Dryer and method for controlling same

Abstract

This dryer comprises: a drum; a pair of electrodes for applying an electric field to the inside of the drum, wherein the pair of electrodes include a first electrode and a second electrode, and the first electrode includes a plurality of sub-electrodes; at least one switch for electrically connecting the plurality of sub-electrodes to any one of a power supply terminal and a ground terminal; and a control unit for controlling the at least one switch on the basis of at least one of the weight of object to be dried in the drum, the temperature in the drum, or the humidity in the drum.

Description

Dryer and its control method

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a dryer for drying a drying material and a method for controlling the same.

[0002] Typically, dryers use hot air drying to dry items. Hot air drying uses indirect heating, removing moisture through heated air. This reduces efficiency and can lead to longer drying times.

[0003] To improve drying performance, methods utilizing electromagnetic waves have been attempted in dryers. One such method, dielectric heating, utilizes frictional heat loss generated by the vibration of molecules within the object by applying an electric field to the object. This method offers higher drying efficiency than conventional hot air drying, and because it operates at lower temperatures, it causes less damage to the object.

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure is that the number of elements required for dielectric heating can be minimized by controlling the area of ​​an electrode connected to a power supply terminal.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is that by controlling the area of ​​an electrode connected to a power supply terminal, the waveform of a voltage amplified by an amplifier can be changed to a normal waveform.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is that the size of the voltage amplified by the amplifier can be maintained within a predetermined range by controlling the area of ​​the electrode connected to the power supply terminal.

[0007] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0008] A dryer according to the invention may include a drum; a pair of electrodes for applying an electric field inside the drum, the pair of electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode including a plurality of sub-electrodes; at least one switch electrically connecting the plurality of sub-electrodes to one of a power supply terminal and a ground terminal; and a control unit for controlling the at least one switch based on at least one of a weight of an object to be dried inside the drum, a temperature inside the drum, or a humidity inside the drum.

[0009] In a control method of a dryer including a pair of electrodes for applying an electric field inside a drum according to the invention, a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode includes a pair of electrodes including a plurality of sub-electrodes, the method may include electrically connecting each of the plurality of sub-electrodes to one of a power supply terminal or a ground terminal based on at least one of a weight of a drying material inside the drum, a temperature inside the drum, or a humidity inside the drum.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the number of elements required for dielectric heating can be minimized.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the waveform of the voltage amplified by the amplifier can be changed into a normal waveform.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the magnitude of the voltage amplified by the amplifier can be maintained within a predetermined range.

[0013] Figure 1 is a drawing showing one embodiment of the external appearance of a dryer.

[0014] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a dryer.

[0015] Figure 3 illustrates a control block diagram of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 illustrates a top view of an electrode portion according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 illustrates the structure of an electrode portion according to one embodiment.

[0018] Fig. 6 illustrates an equivalent circuit of an electrode portion according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 illustrates a top view of an electrode portion according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 illustrates the structure of an electrode portion according to one embodiment.

[0021] Fig. 9 illustrates an equivalent circuit of an electrode portion according to one embodiment.

[0022] Fig. 10 illustrates a top view of an electrode portion according to one embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 11 illustrates the structure of an electrode portion according to one embodiment.

[0024] Fig. 12 illustrates an equivalent circuit of an electrode portion according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of an electrode portion including a switch according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of an electrode portion including a switch according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of controlling a switch or changing the inductance value of a variable inductor based on a waveform of an amplified voltage according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 16 illustrates an example of controlling a switch based on the amount of power consumed by a capacitor formed by a pair of electrodes.

[0029] Figure 17 illustrates an example of controlling a switch based on the weight of the material to be dried in the drum, the temperature in the drum, or the humidity in the drum.

[0030] FIGS. 18 and 19 are perspective views illustrating a dryer having a different shape from the dryer illustrated in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating an oven including an electrode circuit according to one embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 21 is a drawing showing an oven door with an electrode circuit according to one embodiment open.

[0033] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0034] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0035] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0036] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0037] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0038] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0039] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0040] The terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0041] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0042] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0043] Below, a dryer according to various embodiments is specifically described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0044] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an embodiment of the exterior of a dryer, and FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the dryer.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a dryer (1) according to one embodiment includes a main body (10) forming an exterior and a drum (20) rotatably installed within the main body (10) and containing a material to be dried (9).

[0046] The main body (10) may include a base plate (11), a front cover (12), a top cover (13), and a side / rear cover (14).

[0047] An opening (12a) is provided in the front cover (12), and the opening (12a) is opened and closed by a door (15) that is rotatably installed in the front cover (12). A cylindrical drum (20) with an open front can also be opened and closed by the door (15).

[0048] An input unit (30a, 30b) for receiving a user's control command and a display (35) for displaying various information about the operation of the dryer (1) or guiding the user's input can be placed on the top of the front cover (12).

[0049] The input unit (30a, 30b) may be provided in the form of a jog shuttle or dial so that the user can input a control command by holding and turning or pressing the input unit (30a), or may be provided in the form of a touch pad or button so that the user can input a control command by touching or pressing the input unit (30b).

[0050] The display (35) can be implemented by various display panels such as LCD, LED, OLED, and QLED, and can also be implemented as a touch screen by providing a touch pad on the front.

[0051] A front panel (21) having an inlet (21a) formed therein may be arranged on the front of the drum (20), and the drying material (9) may be fed into the drum (20) through the inlet (21a). In addition, the rear of the drum (20) may be closed by a rear panel (22) having an outlet (22a) through which high-temperature dry air is discharged.

[0052] An outlet (21b) through which air used for drying the object to be dried (9) flows out may be provided on the front panel (21) of the drum (20), and a filter (23) for capturing foreign substances generated from the object to be dried (9) may be installed on the outlet (21b).

[0053] That is, the air discharged to the drum (20) through the discharge port (22a) is used for drying the object to be dried (9) and can then be introduced from the drum (20) into the duct (50) through the outlet port (21b). The air used for drying the object to be dried (9) is converted into high-temperature dry air through the heat pump (150) after being introduced into the duct (50) and can then be discharged back to the drum (20) through the discharge port (22a).

[0054] Additionally, at least one lifter having a protruding shape may be formed on the inner wall of the drum (20) to assist in tumbling the drying material (9).

