Drying machine and control method thereof

Abstract

A drying machine (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise: a main body (110); a drum (120) which accommodates an object to be dried and is rotatably installed inside the main body; a driving device (60) for providing a rotational force to the drum (120); a plurality of lifters (121, 122) mounted on the inner circumferential surface of the drum (120); and a processor (51) for controlling the driving device, wherein at least one lifter (122) among the plurality of lifters (121, 122) includes at least one sterilization lamp (123), the processor (51) determines a reference position of the at least one lifter (122) including the at least one sterilization lamp (123), and controls the driving device (60) so that the at least one lifter (122) including the at least one sterilization lamp (123) is positioned at the reference position.

Description

Dryer and method of controlling the dryer

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a dryer capable of sterilizing a drying material accommodated inside a drum and a method for controlling the dryer.

[0002] Typically, a dryer is a device that forces heated air into a drum to dry wet laundry. These clothes dryers are similar in appearance to drum-type washing machines, and utilize a heater and blower fan to force heated air into the drum to dry items.

[0003] Even after the drying process is completed, the object to be dried may not be completely dry, and if the object to be dried is left inside the drum without being completely dried, bacteria may grow or an unpleasant odor may be emitted.

[0004] Therefore, a method for sterilizing the object to be dried inside the dryer during or after the drying process is completed is required.

[0005] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, the object to be dried contained inside the drum can be sterilized after the drying process is completed or during the drying process.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a dryer comprises: a main body; a drum that accommodates a material to be dried and is rotatably installed inside the main body; a driving device that provides rotational force to the drum; a plurality of lifters mounted on an inner surface of the drum; and a processor that controls the driving device; wherein at least one of the plurality of lifters includes at least one sterilizing lamp, and the processor determines a reference position of the at least one lifter including the at least one sterilizing lamp in response to a preset condition being achieved, and controls the driving device such that the at least one lifter including the at least one sterilizing lamp is positioned at the reference position.

[0007] A control method of a dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a main body; a drum accommodating an object to be dried and rotatably installed inside the main body; a driving device providing rotational force to the drum; and at least one lifter including at least one sterilizing module performing a sterilizing process among a plurality of lifters mounted on an inner surface of the drum; the control method comprises: determining whether a preset condition has been achieved; determining a reference position of the at least one lifter including the at least one sterilizing lamp in response to the preset condition being achieved; and positioning the at least one lifter including the at least one sterilizing lamp at the reference position.

[0008] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, the sterilization efficiency can be increased by positioning a sterilization lamp that performs a sterilization process at an optimal distance depending on the amount of the drying material accommodated inside the drum.

[0009] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, energy efficiency can be improved by operating the germicidal lamp after the germicidal lamp is positioned at an optimal position.

[0010] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, in performing a sterilization process, the drying object can be evenly sterilized through a process of rearranging the drying object.

[0011] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0012] Figure 1 illustrates an example of the appearance of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a cross-section of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 illustrates another example of a cross-section of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating an example of a lifter mounted inside a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining another example of a power supply device (124) that supplies power to a sterilizing lamp according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining an auxiliary stand that can be attached inside a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a control block diagram of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating communication between a dryer and a user device according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining an example of determining a reference position of one lifter including one sterilizing lamp when the amount of dried material in the drum of the dryer is greater than a reference value.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining an example of determining a reference position of one lifter including at least one sterilizing lamp when the amount of a drying material in a drum of a dryer is less than a reference value.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining another example of determining a reference position of one lifter including at least one sterilizing lamp when the amount of the drying material in the drum of the dryer is less than a reference value.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating an example of determining a reference position of a plurality of lifters including at least one sterilizing lamp.

[0024] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of determining the position of at least one lifter including at least one sterilizing lamp of the lifter when an auxiliary stand is attached according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating moving at least one lifter including at least one sterilizing lamp to a reference position according to one embodiment.

[0026] Fig. 15 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a control method of a dryer for performing a sterilization process according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a control method of a dryer for performing a sterilization process after rearranging a drying material according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a control method of a dryer for determining a reference position of at least one lifter including at least one sterilizing lamp according to one embodiment.

[0029] 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.

[0030] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0034] 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).

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] A dryer according to various embodiments can perform a drying process. A dryer is an example of a clothing treatment device, and a clothing treatment device is a concept encompassing a device that washes clothing (laundry items, drying items), a device that dries clothing, and a device that can perform both washing and drying of clothing.

[0040] A dryer according to one embodiment may include a washing machine capable of performing a drying cycle. Furthermore, the dryer according to one embodiment may include a garment care device for managing garments by supplying hot air to garments hung on a hanger.

