations and operations are the same as in the first to fourth embodiments. Mainly the points different from Embodiments 1 to 4 will be explained.

The configuration of the microwave control device 40 according to the sixth embodiment is similar to the configuration of the microwave control device 40 according to the first to fourth embodiments. The intensity acquisition unit 41 acquires the intensity of the leaked electromagnetic waves detected by the microwave detection unit 36. The smoothing unit 45 adjusts the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31 according to the intensity of the leaked electromagnetic waves acquired by the intensity acquisition unit 41. This makes it possible to accurately detect an increase in the electric field strength within the rotary tank 1 and lower the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31, thereby preventing the generation of sparks due to metals contained in the objects to be dried within the rotary tank 1. Can be suppressed.

If the intensity of the microwave entering the rotating tank 1 is 100%, the intensity of the reflected wave reflected from the rotating tank 1 and returning to the microwave irradiation part 31 is about 17%, which leaks to the outside of the electromagnetic shield. The intensity of electromagnetic waves is about 0.0001%. In this way, the intensity of the leaked electromagnetic waves detected by the microwave detection section 36 is considerably weaker than the intensity of the incident wave, so there is no need to add a structure such as an attenuator to the microwave detection section 36. Thereby, the configuration of the washer/dryer 50 can be simplified, so the manufacturing cost and size of the washer/dryer 50 can be suppressed. Furthermore, since standing waves are less likely to occur outside the electromagnetic wave shield, the intensity of electromagnetic waves within the rotating tank 1 can be estimated more accurately.

[Embodiment 7]
FIG. 14 shows the configuration of a washer/dryer 50 according to the seventh embodiment. The washer/dryer 50 according to the seventh embodiment includes a microwave detection section 36 that is provided inside the rotating tub 1 and the door body 5 and detects the intensity of electromagnetic waves within the rotating tub 1. The microwave detection unit 36 is desirably placed in a fixed position regardless of the rotational movement of the rotating tank 1, but is not limited thereto. The other configurations and operations are the same as in the first to fourth embodiments. Mainly the points different from Embodiments 1 to 4 will be explained.

The configuration of the microwave control device 40 according to the seventh embodiment is similar to the configuration of the microwave control device 40 according to the first to fourth embodiments. The intensity acquisition unit 41 acquires the intensity of the microwave inside the rotating tank 1 detected by the microwave detection unit 36. The smoothing unit 45 adjusts the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31 according to the intensity of the microwave in the rotating tank 1 acquired by the intensity acquisition unit 41. This makes it possible to accurately detect an increase in the electric field strength within the rotary tank 1 and lower the output of the microwave irradiation unit 31, thereby preventing the generation of sparks due to metals contained in the objects to be dried within the rotary tank 1. Can be suppressed.

In the seventh embodiment, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves in the rotating tank 1 is directly detected and the output of the microwave is adjusted, so that the electric field strength in the rotating tank 1 can be adjusted more accurately and the generation of sparks can be suppressed. can. The microwave detection units 36 may be provided at a plurality of positions within the rotating tank 1 to detect the intensity of electromagnetic waves at a plurality of positions within the rotating tank 1. Thereby, even in a situation where standing waves are generated within the rotating tank 1, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves within the rotating tank 1 can be accurately grasped and the output of the microwave irradiation section 31 can be adjusted. In addition, the distribution of water content is estimated from the intensity distribution of electromagnetic waves in the rotating tank 1, and the position of the standing wave is adjusted according to the distribution of water content, thereby adjusting the intensity distribution of electromagnetic waves in the rotating tank 1. You may. Thereby, drying efficiency can be further improved.

The present invention has been described above based on examples. Those skilled in the art will understand that this example is merely an example, and that various modifications can be made to the combinations of these components and processing processes, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. .

Note that the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to the drum-type clothes dryer (washer dryer) described in the above embodiment. For example, the present invention may be applied to a vertical washer/dryer using a hanging drying method or a pulsator method other than the drum type.

1 Rotating tank, 2 Housing, 3 Water tank, 4 Damper, 5 Door body, 6 Drive motor, 7 Circulating air path, 8 Air outlet, 9 Discharge port, 10 Drain valve, 11 Drain pipe, 12 Water supply valve, 13 Water supply pipe , 14 intake air passage, 15 exhaust air passage, 16 ventilation fan, 17 heater, 18 inflow temperature detection section, 20 control device, 30 microwave heating device, 31 microwave irradiation section, 32 microwave irradiation port, 33 reflection section, 34 Waveguide, 36 Microwave detection unit, 40 Microwave control device, 41 Intensity acquisition unit, 42 Output adjustment unit, 45 Smoothing unit, 46 Period detection unit, 50 Washer/dryer.

Claims (7)

a tank for accommodating objects to be dried;
an irradiation unit that irradiates electromagnetic waves into the tank in order to heat the moisture contained in the dry object housed in the tank and dry the dry object;
a detection unit that detects the intensity of a reflected wave reflected from the tank when the electromagnetic wave is irradiated into the tank by the irradiation unit ;
a control unit that controls the irradiation unit;
Equipped with
The control unit includes:
an intensity acquisition unit that acquires the intensity of the reflected wave detected by the detection unit;
a smoothing unit that smoothes the intensity of the reflected wave by adjusting the output of the irradiation unit according to the intensity of the reflected wave acquired by the intensity acquisition unit;
Equipped with
The dryer is characterized in that the smoothing section adjusts the output of the irradiation section by following in real time the intensity of the reflected wave detected by the detection section. The dryer according to claim 1 , wherein the smoothing section lowers the output of the irradiation section when the intensity of the reflected wave detected by the detection section is higher than a predetermined upper limit. The dryer according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the smoothing section increases the output of the irradiation section when the intensity of the reflected wave detected by the detection section is lower than a predetermined lower limit value. 4. The smoothing section stops the output of the irradiation section when the intensity of the reflected wave detected by the detection section is higher than a predetermined upper limit value. dryer. The irradiation unit irradiates the tank with electromagnetic waves having a frequency of 2.45 GHz band or 915 MHz band,
The dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the detection unit detects the intensity of reflected waves in a frequency of 2.45 GHz band or 915 MHz band. Obtaining the intensity of the reflected wave reflected from the tank when electromagnetic waves are irradiated into the tank in order to heat the moisture contained in the dry object stored in the tank and dry the dry object. an intensity acquisition unit for
a smoothing unit that smoothes the intensity of the reflected wave by adjusting the output of the irradiation unit according to the intensity of the reflected wave acquired by the intensity acquisition unit;
Equipped with
The control device is characterized in that the smoothing unit adjusts the output of the irradiation unit by following in real time the intensity of the reflected wave acquired by the intensity acquisition unit. computer,
Obtaining the intensity of the reflected wave reflected from the tank when electromagnetic waves are irradiated into the tank in order to heat the moisture contained in the dry object stored in the tank and dry the dry object. strength acquisition section,
a smoothing unit that smoothes the intensity of the reflected wave by adjusting the output of the irradiation unit according to the intensity of the reflected wave acquired by the intensity acquisition unit;
function as
The control program is characterized in that the smoothing unit adjusts the output of the irradiation unit by following in real time the intensity of the reflected wave acquired by the intensity acquisition unit.