[0055] The drum (20) can rotate by driving force provided from the drum motor (25). The drum (20) is connected to the drum motor (25) by a belt (26), and the belt (26) can transmit the driving force provided from the drum motor (25) to the drum (20).

[0056] The dryer (1) may include a fan (40) that circulates air inside the drum (20). The fan (40) may suck in air from inside the drum (20) and discharge the air through a duct (50). By means of the fan (40), the air inside the drum (20) may circulate through the drum (20) and the duct (50).

[0057] A heat pump (150) may be provided on a duct (50) through which air circulates inside the drum (20). The heat pump (150) may include a compressor (not shown), a condenser (152), an evaporator (154), and an expander (not shown).

[0058] A compressor compresses gaseous refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure state and discharges the compressed high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. For example, the compressor can compress the refrigerant through the reciprocating motion of a piston or the rotary motion of a rotor. The discharged refrigerant is delivered to a condenser (152).

[0059] The condenser (152) can release heat to the surroundings while condensing the compressed gaseous refrigerant into a liquid. The condenser (152) can be installed on the duct (50) and can heat air through the heat generated during the condensation process of the refrigerant. The heated air can be supplied to the drum (20). The liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser (152) can be transferred to an expander (not shown).

[0060] The expander can expand the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser (152) into a low-pressure liquid refrigerant. Specifically, the expander can include a capillary tube and an electronic expansion valve whose opening amount can be varied by an electric signal to control the pressure of the liquid refrigerant.

[0061] The evaporator (154) can evaporate the liquid refrigerant expanded in the expander. As a result, the evaporator can return the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant to the compressor.

[0062] The evaporator (154) can absorb heat from the surroundings through an evaporation process that changes low-pressure liquid refrigerant into gaseous refrigerant. The evaporator (154) can be installed on the duct (50) and can cool the air passing through the evaporator (154) during the evaporation process. The surrounding air is cooled by the evaporator (154), and when the temperature of the surrounding air becomes lower than the dew point, the air around the evaporator (154) can condense. The water condensed in the evaporator (154) can be collected by a water collecting tank provided at the bottom of the evaporator (154). The water collected in the water collecting tank can be moved to a separate storage or drained to the outside of the dryer (1).

[0063] As condensation occurs around the evaporator (154), the absolute humidity of the air passing through the evaporator (154) may decrease. In other words, the amount of water vapor contained in the air passing through the evaporator (154) may decrease. By utilizing this condensation around the evaporator (154), the dryer (1) can reduce the amount of water vapor contained in the air inside the drum (20) and dry the object to be dried (9).

[0064] The evaporator (154) may be located upstream of the condenser (152) based on the air flow by the fan (40). The air circulated by the fan (40) may be dried (water vapor may be condensed) by the evaporator (154) while passing through the evaporator (154), and may be heated by the condenser (152) while passing through the condenser (152).

[0065] Meanwhile, a heater (160) may be provided in the duct (50) to heat the air by assisting the condenser (152). The heater (160) may be located downstream from the condenser (152) based on the air flow by the fan (40).

[0066] For example, by additionally heating the air heated in the condenser (152) of the heat pump (150) by the heater (160), the air in the duct (50) can be sufficiently heated.

[0067] The temperature inside the drum (20) can rise more quickly by the heater (160) assisting the condenser (152), and the time required for drying the object to be dried (9) can be shortened.

[0068] The electrode circuit (400) may include a pair of electrodes. The pair of electrodes may include a first electrode (432, see FIG. 3) and a second electrode (433, see FIG. 3).

[0069] The first electrode (432) and the second electrode (433) can be implemented using a predetermined conductive plate, and the predetermined conductive plate may include, for example, a predetermined metal plate. In this case, the metal plate may be made of zinc, aluminum, magnesium, or an alloy thereof. In addition, the predetermined conductive plate may be implemented using a ceramic material through which current can flow.

[0070] The first electrode (432) may be placed on the upper side of the drum (20), and the second electrode (433) may be placed on the lower side of the drum (20). The first electrode (432) and the second electrode (433) may be spaced apart from each other with the drum (20) interposed therebetween to form an electric field inside the drum (20). The electric field formed inside the drum (20) may include a high-frequency electric field. The frequency range of the high-frequency electric field may be variously defined depending on the designer. For example, the frequency range may be a portion of a range from several MHz to several GHz.

[0071] Figure 3 illustrates a control block diagram of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0072] The dryer (1) may include a sensor unit (200), a control unit (300), and an electrode circuit (400).

[0073] The sensor unit (200) may include a temperature sensor (210), a humidity sensor (220), a weight sensor (230), and / or a power sensor (240).

[0074] A temperature sensor (210) according to one embodiment may be installed inside the drum (20) to measure the temperature inside the drum (20), or may be installed in a duct (50) to measure the temperature of air flowing into the drum (20) or air discharged from the drum (20).

[0075] This temperature sensor (210) may be implemented as a contact temperature sensor or a non-contact temperature sensor. Specifically, the temperature sensor may include at least one of a resistance temperature detector (RTD) temperature sensor that uses a change in metal resistance according to temperature change, a thermistor temperature sensor that uses a change in semiconductor resistance according to temperature change, a thermocouple temperature sensor that uses an electromotive force generated at both ends of a junction of two types of metal wires with different materials, and an IC temperature sensor that uses a voltage across the two ends of a transistor that changes according to temperature or a current-voltage characteristic of a PN junction, and may also include an optical fiber sensor according to an embodiment. However, examples of the arrangement of the temperature sensor are not limited thereto, and may include changes within a range that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art.

[0076] According to one embodiment, a humidity sensor (220) may be installed inside a drum (20) to measure the moisture content of a drying material (9), or may be installed in a duct (50) to measure the humidity of air flowing into the drum (20) or air discharged from the drum (20).

[0077] A weight sensor (230) according to one embodiment can measure the weight of a dry object (9). The weight sensor (230) can include a load cell that detects a change in current according to the weight of the object.

[0078] The power sensor (240) can measure voltage and / or current output from or applied to each component of the electrode circuit (400), according to various embodiments.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the power sensor (240) can measure the waveform of the voltage output by the power supply (410) and can measure the waveform of the voltage amplified by the amplifier (420).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the power sensor (240) can measure the magnitude of the voltage output by the power supply (410) and can measure the magnitude of the voltage amplified by the amplifier (420).

[0081] According to one embodiment, a power sensor (240) can measure the size of the current amplified by the amplifier (420).