[0041] Any device that performs a drying process capable of drying clothes as described below may correspond to a dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Fig. 1 illustrates an example of an exterior view of a dryer according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 illustrates an example of a cross-section of a dryer according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 illustrates another example of a cross-section of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0043] The dryer shown in Fig. 2 is a dryer that can only perform a drying cycle for drying clothes.

[0044] The dryer illustrated in Fig. 3 is a dryer that can perform both a washing cycle for washing clothes and a drying cycle for drying clothes.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, a dryer according to one embodiment may include a main body (110) forming an exterior, a drum (120) rotatably installed in the main body (110) and containing items to be dried, a door (130) for opening and closing the drum (120), a driving device (60) for rotating the drum (120), and a heat pump device (75) for generating hot air for drying laundry (hereinafter, referred to as “items to be dried”) inside the drum (120).

[0046] The main body (110) may include a front cover (12). An opening (12a) is provided in the front cover (12), and a door (130) for opening and closing the opening (12a) may be rotatably installed in the front cover (12).

[0047] A user interface device (40) including an input interface for receiving a user's control command and an output interface for displaying various information about the operation of the dryer (1) or displaying a screen for guiding the user's input may be placed on the top of the front cover (12).

[0048] A chamber (30a) formed by a drum (120) can accommodate a drying material.

[0049] The drum (120) can be formed into a cylindrical shape with open front and rear sides.

[0050] On the inside of the main body (110), a front support plate (220) and a rear support plate (230) are fixedly installed to the inside of the front and the inside of the rear of the main body (110) to cover the front and rear openings of the drum (120).

[0051] The drum (120) can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise within the main body (110) by the driving force of the driving device (60).

[0052] The front support plate (220) and the rear support plate (230) can support the front and rear openings of the drum (120) so that the drum (120) can rotate. At this time, a sliding pad (240) to reduce frictional resistance may be provided at a portion where the front support plate (220) and the drum (120) come into contact, and at a portion where the rear support plate (230) and the drum (120) come into contact. In addition, a roller (241) to rotatably support the drum (120) may be provided at the lower portions of the front support plate (220) and the rear support plate (230), respectively. Accordingly, the drum (120) can rotate smoothly.

[0053] During the drying process or sterilization process, the drum (30) can be driven to rotate by the driving device (60).

[0054] The driving device (60) may include a driving motor that generates power to rotate the drum (120) and a driving circuit for driving the driving motor.

[0055] According to various embodiments, the drive motor of the drive device (60) may be connected only to the drum (120), or may be connected to the drum (120) and the blower fan (151). In one embodiment, a pulley connected to the drum (120) may be coupled to one side of the shaft (242) of the drive motor of the drive device (60), and a blower fan (151) may be coupled to the other side.

[0056] For convenience of explanation, below, a motor for rotating a drum (120) is defined as a drum motor, and a motor for rotating a blower fan (151) is defined as a fan motor.

[0057] However, the drum motor and the fan motor may be the same motor or different motors.

[0058] The heat pump device (75) may include a heat exchanger (70), a compressor (73), and an expansion valve (not shown).

[0059] The heat exchanger (70) may include an evaporator (71) and a condenser (72).

[0060] The heat pump device (75) has a refrigerant circulation path that connects from a compressor (73) to a condenser (72), an expansion valve, and an evaporator (71) and then back to the compressor, and the condenser (72) and the evaporator (71) function as a heat exchanger (70).

[0061] The evaporator (71) may be located upstream of the condenser (72) based on the air flow.

[0062] The heat exchanger (70) can heat the air flowing into the drum (120).

[0063] Air that passes through the chamber (30a) formed by the drum (120) is dried while passing through the evaporator (71), heated while passing through the condenser (72), and can be introduced into the chamber (30a) again.

[0064] The blower fan (151) can cause air that has passed through the chamber (30a) formed by the drum (120) to pass through the evaporator (71) and the condenser (72) and then flow back into the chamber (30a).

[0065] That is, the blower fan (151) can create an air flow that circulates through the inside (chamber) (30a) of the drum (120) and the heat exchanger (70). To this end, the blower fan (151) can be provided within a duct (180) through which air discharged from the drum (120) flows.

[0066] In one embodiment, the blower fan (151) may be provided downstream of the condenser (72), but the location of the blower fan (151) is not limited thereto, and the blower fan (151) may be installed at any location without limitation as long as it can create air flow within the duct (180).

[0067] According to various embodiments, the dryer (1) may further include a heater (170). The heater (170) is intended to heat the air supplied to the chamber (30a) more quickly and may be operated for a predetermined period of time at the beginning of the drying cycle.

[0068] A dryer (1) according to one embodiment may further include a load detection unit (160) for detecting the load of a material to be dried contained inside a drum (120).