[0082] A power sensor (240) according to one embodiment can measure voltage and / or current applied to the electrode portion (430).

[0083] For example, a power sensor (240) can measure voltage and / or current applied to a capacitor formed by a pair of electrodes. A description of the capacitor will be provided below.

[0084] Meanwhile, examples of sensors that can be employed are not limited to the examples described above, and may include changes within a range that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art.

[0085] The control unit (300) may include a processor (310) and / or memory (320).

[0086] The processor (310) can control the operation of the electrode circuit (400) based on the sensor information measured by the sensor unit (200).

[0087] In one embodiment, the processor (310) can control the operation of the electrode circuit (400) based on temperature information inside the drum (20) measured by the temperature sensor (210), temperature information of air flowing into the drum (20), and / or temperature information of air discharged from the drum (20).

[0088] In one embodiment, the processor (310) can control the operation of the electrode circuit (400) based on the moisture content information of the drying material (9) measured by the humidity sensor (220), the humidity information of the air flowing into the drum (20), and / or the humidity information of the air discharged from the drum (20).

[0089] In one embodiment, the processor (310) can control the operation of the electrode circuit (400) based on the weight information of the object (9) measured by the weight sensor (230).

[0090] In one embodiment, the processor (310) can control the operation of the electrode circuit (400) based on voltage and / or current information measured by the power sensor (240).

[0091] For example, the processor (310) can control the operation of the electrode circuit (400) based on voltage waveform information measured by the power sensor (240).

[0092] As another example, the processor (310) can determine the power consumed by each component of the electrode circuit (400) based on the voltage and current information measured by the power sensor (240), and control the operation of the electrode circuit (400) based on the determined power.

[0093] The power consumed by each component of the electrode circuit (400) can be determined based on the voltage and current information applied to each component measured by the power sensor (240).

[0094] The memory (320) can store various data, programs, or applications for driving and controlling the dryer (1). For example, the memory (320) can store information collected from the sensor unit (200) and can store information on how to control the electrode circuit (400) based on the information collected from the sensor unit (200). The processor (310) can control the operation of the electrode circuit (400) based on the information stored in the memory (320).

[0095] The memory (320) may be implemented as a non-volatile memory device such as a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM), an Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), or a flash memory, or a volatile memory device such as a Random Access Memory (RAM), or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk.

[0096] The electrode circuit (400) may include a power supply unit (410), an amplifier (420), and an electrode unit (430).

[0097] In one embodiment, the power supply (410) can output voltage and current to be applied to the electrode unit (430). For example, the power supply (410) can output voltage and current to be applied to the electrode unit (430) based on a control signal output by the processor (310).

[0098] In one embodiment, the amplifier (420) can amplify the voltage and / or current output by the power supply (410). Accordingly, the amplifier (420) can be implemented as various amplifiers such as a Class-E type or a Class-EF2 type. For example, the amplifier (420) can amplify the voltage and / or current output by the power supply (410) so that the voltage gain, current gain, frequency, etc. have predetermined values ​​based on the control signal output by the processor (310).

[0099] In one embodiment, the amplifier (420) can deliver an amplified voltage and / or current to the electrode portion (430). The amplified voltage and / or current may be a high-frequency voltage and / or current corresponding to the RF (Radio Frequency) range.

[0100] The electrode unit (430) may include a power supply terminal (431), a first electrode (432), a second electrode (433), a ground terminal (434), a switch (450), and / or a variable inductor (436). The power supply terminal (431) may also be referred to as a feeding terminal in that it transmits voltage to the electrode unit (430).

[0101] In one embodiment, the power supply terminal (431) can transmit the voltage amplified by the amplifier (420) to the first electrode (432). As a result, the voltage amplified by the amplifier (420) can be applied to the first electrode (432) through the power supply terminal (431).

[0102] In one embodiment, the switch (450) can electrically connect the first electrode (432) to either the power terminal (431) or the ground terminal (434) based on a control signal from the processor (310). The switch (450) is composed of an active element (e.g., a diode, a transistor) and can be turned on / off.

[0103] For example, the switch (450) can be turned on / off based on a control signal from the processor (310) to electrically connect the first electrode (432) to either the power supply terminal (431) or the ground terminal (434).

[0104] In one embodiment, the variable inductor (436) can change its inductance value based on a control signal from the processor (310). When the inductance value of the variable inductor (436) changes, the reactance and resonance frequency of the electrode circuit (400) can change.

[0105] Fig. 4 illustrates a top view of an electrode portion according to one embodiment. Fig. 5 illustrates the structure of an electrode portion according to one embodiment. Fig. 6 illustrates an equivalent circuit of an electrode portion according to one embodiment.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 4, the first electrode (432) is electrically connected to the power supply terminal (431), so that voltage can be applied to the first electrode (432).

[0107] Referring to FIG. 5, a variable inductor (436) can be connected to a second electrode (433) and a ground terminal (434).

[0108] The first electrode (432) is electrically connected to the power supply terminal (431), and when voltage is applied to the first electrode (432), an electric field (E1) can be formed in the area between the first electrode (432) and the second electrode (433).

[0109] The first electrode (432) and / or the second electrode (433) can function as the positive and / or negative electrodes of the capacitor (437), thereby forming a capacitor (437, see FIG. 6).

[0110] The moisture contained in the drying object (9) can function as a dielectric of the capacitor (437) formed by the first electrode (432) and the second electrode (433). Therefore, when an electric field (E) is formed, polar molecules such as water molecules inside the drying object (9) exposed to the electric field (E) vibrate, and heat is generated due to the vibration of the polar molecules. Since moisture generally has a high dielectric constant, the moisture contained in the drying object (9) exposed to the electric field (E) is relatively quickly heated and evaporated. Therefore, the moisture in the drying object (9) can be removed.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 6, the equivalent circuit (500) of the electrode portion (430) may include a power supply terminal (431), a capacitor (437) having capacitance, a resistor (438) having resistance, a variable inductor (436), and a ground terminal (434).

[0112] Resistance (438) may be formed by the internal resistance of the electrode portion (430) and may be formed by the obstruction of electrical flow caused by the object to be dried (9).

[0113] The resistance value (R0) of the resistor (438) can be determined by the weight of the drying material (9), the moisture content of the drying material (9), the humidity of the air inside the drum (20), the temperature of the drying material (9), the temperature of the air inside the drum (20), etc.

[0114] The electrostatic capacitance (C0) of the capacitor (437) may be proportional to the area of ​​the first electrode (432), inversely proportional to the distance between the first electrode (432) and the second electrode (433), and proportional to the amount of moisture contained in the drying material (9). The equivalent resistance as viewed from the power supply terminal (431) of the equivalent circuit (500) of the electrode unit (430) is the first equivalent resistance value (R TH1 ) can have.

[0115] Fig. 7 illustrates a top view of an electrode portion according to one embodiment. Fig. 8 illustrates a structure of an electrode portion according to one embodiment. Fig. 9 illustrates an equivalent circuit of an electrode portion according to one embodiment.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 7, the first electrode (432) may include a first region (60), a second region (61), a third region (62), and a fourth region (63). The first region (60), the second region (61), the third region (62), and the fourth region (63) may all have the same area. In the present embodiment, having the same value includes not only having the exact same value, but also having a value within a certain error range.

[0117] The first electrode (432) may include a plurality of sub-electrodes (440), and the plurality of sub-electrodes (440) may include a first sub-electrode (441) and a second sub-electrode (442). The first sub-electrode (441) may be formed in a first region (60) and a second region (61) of the first electrode (432), and the second sub-electrode (442) may be formed in a third region (62) and a fourth region (63) of the first electrode (432).

[0118] The first sub-electrode (441) is electrically connected to the power supply terminal (431) so that voltage can be applied to the first sub-electrode (441), and the second sub-electrode (442) is electrically connected to the ground terminal (434) so ​​that it can be grounded.

[0119] Referring to Fig. 8, the variable inductor (436) can be connected to the common terminal (P) of the second electrode (433). The first sub-electrode (441) is electrically connected to the power supply terminal (431), and when voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode (441), an electric field (E2) can be formed in the area between the first electrode (432) and the second electrode (433).

[0120] Referring to Fig. 9, among the first electrode (432), the first sub-electrode (441) and the second electrode (433) form a capacitor (437), and among the first electrode (432), the second sub-electrode (442) and the second electrode (433) form a capacitor (437). That is, the second electrode (433) functions as a common electrode, and can form a plurality of sub-electrodes (440) and a plurality of capacitors (437).

[0121] The equivalent resistance as seen from the power supply terminal (431) of the equivalent circuit (501) of the electrode part (430) is the second equivalent resistance value (R TH2 ) can have.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 9, the second equivalent resistance value (R TH2 ) is the first equivalent resistance value (R TH1 ) may be greater than that. Specifically, the equivalent resistance value (R) when voltage is applied to the first electrode (432) TH1 ) when voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode (432) formed in the first region (60) and the second region (61) among the first electrodes (432), the equivalent resistance value (R TH2 ) can be larger.

[0123] Equivalent resistance value (R) as viewed from the power supply terminal (431) of the electrode part (430) according to one embodimentTH ) can be defined by [Mathematical Formula 1].

[0124] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0125]

[0126] Here, A1 is the area of ​​the first electrode (432) connected to the ground terminal (434), A2 is the area of ​​the first electrode (432) connected to the power supply terminal (431), and R0 means the resistance value when the entire first electrode (432) is connected to the power supply terminal (431). Therefore, when the areas of the first sub-electrode (441) and the second sub-electrode (442) are the same, the second equivalent resistance value (R TH2 ) is the first equivalent resistance value (R TH1 ) can be four times that of the original.

[0127] Fig. 10 illustrates a top view of an electrode portion according to one embodiment. Fig. 11 illustrates a structure of an electrode portion according to one embodiment. Fig. 12 illustrates an equivalent circuit of an electrode portion according to one embodiment.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 10, the first sub-electrode (441) can be formed in the first region (60) of the first electrode (432), and the second sub-electrode (442) can be formed in the second region (61), the third region (62), and the fourth region (63).

[0129] The first sub-electrode (441) is electrically connected to the power supply terminal (431) so that voltage can be applied to the first sub-electrode (441), and the second sub-electrode (442) is electrically connected to the ground terminal (434) so ​​that it can be grounded.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 11, the first sub-electrode (441) is electrically connected to the power supply terminal (431), and when voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode (441), an electric field (E3) can be formed in the area between the first electrode (432) and the second electrode (433).

[0131] Referring to Fig. 12, the equivalent resistance as viewed from the power supply terminal (431) of the equivalent circuit (502) of the electrode part (430) is the third equivalent resistance value (R TH3 ) can have.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 6, FIG. 9 and FIG. 12, the third equivalent resistance value (R TH3 ) is the second equivalent resistance value (R TH2 ) and the first equivalent resistance value (R TH1 ) may be greater than that. Specifically, when voltage is applied to the first electrode (432) or the first sub-electrode (441) formed in the first region (60) and the second region (61) of the first electrode (432), the equivalent resistance value (R) as viewed from the power supply terminal (431) of the electrode portion (430) is greater than that when voltage is applied to the first electrode (432) or the first sub-electrode (441) formed in the first region (60) of the first electrode (432). TH ) can be larger.

[0133] According to the present disclosure, the resistance value of the electrode portion (430) can be controlled by controlling the area of ​​the first electrode (432) connected to the power supply terminal (431).

[0134] FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of an electrode portion including a switch according to one embodiment.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 13, the first electrode (432) may include a first sub-electrode (441), a second sub-electrode (442), and / or a third sub-electrode (443).

[0136] The first sub-electrode (441) may be formed in the first region (60) and may be electrically connected to the power supply terminal (431) to allow voltage to be applied. The second sub-electrode (442) may be provided in multiple numbers and may be formed in the second region (61) and the third region (62) adjacent to the first sub-electrode (441). The third sub-electrode (443) may be formed in the fourth region (63) adjacent to the second region (61) and / or the third region (62).

[0137] At least one switch (450) can electrically connect the plurality of sub-electrodes (440) to either the power terminal (431) or the ground terminal (434). The at least one switch (450) can include a first switch (451), a second switch (452), a third switch (453), a fourth switch (454), and / or a fifth switch (455).