[0069] The weight detection unit (160) is provided inside the drum (120) and can output an electric signal corresponding to the weight of the drying material contained in the drum (120). Here, the weight can mean the total weight of the drying material contained in the drum (120).

[0070] The weight detection unit (160) may include at least one of a light sensor, an infrared sensor, and / or a weight sensor.

[0071] When the amount detection unit (160) includes a light sensor or an infrared sensor, information about the amount of the object to be dried can be obtained in the form of the amount of light reflected from the object to be dried.

[0072] In addition, when the weight detection unit (160) includes a weight sensor, it detects a change in stress due to the material being introduced into the drum (120), and information on the weight of the material being dried can be obtained in the form of data on changes in electrical resistance according to the change in stress through a strain gauge or the like.

[0073] When the weight detection unit (160) is provided inside the drum (120), the weight of the object to be dried (i.e., the weight) can be directly detected in a contact / non-contact manner, which has the advantage of enabling relatively accurate weight measurement.

[0074] According to another embodiment, a dryer (1) may be provided with a load detection unit (160) outside the drum (120) to obtain information about the load of the material to be dried contained inside the drum (120).

[0075] At this time, the amount detection unit (160) may include a current sensor, and the current sensor may obtain information on the amount of the object to be dried by measuring an electrical signal according to a change in electrical resistance.

[0076] To this end, the load detection unit (160) may be directly connected to one of the wires or cables connected to the driving motor among the driving circuits constituting the driving device (60), may be wrapped around the wire in the form of a clamp, or may be provided in a form that detects current through the passage of the wire.

[0077] When the load detection unit (160) is provided outside the drum (120) as described above, the accuracy of the load detection value of the object to be dried may be relatively low depending on the efficiency and performance of the driving motor. However, the load of the object to be dried can be detected relatively simply by utilizing the relationship between the torque and current due to the rotation of the driving motor, and since it is not located inside the drum (120) in a humid environment, it has the advantage of not requiring waterproofing and protection against chemicals.

[0078] A dryer (1) according to one embodiment may further include a humidity detection unit (161) that detects the humidity of a drying material accommodated inside a drum (120). The humidity detection unit (161) may be provided inside the drum (120).

[0079] The humidity detection unit (161) can obtain information about an electric signal that varies depending on the moisture content contained in the drying material by coming into contact with the drying material contained inside the drum (120).

[0080] The humidity detection unit (161) can obtain information about an electric signal that varies depending on the moisture content by measuring the resistance when the object to be dried comes into contact with it, including a touch sensor or a capacitive sensor in the form of a plate bar.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the dryer (1) may further include a door opening / closing detection unit (162) that obtains information regarding the opening / closing of the door (130).

[0082] For example, the door open / close detection unit (162) may include a hall sensor provided in the main body (110) of the dryer (1) and a permanent magnet provided in the door (130). The hall sensor may be provided on the outside of the front support plate (220) of the main body (110), but is not limited thereto. In this case, the door open / close detection unit (162) may obtain information on the opening / closing of the door by detecting a change in the magnetic field according to the distance between the hall sensor and the permanent magnet when the door (130) is opened / closed.

[0083] In addition, the door open / close detection unit (162) may include a light sensor. The door open / close detection unit (162) may obtain information regarding the opening / closing of the door based on changes in the amount of light detected by the light sensor.

[0084] A dryer (1) according to one embodiment may further include a lint removal device (90). In addition to a door (130) for opening and closing an opening (12a), the front cover (12) may further include an auxiliary door for opening and closing a space in which the lint removal device (90) is accommodated.

[0085] The user can withdraw or insert the lint removal device (90) through the auxiliary door.

[0086] The lint removal device (90) can collect and remove lint (fluff) contained in the air discharged from the chamber (30a). For this purpose, the lint removal device (90) may include a filter.

[0087] The lint removal device (90) may be placed within a duct (180) through which air discharged from the drum (120) flows. The lint removal device (90) may be placed upstream of the heat exchanger (70), and the lint removal device (90) may prevent lint from accumulating in the heat exchanger (70) by removing lint in the air passing through the drum (120).

[0088] The dryer (1a) illustrated in Fig. 2 and the dryer (1b) illustrated in Fig. 3 differ in the possibility of a washing cycle.

[0089] The dryer (1a) illustrated in Fig. 2 can perform a drying process by rotating the drum (120) and supplying hot air to the chamber (30a).

[0090] The dryer (1b) illustrated in Fig. 3 can perform not only a drying cycle in which hot air is supplied to the chamber (30a) by rotating the drum (120), but also a washing cycle for washing laundry accommodated in the chamber (30a). The washing cycle may include a water supply cycle, a rinsing cycle, a washing cycle, and / or a spin-drying cycle.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 2, in a dryer (1a) according to one embodiment, a heat exchanger (70), a blower fan (151), and a lint removal device (90) may be placed at the lower portion of the main body (110). For example, the heat exchanger (70), the blower fan (151), and the lint removal device (90) may be placed within a duct (180).