[0138] The first sub-electrode (441) and the second sub-electrode (442a) formed in the second region (61) can be electrically connected through the first switch (451). The first sub-electrode (441) and the second sub-electrode (442b) formed in the third region (62) can be electrically connected through the second switch (452). The second sub-electrode (442a) formed in the second region (61) and the third sub-electrode (443) formed in the fourth region (63) can be electrically connected through the third switch (453). The second sub-electrode (442b) formed in the third region (62) and the third sub-electrode (443) formed in the fourth region (63) can be electrically connected through the fourth switch (454). The third sub-electrode (443) and the ground terminal (434) formed in the fourth region (63) can be electrically connected through the fifth switch (455).

[0139] The second sub-electrode (442) can be electrically connected to the power supply terminal (431) through a switch (450) so that voltage can be applied.

[0140] For example, the second sub-electrode (442a) formed in the second region (61) can be electrically connected to the power supply terminal (431) through the first sub-electrode (441) when the first switch (451) is turned on, and voltage can be applied thereto. The second sub-electrode (442b) formed in the third region (62) can be electrically connected to the power supply terminal (431) through the first sub-electrode (441) when the second switch (452) is turned on, and voltage can be applied thereto.

[0141] The third sub-electrode (443) can be electrically connected to the power supply terminal (431) through a switch (450) so that voltage can be applied.

[0142] For example, when the first switch (451) and the third switch (453) are turned on, the third sub-electrode (443) is electrically connected to the power supply terminal (431) through the first sub-electrode (441) and the second sub-electrode (442a) formed in the second region (62), so that voltage can be applied. In this case, voltage can be applied to the first sub-electrode (441), the second sub-electrode (442a) formed in the second region (62), and the third sub-electrode (443).

[0143] For another example, when the second switch (452) and the fourth switch (454) are turned on, the third sub-electrode (443) is electrically connected to the power supply terminal (431) through the first sub-electrode (441) and the second sub-electrode (442b) formed in the third region (62), so that voltage can be applied.

[0144] In this case, voltage can be applied to the first sub-electrode (441), the second sub-electrode (442b) formed in the third region (62), and the third sub-electrode (443).

[0145] For another example, when the first switch (451) and the second switch (452) are turned on and the third switch (453) or the fourth switch (454) is turned on, the third sub-electrode (443) is electrically connected to the power supply terminal (431) through the first sub-electrode (441) and the second sub-electrode (442a, 442b) so that voltage can be applied. In this case, voltage can be applied to the first sub-electrode (441), the second sub-electrode (442a) formed in the second region (62), the second sub-electrode (442b) formed in the third region (62), and the third sub-electrode (443).

[0146] The third sub-electrode (443) can be electrically connected to the ground terminal (434) through the switch (450) and grounded. For example, the third sub-electrode (443) can be electrically grounded to the ground terminal (434) through the fifth switch (455).

[0147] The second sub-electrode (442) can be grounded by being electrically connected to the ground terminal (434) through a switch (450).

[0148] For example, when the fifth switch (455) and the third switch (453) are turned on, the second sub-electrode (442a) formed in the second region (61) can be electrically connected to the ground terminal (431) through the third sub-electrode (443) and grounded. In this case, the second sub-electrode (442a) and the third sub-electrode (443) formed in the second region (61) can be grounded.

[0149] For another example, when the fifth switch (455) and the fourth switch (454) are turned on, the second sub-electrode (442b) formed in the third region (62) can be electrically connected to the ground terminal (434) through the third sub-electrode (443) and grounded. In this case, the second sub-electrode (442b) and the third sub-electrode (443) formed in the third region (62) can be grounded.

[0150] For another example, when the fifth switch (455), the fourth switch (454), and the third switch (453) are turned on, the second sub-electrode (442a) formed in the second region (62) and the second sub-electrode (442b) formed in the third region (63) can be electrically connected to the ground terminal (434) through the third sub-electrode (443) and grounded. In this case, the second sub-electrode (442a) formed in the second region (62), the second sub-electrode (442b) formed in the third region (62), and the third sub-electrode (443) can be grounded.

[0151] FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of an electrode portion including a switch according to one embodiment.

[0152] The first electrode (432) may include a plurality of sub-electrodes (440), and the plurality of sub-electrodes (440) may include a first sub-electrode (441) formed in the first region (60), a second sub-electrode (442) formed in the second region (61), a third sub-electrode (443) formed in the third region (62), and / or a fourth sub-electrode (444) formed in the fourth region (63).

[0153] The second sub-electrode (442) can be electrically connected to the power supply terminal (431) via the first switch (451). For example, when the first switch (451) is turned on, the second sub-electrode (442) can be electrically connected to the power supply terminal (431) via the first sub-electrode (441) so that a voltage can be applied. In this case, a voltage can be applied to the first sub-electrode (441) and the second sub-electrode (442).

[0154] The third sub-electrode (443) can be electrically connected to the second sub-electrode (442) via the second switch (452). For example, when the second switch (452) is turned on, the third sub-electrode (443) can be electrically connected to the second sub-electrode (442).

[0155] The third sub-electrode (443) can be electrically connected to the power supply terminal (431) through the first switch (451) and the second switch (452). For example, when the first switch (451) and the second switch (452) are turned on, the third sub-electrode (443) can be electrically connected to the power supply terminal (431) through the first sub-electrode (441) and the second sub-electrode (442), so that a voltage can be applied. In this case, a voltage can be applied to the first sub-electrode (441), the second sub-electrode (442), and the third sub-electrode (443).

[0156] The fourth sub-electrode (444) can be electrically connected to the ground terminal (434) and grounded.

[0157] The third sub-electrode (443) can be electrically connected to the ground terminal (435) via the third switch (453). For example, when the third switch (453) is turned on, it can be electrically connected to the ground terminal (435) via the fourth sub-electrode (444) and grounded. In this case, the third sub-electrode (443) and the fourth sub-electrode (444) can be grounded.

[0158] The second sub-electrode (442) can be electrically connected to the ground terminal (434) through the second switch (452) and the third switch (453). For example, when the second switch (452) and the third switch (453) are turned on, the second sub-electrode (442) can be connected to the ground terminal (434) through the third sub-electrode (443) and the fourth sub-electrode (444) to be grounded. In this case, the second sub-electrode (442), the third sub-electrode (443), and the fourth sub-electrode (444) can be grounded.

[0159] According to the present disclosure, the control unit (300) controls at least one switch (450) to electrically connect a plurality of sub-electrodes (440) of the first electrode (432) to the power supply terminal (431) and / or the ground terminal (434), thereby controlling the area of ​​the first electrode (432) to which voltage is applied through the power supply terminal (431).