[0092] The first duct (181) is positioned at the lower side of the drum (120) and can guide air so that air discharged from the drum (120) is dehumidified and heated and then flows back into the drum (120). A heat exchanger (70) can be accommodated within the first duct (181). The first duct (181) can be referred to as a lower frame. A first circulation path (191) can be provided within the first duct (181).

[0093] The second duct (182) may be positioned at the rear of the drum (120) and may guide air toward the drum (120). Air passing through the heat exchanger (70) may be supplied to the drum (120) through the second duct (182). The second duct (182) may form a part of a circulation path (190). A blower fan (151) may be accommodated within the second duct (182). A second circulation path (192) may be provided within the second duct (182). In one embodiment, a heater (170) may be provided in the second duct (182).

[0094] The third duct (183) can be arranged in front of the drum (120) to guide air inside the drum (30a) toward the heat exchanger (70). The air inside the drum (30a) can flow to the heat exchanger (70) through the third duct (183). The third duct (183) can form a part of the circulation path (190). A third circulation path (193) can be provided within the third duct (183).

[0095] According to various embodiments, the lint removal device (90) may be provided within the first duct (181), the second duct (182), or the third duct (183).

[0096] In one embodiment, a lint removal device (90) may be provided in the third duct (183).

[0097] The second duct (182) and the third duct (183) can allow the air inside the drum (30a) to circulate through the circulation path (190) inside the main body (110).

[0098] The dryer (1a) may further include a circulation path (190). The circulation path (190) may include a first circulation path (191), a second circulation path (192), and a third circulation path (193). The first circulation path (191) may be formed by a first duct (181), the second circulation path (192) may be formed by a second duct (182), and the third circulation path (193) may be formed by a third duct (183).

[0099] The blower fan (151) can circulate air within the circulation path (190).

[0100] Referring to FIG. 3, a dryer (1b) according to one embodiment may further include components for performing a washing cycle compared to the dryer (1a) illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0101] In one embodiment, the dryer (1b) may include a tub (115) provided inside the main body (110), and a drum (120) provided inside the tub (115) to receive and rotate laundry.

[0102] A water supply device (14) may be provided on top of the tub (115). The water supply device (14) may include a water supply valve (14b) and water supply pipes (14a) for controlling water supply. In addition, a detergent supply device (80) for supplying detergent into the tub (115) during the water supply process may be installed on top of the tub (115). The detergent supply device (80) may be installed on the front cover (12). The detergent supply device (80) may be arranged inside the main body (110). Water flowing into the dryer (1) through the water supply device (14) may flow to the detergent supply device (80).

[0103] According to various embodiments, the detergent supply device (80) may be installed at the bottom of the tub (115).

[0104] The detergent supply device (80) can be connected to the tub (115) through the supply pipe (17). Washing water supplied through the water supply pipe (14a) is mixed with detergent through the detergent supply device (80), and the mixed water containing the washing water and detergent can be supplied into the interior of the tub (115).

[0105] Water supplied into the dryer (1b) through the water supply device (14) can flow into the detergent supply device (80). Water passing through the water supply pipe (14a) can flow into the detergent box. For example, the water supply pipe (14a) can be arranged above the detergent box and supply water to the detergent box arranged below. Detergent can be accommodated inside the detergent box, and water supplied into the detergent box from the water supply pipe (14a) can be mixed with the detergent. The water inside the detergent box mixed with the detergent can flow into the tub (115). For example, the supply pipe (17) can be connected to the detergent box and the tub (115) from below the detergent box and supply the water inside the detergent box mixed with the detergent to the tub (115).

[0106] The detergent box may be provided so as to be withdrawable from the front cover (12). According to various embodiments, the detergent box and the lint removal device (90) may be provided so as to be withdrawable from the front cover (12). Although the drawing shows the lint removal device (90) as being provided on the rear side of the tub (115), the lint removal device (90) may be provided on the side of the heat exchanger (70) on the upper side of the tub (115). The lint removal device (90) may be provided between the upper surface (11e) of the main body (110) and the tub (115). The heat exchanger (70) may be provided between the upper surface (11e) of the main body (110) and the tub (115).

[0107] The tub (115) stores a mixture of washing water and detergent, and may be formed in a roughly cylindrical shape. The tub (115) may be fixed to the interior of the main body (110). The opening (12a) of the front cover (12) and the tub (115) may be connected by a diaphragm. The diaphragm may seal the space between the front cover (12) and the tub (115).

[0108] A drainage device (50) including a drain pipe (not shown), a drain valve (not shown), a drain pump, etc. for draining water inside the tub (115) may be installed at the bottom of the tub (115).

[0109] The tub (115) is provided so that it can be elastically supported from the main body (110) by springs (not shown) at the top and dampers at the bottom. That is, the springs and dampers are provided so that when vibration generated when the drum (120) rotates is transmitted to the tub (115) and the main body (110), the vibration energy is absorbed between the tub (115) and the main body (110), thereby reducing the vibration transmitted to the tub (115) and the main body (110).

[0110] In a dryer (1b) according to one embodiment, a heat exchanger (70), a blower fan (151), and a lint removal device (90) may be arranged at the upper portion of the main body (110). For example, the heat exchanger (70), the blower fan (151), and the lint removal device (90) may be arranged within a duct (180).

[0111] The first duct (181) is positioned above the drum (120) and the tub (115) and can guide air so that air discharged from the drum (120) is dehumidified and heated and then flows back into the drum (120). A heat exchanger (70) can be accommodated within the first duct (181). The first duct (181) can be referred to as an upper frame. A first circulation path (191) can be provided within the first duct (181).

[0112] The second duct (182) may be positioned in front of the drum (120) and the tub (115) to guide air toward the drum (120). Air passing through the heat exchanger (70) may be supplied to the drum (120) through the second duct (182). The second duct (182) may form a part of a circulation path (190). A blower fan (151) may be accommodated within the second duct (182). A second circulation path (192) may be provided within the second duct (182).

[0113] The third duct (183) may be arranged at the rear of the drum (120) and the tub (115) to guide air inside the drum (30a) toward the heat exchanger (70). The air inside the drum (30a) may flow to the heat exchanger (70) through the third duct (183). The third duct (183) may form a part of a circulation path (190). A third circulation path (193) may be provided within the third duct (183). In one embodiment, a heater (170) may be provided in the third duct (183).

[0114] According to various embodiments, the lint removal device (90) may be provided within the first duct (181), the second duct (182), or the third duct (183).

[0115] In one embodiment, a lint removal device (90) may be provided in the first duct (182).

[0116] The second duct (182) and the third duct (183) can allow air inside the drum (30a) to circulate through the circulation path (190) inside the main body (110). In addition, since the air discharged from the second duct (182) can be introduced into the tub (115) and the drum (120) through the diaphragm, the diaphragm can also allow air to circulate through the circulation path (190) inside the main body (110).

[0117] The dryer (1b) may further include a circulation path (190). The circulation path (190) may include a first circulation path (191), a second circulation path (192), and a third circulation path (193). The first circulation path (191) may be formed by a first duct (181), the second circulation path (192) may be formed by a second duct (182), and the third circulation path (193) may be formed by a third duct (183).

[0118] According to one embodiment, the dryer (1) may further include a plurality of lifters (121) inside the drum (120), as described below with reference to FIG. 4.

[0119] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating an example of a lifter mounted inside a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0120] A plurality of lifters (121) may be provided on the inner surface of the drum (120). The plurality of lifters (121) may be formed to protrude toward the center from the inner surface of the drum (120).

[0121] A plurality of lifters (121) formed on the inner surface of the drum (120) can tumbling the object to be dried to eliminate the phenomenon of the object to be dried from being twisted and to allow the object to be dried evenly.

[0122] According to one embodiment, at least one lifter (122) among the plurality of lifters (121) may further include a sterilizing lamp (123) that performs a sterilizing process for sterilizing the object to be dried contained inside the drum (120) during or after the drying process. For the convenience of the following description, a lifter including a sterilizing lamp will be referred to as a lifter (122), and a lifter not including a sterilizing lamp will be referred to as a lifter (121).

[0123] According to various embodiments, the dryer (1) may include one lifter (122) including a germicidal lamp and a plurality of lifters (121) without germicidal lamps, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4. In addition, the dryer (1) may include a plurality of lifters (122) including germicidal lamps and a plurality of lifters (121) without germicidal lamps.

[0124] A germicidal lamp (123) according to one embodiment may include at least one UV lamp (123a). The UV lamp (123a) may irradiate ultraviolet radiation (200-280 nm) (hereinafter referred to as “ultraviolet rays”) to a drying object to sterilize or inactivate bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens.

[0125] At least one UV lamp (123a) can be implemented in an array form as illustrated in Fig. 4. A sterilizing lamp (123) including an array of UV lamps (123a) is provided on the upper outer surface of the lifter (122) and can irradiate ultraviolet rays from the inner surface of the drum (120) toward the center, i.e., in the direction where the object to be dried is located.