[0160] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of controlling a switch or changing the inductance value of a variable inductor based on a waveform of an amplified voltage according to one embodiment.

[0161] The control unit (300) can control at least one switch (450) based on the waveform of the voltage amplified by the amplifier (420).

[0162] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can control at least one switch (450) based on a distortion in the waveform of the amplified voltage.

[0163] When the voltage output from the power supply unit (410) is amplified in the amplifier (420), the amplified voltage waveform (701, 702, 703) may have a normal voltage waveform (700) and a distorted waveform. The normal voltage waveform (700) may mean a waveform of a fundamental wave (e.g., a sine wave), and the amplified voltage waveform (701, 702, 703) may mean a waveform of a non-sinusoidal wave in which a fundamental wave and a harmonic wave are synthesized.

[0164] For example, referring to FIGS. 13 and 15, the control unit (300) can turn the switch (450) on / off when the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the amplified first voltage waveform (701) exceeds a predetermined range.

[0165] The total harmonic distortion can be defined by [Mathematical Equation 2].

[0166] [Equation 2]

[0167]

[0168] Here, V1 is the effective value of the fundamental voltage, V n is the effective value of the nth harmonic voltage, and n is an integer.

[0169] Specifically, the control unit (300) can turn off the first switch (451) and the second switch (452) to cut off the electrical connection between the second sub-electrode (442) and the first sub-electrode (441) when the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the amplified first voltage waveform (701) exceeds a predetermined range. As a result, the area of ​​the first electrode (432) to which the voltage is applied can be reduced.

[0170] The control unit (300) can change the inductance value of the variable inductor (436) based on the waveform of the amplified voltage.

[0171] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can change the inductance value of the variable inductor (436) based on the distortion of the waveform of the amplified voltage.

[0172] For example, the control unit (300) can decrease the inductance value of the variable inductor (436) when the total harmonic distortion of the amplified second voltage waveform (702) exceeds a predetermined range, and the control unit (300) can increase the inductance value of the variable inductor (436) when the total harmonic distortion of the amplified third voltage waveform (703) exceeds a predetermined range.

[0173] Figure 16 illustrates an example of controlling a switch based on the amount of power consumed by a capacitor formed by a pair of electrodes.

[0174] The control unit (300) can control at least one switch (450) based on the amount of power consumed by the capacitor (437) formed by the first electrode (432) and the second electrode (433).

[0175] The magnitude of the power consumed by the capacitor (437) may mean the product of the magnitude of the voltage applied to the first electrode (432) and the magnitude of the current, and the magnitude of the voltage and the magnitude of the current may be root mean square (RMS). The magnitude of the voltage and the magnitude of the current can be measured by the power sensor (240).

[0176] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can control at least one switch (450) based on the amount of power consumed by the capacitor (437) being less than a predetermined amount of power (P) (800).

[0177] For example, referring to FIGS. 14 and 16, if the amount of power consumed by the capacitor (437) is less than a predetermined amount of power (P), the control unit (300) turns on the first switch (451) so that voltage can be applied to the first sub-electrode (441) and the second sub-electrode (442). As a result, the area (A1) of the first electrode (432) to which the voltage is applied increases, thereby increasing the equivalent resistance value (R TH) may decrease, and the power consumed by the capacitor (437) may increase.

[0178] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can control at least one switch (450) based on the amount of power consumed by the capacitor (437) exceeding a predetermined amount of power (P) (900).

[0179] For example, referring to FIGS. 13 and 16, the control unit (300) can turn off the first switch (451) to cut off the electrical connection between the first sub-electrode (441) and the second sub-electrode (442) when the amount of power consumed by the capacitor (437) exceeds a predetermined amount (P). As a result, the area (A1) of the first electrode (432) to which voltage is applied decreases, thereby reducing the equivalent resistance value (R TH ) can increase, and the amount of power consumed by the capacitor (437) can decrease.

[0180] Figure 17 illustrates an example of controlling a switch based on the weight of the material to be dried in the drum, the temperature in the drum, or the humidity in the drum.

[0181] The control unit (300) can control at least one switch (450) based on at least one of the weight of the drying material in the drum (20), the temperature in the drum (20), or the humidity in the drum (20).

[0182] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 17, the equivalent circuit (500) of the electrode portion (430) may include a resistor (438). The resistance value (R0) of the resistor (438) may be proportional to the moisture content of the drying material (9) in the drum (20). The energy loss applied to the moisture in the drying material (9) may correspond to the resistance value (R0).

[0183] Additionally, the resistance value (R0) of the resistor (438) may change depending on the weight of the drying material (9) in the drum (20), the humidity in the drum (20), or the temperature in the drum (20).

[0184] For example, the moisture content of the drying material (9) may change depending on the weight change of the drying material (9) as the drying progresses, the humidity change in the drum (20), and the temperature change in the drum (20), and thus the resistance value (R0) of the resistor (438) may decrease (1000).

[0185] According to one embodiment, the control unit (300) can control at least one switch (450) based on the weight of the drying material (9) in the drum (20).

[0186] For example, referring to FIGS. 14 and 17, the control unit (300) can turn off the first switch (451) based on the weight of the drying material (9) in the drum (20) being lower than a predetermined value. As a result, voltage can be applied only to the first sub-electrode (441) (1110).

[0187] According to one embodiment, the control unit (300) can control at least one switch (450) based on the temperature within the drum (20).

[0188] For example, referring to FIGS. 14 and 17, the control unit (300) can turn off the first switch (451) based on the temperature of the drying material (9) in the drum (20) being higher than a predetermined value. As a result, voltage can be applied only to the first sub-electrode (441) (1110).

[0189] According to one embodiment, the control unit (300) can control at least one switch (450) based on the humidity within the drum (20).

[0190] For example, referring to FIGS. 14 and 17, the control unit (300) can turn off the first switch (451) based on the humidity of the drying material (9) in the drum (20) being lower than a predetermined value. As a result, voltage can be applied only to the first sub-electrode (441) (1110).

[0191] The dryer of the present disclosure may include a drum; a pair of electrodes for applying an electric field inside the drum, the first electrode including a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode including a plurality of sub-electrodes; at least one switch for electrically connecting the plurality of sub-electrodes to one of a power supply terminal and a ground terminal; and a control unit for controlling the at least one switch based on at least one of a weight of an object to be dried inside the drum, a temperature inside the drum, or a humidity inside the drum.