[0126] In the present disclosure, the sterilizing lamp (123) is illustrated as being provided on the uppermost outer surface of the lifter (122). However, this should not be construed as being limited to the present disclosure, and the sterilizing lamp (123) may be provided at any location where the UV lamp (123a) within the sterilizing lamp (123) can irradiate ultraviolet rays to the object to be dried to perform a sterilizing process. For example, the sterilizing lamp (123) including the UV lamp (123a) array may be provided on the outer surface of the side surface of the lifter (122).

[0127] According to one embodiment, a lifter (122) including a sterilizing lamp (123) may further include a sterilizing lamp position detection unit (163) for identifying its position.

[0128] The sterilizing lamp position detection unit (163) may include a hall sensor mounted on the outer surface of the drum (120) and a permanent magnet provided at an arbitrary position on the inner surface of the tub (115).

[0129] The sterilizing lamp position detection unit (163) detects changes in the magnetic field between the Hall sensor and the permanent magnet that change as the drum (120) rotates, thereby obtaining information about the position of the sterilizing lamp (123) or the lifter (122) including the sterilizing lamp (123).

[0130] At this time, the position of the permanent magnet is only an example, and any position that can accurately measure the position of the sterilizing lamp (123) can be used as the position of the permanent magnet.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the lifter (122) may further include a power supply (124) that supplies power to the germicidal lamp (123).

[0132] The power supply (124) may include a generator (125) that generates electric energy through the rotational movement of the drum (120) and at least one capacitor (126) that stores the electric energy generated by the generator (125).

[0133] The generator (125) is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, and may include a rotor or generator that converts mechanical energy generated through the rotational motion of the drum (120) into electrical energy.

[0134] Additionally, the generator (125) may further include a transformer or a rectifier that regulates the voltage of the electrical energy generated by the interaction of the rotor and the generator and a rectifier that stabilizes the current. The generator (125) may further include other components to generate electrical energy.

[0135] A capacitor (126) acts as a type of accumulator, temporarily storing electrical energy and releasing the stored energy when needed. The capacitor (126) may be configured by placing an insulator between two bipolar metal plates.

[0136] According to FIG. 4, a power supply device (124) that supplies power to a sterilizing lamp (123) may be provided inside the drum (120). On the other hand, a power supply device (124) according to one embodiment may be provided outside the drum (120), which will be described below with reference to FIG. 5.

[0137] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining another example of a power supply device that supplies power to a sterilizing lamp (123) according to one embodiment.

[0138] The power supply unit (124) provided outside the drum (120) may include a terminal (127) electrically connected to the sterilizing lamp (123) or a power supply unit (128) that supplies power to the sterilizing lamp (123).

[0139] The power terminal (127) and the power supply unit (128) can be connected via a wire to supply power to the sterilizing lamp (123) or can supply power to the sterilizing lamp (123) via contact. A switch, an overload protector, etc. can be further included between the power terminal (127) and the power supply unit (128).

[0140] A power terminal (127) may be formed on the outer surface of the drum (120). A lifter (122) including a sterilizing lamp (123) may be provided on the inner surface of the drum (120) corresponding to the outer surface of the drum (120) on which the power terminal (127) is provided.

[0141] The power supply unit (128) is provided outside the drum (120) and can be connected to an external power source that supplies power to the motor of the dryer (1).

[0142] On the one hand, the power supply unit (128) may include a generator that is provided outside the shaft (242) of the drive device (60) (i.e., provided outside the drum (120)) and converts mechanical energy generated through the rotational movement of the shaft (242) due to the driving of the drive device (60) into electrical energy.

[0143] In one embodiment, when a power supply device (124) that supplies power to a sterilizing lamp (123) is provided outside the drum, the influence of moisture, water, chemicals, etc. inside the drum (30a) can be reduced, making maintenance and repair easy.

[0144] Meanwhile, FIG. 5 illustrates a dryer (1b) capable of performing both the washing and drying processes described in FIG. 3, in which a power device (124) including a power terminal (127) or a power supply unit (128) is provided, but a dryer (1a) that performs only the drying process described in FIG. 2 may also be provided with a power device (124) including the aforementioned power terminal (127) or a power supply unit (128).

[0145] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining an auxiliary stand (250) that can be attached inside a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the dryer (1) may further include an auxiliary holder (250) that can be attached to the inside of the drum (120).

[0147] The auxiliary holder (250) may be formed with at least one chamber. Each chamber of the auxiliary holder (250) may be adjustable to suit the type and size of the object to be dried. The object to be dried may be placed in each chamber of the auxiliary holder (250) to prevent the object to be dried from being scattered or mixed with other items within the drum (30a).

[0148] The objects to be placed on the auxiliary stand (250) may be shoes, bags, etc. in addition to clothes.

[0149] For example, when shoes are placed on an auxiliary stand (250), the warmth inside the drum (30a) can be used to dry the inside or outside of the shoes and remove moisture. In addition, bacteria or microorganisms inside or outside the shoes can be removed by a sterilizing lamp (123) included in the lifter (122).

[0150] A dryer (1) according to one embodiment may include at least one groove (251) in which an auxiliary support (250) is fixed to a front support plate of a drum (120).

[0151] At least one home (251) may be provided on the front support plate of the dryer (1) or the support member of the lint removal device (90).

[0152] By inserting a part of the auxiliary holder (250) into at least one groove (251), the auxiliary holder (250) can be stably fixed even when hot air is supplied to the inside of the drum (30a).

[0153] When the auxiliary stand (250) is fixed to at least one groove (251), the two attachment points may be tied and fixed together by screw-bolt fastening for more stable fixation.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the dryer (1) may further include an auxiliary holder attachment detection unit (164, not shown) for determining whether the auxiliary holder (250) is attached to the drum (120).

[0155] The auxiliary stand fixation detection unit (164) may be provided in some or all of at least one of the grooves (251).

[0156] The auxiliary holder attachment detection unit (164) may include a Hall sensor that detects a change in a magnetic field to determine whether the auxiliary holder (250) is attached to at least one groove (251).

[0157] As the auxiliary holder attachment detection unit (164) including the Hall sensor is provided in the groove (251), a magnet can be attached to a portion of the auxiliary holder (250) that is inserted into the groove (251). When a portion of the auxiliary holder (250) is inserted into at least one groove (251), the Hall sensor can detect a change in the magnetic field and output a signal corresponding to the detected value.

[0158] Since the Hall sensor is relatively simple to use and detects changes in the magnetic field in real time, the dryer (1) is equipped with a Hall sensor to determine in real time whether the auxiliary stand (250) is attached.

[0159] According to various embodiments, the dryer (1) may further include another type of sensor to determine whether the auxiliary holder (250) is attached to the drum (120). In this case, any sensor included in the sensor device may be employed as long as it can efficiently determine whether the auxiliary holder (250) is attached to the drum (120). For example, the auxiliary holder attachment detection unit (164) may include an optical sensor or an ultrasonic sensor.

[0160] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a control block diagram of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0161] Referring to FIG. 5, a dryer (1) according to one embodiment may include a user interface device (40), a driving device (60), a communication unit (150), a power device (124), a sensor unit (165), and / or a control unit (50).

[0162] A dryer (1) according to one embodiment may further include a water supply device, a detergent supply device, a drainage device, etc., to perform a washing cycle.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the dryer (1) may further include a heat pump device (75) and a heater (170) for performing a drying process.

[0164] Depending on the embodiment, the dryer (1) may not include some components (e.g., heater (170)).

[0165] The user interface device (40) may include at least one input interface (41) and at least one output interface (42).

[0166] At least one input interface (41) can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0167] At least one input interface (41) may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin / dry setting button. The at least one input interface (41) may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0168] At least one output interface (42) can transmit various information related to the operation of the dryer (1) to the user by generating sensory information.

[0169] For example, at least one output interface (42) can transmit information related to a drying course and the operation time of the dryer (1), a washing course and the operation time of the dryer (1), and washing settings / rinsing settings / spin settings / drying settings to the user. Information related to the operation of the dryer (1) can be output to a screen, an indicator, a voice, etc. At least one output interface (42) can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0170] The driving device (60) may include a drum motor that provides driving force to rotate the drum (120) and a driving circuit that drives the drum motor. The drum motor may operate based on a driving current supplied from the driving circuit. The driving device (60) may operate based on a control signal from the control unit (50).

[0171] In one embodiment, the control unit (50) can control the drive unit (60) to rotate the drum (120) during the drying process.

[0172] In one embodiment, the driving device (60) may include a fan motor that provides driving force to rotate the blower fan (151) and a driving circuit that drives the fan motor.

[0173] As explained above, the drum motor and fan motor may be the same motor or different motors.

[0174] In one embodiment, the driving device (60) may be electrically connected to a power supply (128) that supplies power to the sterilizing lamp (123) according to one embodiment.

[0175] The communication unit (150) can communicate with external devices (e.g., servers, user devices, and / or home appliances) via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0176] The communication unit (150) may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0177] The communication unit (150) can transmit data to an external device or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication unit (150) can establish communication with a server, a user device, and / or other home appliances, and transmit and receive various data (e.g., a user's GPS information or user input).

[0178] To this end, the communication unit (150) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication unit (150) can include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with the external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These different types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0179] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0180] The remote communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of remote communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0181] In one embodiment, the communication unit (330) can communicate with external devices such as a server, user devices, and other home appliances via a surrounding access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the dryer (1), other home appliances, and / or user devices are connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The dryer (1), other home appliances, and / or user devices can be connected to the server via the wide area network (WAN).