[0192] It further includes an amplifier that amplifies the voltage applied to the above power supply terminal, and the control unit can control the at least one switch based on the waveform of the amplified voltage.

[0193] The control unit can control the at least one switch based on the amount of power consumed by a capacitor formed by the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0194] It may further include a variable inductor connected to the second electrode.

[0195] It further includes an amplifier that amplifies the voltage applied to the above-mentioned power terminal, and the control unit can change the inductance value of the variable inductor based on the waveform of the amplified voltage.

[0196] The plurality of sub-electrodes include a first sub-electrode and a second sub-electrode, the first sub-electrode being electrically connected to the power supply terminal, and the at least one switch being capable of electrically connecting the second sub-electrode to either the first sub-electrode or the ground terminal.

[0197] The plurality of sub-electrodes further include a third sub-electrode electrically connected to the ground terminal, and the at least one switch can electrically connect the second sub-electrode to either the first sub-electrode or the third sub-electrode.

[0198] The plurality of sub-electrodes include a first sub-electrode, a second sub-electrode, and a third sub-electrode, and the first sub-electrode is electrically connected to the power supply terminal,

[0199] The at least one switch can electrically connect the second sub-electrode to either the first sub-electrode or the third sub-electrode.

[0200] The plurality of sub-electrodes further include a fourth sub-electrode electrically connected to the ground terminal, and the at least one switch can electrically connect or electrically disconnect the third sub-electrode from the fourth sub-electrode.

[0201] In a method for controlling a dryer, comprising a pair of electrodes for applying an electric field inside a drum according to the present disclosure, the method may include electrically connecting each of the plurality of sub-electrodes to one of a power supply terminal and a ground terminal based on at least one of a weight of a drying material inside the drum, a temperature inside the drum, or a humidity inside the drum.

[0202] The dryer further includes an amplifier that amplifies the voltage applied to the power supply terminal,

[0203] Electrically connecting each of the plurality of sub-electrodes to one of the power supply terminals or the ground terminals may further include electrically connecting each of the plurality of sub-electrodes to one of the power supply terminals or the ground terminals based on a waveform of the amplified voltage.

[0204] Electrically connecting each of the plurality of sub-electrodes to either the power supply terminal or the ground terminal may further include electrically connecting each of the plurality of sub-electrodes to either the power supply terminal or the ground terminal based on the amount of power consumed by the capacitor formed by the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0205] It may further include changing the inductance value of the variable inductor connected to the second electrode.

[0206] Changing the inductance value of the variable inductor connected to the second electrode is

[0207] It may include changing the inductance value of the variable inductor based on the waveform of the amplified voltage applied to the above power supply terminal.

[0208] The above plurality of sub-electrodes include a first sub-electrode and a second sub-electrode,

[0209] Electrically connecting each of the plurality of sub-electrodes to either a power supply terminal or a ground terminal may include electrically connecting the first sub-electrode to the power supply terminal and electrically connecting the second sub-electrode to either the first sub-electrode or the ground terminal.

[0210] The plurality of sub-electrodes may further include a third sub-electrode, and electrically connecting each of the plurality of sub-electrodes to one of the power supply terminal and the ground terminal may include electrically connecting the third sub-electrode to one of the second sub-electrode and the ground terminal.

[0211] The plurality of sub-electrodes may include a first sub-electrode, a second sub-electrode, and a third sub-electrode, and electrically connecting each of the plurality of sub-electrodes to one of a power supply terminal and a ground terminal may further include electrically connecting the first sub-electrode to the power supply terminal and electrically connecting the second sub-electrode to one of the first sub-electrode or the third sub-electrode.

[0212] The plurality of sub-electrodes may further include a fourth sub-electrode, and electrically connecting each of the plurality of sub-electrodes to one of the power supply terminal and the ground terminal may include electrically connecting or electrically disconnecting the third sub-electrode from the fourth sub-electrode.

[0213] FIGS. 18 and 19 are perspective views illustrating a dryer having a different shape from the dryer illustrated in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment.

[0214] Referring to FIG. 18, a dryer according to one embodiment may include a main body forming an exterior and a chamber installed inside the main body, where drying of a drying material (9) takes place. The main body forms the exterior of the dryer and may be provided in a hexahedral shape. An opening may be formed at the front of the main body through which a drying material (9) may be introduced.

[0215] The dryer according to the present embodiment may include an electrode circuit (400). The electrode circuit (400) according to the present embodiment may include the functions, configurations, etc. described above.

[0216] For example, the electrode circuit (400) may include a power supply (410), an amplifier (420) and / or an electrode unit (430), and the electrode unit (430) may include a power supply terminal (431), a first electrode (432), a second electrode (433), a ground terminal (434), a switch (450) and / or a variable inductor (436).

[0217] Accordingly, the first electrode (432) and the second electrode (433) are spaced apart from each other so that the object to be dried (9) can be positioned between the first electrode (432) and the second electrode (433).

[0218] In addition, when the power supply unit (410) applies voltage to the first electrode (432), a high-frequency electric field is formed between the first electrode (432) and the second electrode (433), so that the object to be dried (9) can be dried, and the area of ​​the first electrode (432) to which voltage is applied can be changed through a switch.

[0219] Referring to FIG. 19, a dryer according to one embodiment may include a function for drying shoes. For example, the object to be dried (9) may include not only clothing but also shoes (e.g., dress shoes, sneakers, slippers, etc.).

[0220] A dryer according to the present embodiment may include a main body constituting an outer surface, and the main body may include a door provided on the front side and opened and closed to allow shoes to enter and exit, a left side plate constituting a left side, a right side plate constituting a right side, a rear plate constituting a rear side, an upper plate constituting an upper surface, and a bottom plate constituting a bottom surface.

[0221] The dryer according to the present embodiment may include a shoe receiving section for receiving the object to be dried (9), and a plurality of shoe receiving sections may be provided.

[0222] The dryer according to the present embodiment may include an electrode circuit (400). The electrode circuit (400) may include the functions, configurations, etc. described above.

[0223] For example, the electrode circuit (400) according to the present embodiment may include a first electrode (432) and a second electrode (433) corresponding to each shoe receiving portion, and a high-frequency electric field may be applied between the first electrode (432) and the second electrode (433) to dry the object to be dried (9).

[0224] As another example, the dryer according to the present embodiment may include at least one switch (450), and the area of ​​the first electrode (432) to which voltage is applied may be changed through the switch (450).

[0225] Fig. 20 is a perspective view illustrating an oven including an electrode circuit according to one embodiment. Fig. 21 is a drawing illustrating an oven including an electrode circuit according to one embodiment with its door open.

[0226] When a high-frequency electric field is applied to the food (9a), the moisture contained in the food (9a) can function as a dielectric. Accordingly, polar molecules, such as water molecules, within the food (9a) exposed to the electric field vibrate, and heat is generated due to the vibration of the polar molecules, thereby heating the food (9a). A detailed description of this will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21.

[0227] Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, an oven according to one embodiment may include a main body having a cooking chamber located inside and a cooktop provided on the top of the main body and capable of placing and heating a container containing food (9a).

[0228] The main body according to the present embodiment may include a front panel forming the front of the main body, a side panel forming the side of the main body, and a rear panel forming the rear of the main body.

[0229] The cooking chamber according to this embodiment is provided in a box shape inside the main body and can be opened at the front to allow the loading and unloading of food (9a). An opening corresponding to the cooking chamber with the open front may be provided at the front panel. The open front of the cooking chamber can be opened and closed by a door.

[0230] A plurality of supports may be provided within the cooking chamber according to the present embodiment. The plurality of supports may be equipped with racks for placing food (9a). The plurality of supports may be provided to protrude from the left and right walls of the cooking chamber.

[0231] The oven according to the present embodiment may include an electrode circuit (400). The electrode circuit (400) according to the present embodiment may include the functions, configurations, etc. described above.

[0232] For example, the electrode circuit (400) according to the present embodiment may include a first electrode (432) and a second electrode (433), and the first electrode (432) and the second electrode (433) may be spaced apart from each other so that a cooking material (9a) may be positioned between the first electrode (432) and the second electrode (433).

[0233] For another example, when voltage is applied to the first electrode (432) according to the present embodiment, the food (9a) can be heated by a high-frequency electric field formed between the first electrode (432) and the second electrode (433).

[0234] As another example, the oven according to the present embodiment may include at least one switch (450), and the area of ​​the first electrode (432) to which voltage is applied may be changed through the switch (450).

[0235] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0236] Computer-readable storage media include all types of storage media that store instructions that can be deciphered by a computer. Examples include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disks, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

[0237] Additionally, a computer-readable recording medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0238] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated on a machine-readable recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0239] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. Drum; A pair of electrodes for applying an electric field inside the drum, comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode is a pair of electrodes including a plurality of sub-electrodes; At least one switch electrically connecting said plurality of sub-electrodes to either a power supply terminal or a ground terminal; and A dryer comprising a control unit that controls the at least one switch based on at least one of the weight of the material to be dried in the drum, the temperature in the drum, or the humidity in the drum.

2. In paragraph 1, Further comprising an amplifier for amplifying the voltage applied to the above power supply terminal; The above control unit, A dryer that controls at least one switch based on the waveform of the amplified voltage.

3. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A dryer that controls at least one switch based on the amount of power consumed by a capacitor formed by the first electrode and the second electrode.

4. In paragraph 1, A dryer further comprising a variable inductor connected to the second electrode.

5. In paragraph 4, Further comprising an amplifier for amplifying the voltage applied to the above power supply terminal; The above control unit, A dryer that changes the inductance value of the variable inductor based on the waveform of the amplified voltage.

6. In paragraph 1, The above multiple sub-electrodes are, comprising a first sub-electrode and a second sub-electrode, The above first sub-electrode is electrically connected to the power supply terminal, At least one switch above, A dryer electrically connecting the second sub-electrode to either the first sub-electrode or the ground terminal.

7. In paragraph 6, The above plurality of sub-electrodes further include a third sub-electrode electrically connected to the ground terminal, A dryer wherein said at least one switch electrically connects said second sub-electrode to either said first sub-electrode or said third sub-electrode.

8. In paragraph 1, The above multiple sub-electrodes are, comprising a first sub-electrode, a second sub-electrode and a third sub-electrode, The above first sub-electrode is electrically connected to the power supply terminal, At least one switch above, A dryer electrically connecting the second sub-electrode with either the first sub-electrode or the third sub-electrode.

9. In paragraph 8, The above multiple sub-electrodes are, Further comprising a fourth sub-electrode electrically connected to the above ground terminal, At least one switch above, A dryer for electrically connecting or electrically disconnecting the third sub-electrode from the fourth sub-electrode.

10. A method for controlling a dryer, comprising a pair of electrodes that apply an electric field inside a drum, comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, and wherein the first electrode comprises a pair of electrodes including a plurality of sub-electrodes, A control method for a dryer, comprising: electrically connecting each of the plurality of sub-electrodes to one of a power supply terminal and a ground terminal based on at least one of a weight of a drying material in the drum, a temperature in the drum, or a humidity in the drum.

11. In paragraph 10, The above dryer further includes an amplifier for amplifying the voltage applied to the power supply terminal, Electrically connecting each of the above plurality of sub-electrodes to either a power supply terminal or a ground terminal, A control method for a dryer further comprising: electrically connecting each of the plurality of sub-electrodes to one of a power supply terminal and a ground terminal based on the waveform of the amplified voltage.

12. In paragraph 10, Electrically connecting each of the above plurality of sub-electrodes to either a power supply terminal or a ground terminal, A control method for a dryer further comprising: electrically connecting each of the plurality of sub-electrodes to one of a power supply terminal and a ground terminal based on the amount of power consumed by a capacitor formed by the first electrode and the second electrode.

13. In paragraph 10, A control method of a dryer further comprising changing the inductance value of a variable inductor connected to the second electrode.

14. In paragraph 13, Changing the inductance value of the variable inductor connected to the second electrode is A control method for a dryer, comprising: changing the inductance value of the variable inductor based on the waveform of the amplified voltage applied to the above-described power supply terminal.

15. In paragraph 10, The above multiple sub-electrodes are, comprising a first sub-electrode and a second sub-electrode, Electrically connecting each of the above plurality of sub-electrodes to either a power supply terminal or a ground terminal, The above first sub-electrode is electrically connected to the above power supply terminal, A method for controlling a dryer, comprising: electrically connecting the second sub-electrode with either the first sub-electrode or the ground terminal.

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