[0182] Referring to FIG. 8 below, transmitting and receiving information through communication with a user device via a communication unit (150) will be described in detail.

[0183] The power supply unit (124) can supply power to the sterilizing lamp (123) to turn on. The power supply unit (124) can supply power to the sterilizing lamp (123) (e.g., a UV lamp (123a) included in the sterilizing module) by a control signal from the control unit (50) so that ultraviolet radiation (200-280 nm) is irradiated toward the object to be dried.

[0184] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (165) of the dryer (1) may include a load detection unit (160), a humidity detection unit (161), a door opening / closing detection unit (162), a sterilizing lamp position detection unit (163), and / or an auxiliary stand fixation detection unit (164).

[0185] The sensor unit (165) can transmit information about the amount of the detected drying material, the humidity of the drying material, whether the door (130) is open or closed, the position of the sterilizing lamp (123), and / or whether the auxiliary stand (250) is attached to the control unit (50).

[0186] The load detection unit (160) can obtain information on the load of the drying material received in the drum (120) based on the control signal of the control unit (50).

[0187] For example, the control unit (50) controls the laundry weight detection unit (160) in the washing cycle, drying cycle, or sterilization cycle to obtain information about the laundry weight of the laundry to be dried in the drum (120), and can determine the laundry weight of the laundry to be dried by receiving the information.

[0188] The humidity detection unit (161) can obtain information about the humidity of the dry material stored in the drum (120) after the washing cycle or / and drying cycle is completed and transmit the obtained information about the humidity to the control unit (50).

[0189] The control unit (50) can determine the humidity of the object to be dried based on the information received from the humidity detection unit (161) and determine whether to perform a sterilization process based on the humidity of the object to be dried.

[0190] The door opening / closing detection unit (162) can obtain information to determine whether there is a user action of opening the door (130) and taking out the items to be dried during the entire process including the washing process, drying process, or sterilization process, and transmit the obtained information to the control unit (50).

[0191] The control unit (50) can determine whether a user has taken any action, such as opening the door (130) and removing the dry material contained inside the drum (120), based on information received from the door opening / closing detection unit (162). Accordingly, the control unit (50) can determine whether or not to perform a sterilization process based on whether or not the user has taken any action.

[0192] The sterilizing lamp position detection unit (163) can obtain information for determining the position of the sterilizing lamp (123) performing the sterilizing process or the lifter (122) including the sterilizing lamp during the sterilizing process, and transmit the obtained information to the control unit (50).

[0193] The control unit (50) can determine the position of the sterilizing lamp (123) or the lifter (122) including the sterilizing lamp (specifically, whether the sterilizing lamp (123) or the lifter (122) including the sterilizing lamp is located at the reference position) based on the information obtained by the sterilizing lamp position detection unit (163).

[0194] The auxiliary holder fastening detection unit (164) can collect information to determine whether a part of the auxiliary holder (250) is inserted into the groove (251) provided in the drum (120). The auxiliary holder fastening detection unit (164) can transmit the acquired information to the control unit (50). The control unit (50) can determine whether the auxiliary holder (250) is fastened to the groove (251) provided in the drum (120) based on the sensor data acquired by the auxiliary holder fastening detection unit (164).

[0195] The control unit (50) can control various components of the dryer (1) (e.g., driving unit (60), communication unit (150), power supply unit (124), compressor (73) and / or heater (170)).

[0196] The control unit (50) can control various components of the dryer (1) to perform at least one operation including water supply, washing, rinsing, dehydration, and / or drying according to user input. For example, the control unit (50) can control the driving device (60) to adjust the rotation speed of the drum (30), control the compressor (73) and / or the heater (170) to maintain the temperature of the air flowing into the inside of the drum (30a) at a predetermined target temperature, and control the power supply device (124) to supply power to the sterilizing lamp (123) so that ultraviolet rays for sterilization are irradiated.

[0197] In addition, the control unit (50) can receive information on the amount of laundry collected from the amount detection unit (160) and detect the amount of laundry contained in the drum (30a) based on the processed data.

[0198] The control unit (50) can process information collected from the auxiliary stand fixation detection unit (164), and can also determine whether the auxiliary stand (250) is fixed inside the drum (30a) based on the information collected from the sensor device.

[0199] The control unit (50) may be mounted on a printed circuit board provided on the rear of a control panel, which is an example of a user interface device (40), for example.

[0200] The control unit (50) can be electrically connected to the four interface devices (40), the driving device (60), the communication unit (150), the power device (124), and the sensor unit (165).

[0201] The control unit (50) may include hardware such as a CPU, Micom, or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit (50) may include at least one memory (52) storing data in the form of a program and an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the dryer (1), and at least one processor (51) that performs the operations described above and operations to be described below using data stored in the at least one memory (52). The memory (52) and the processor (51) may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor (51) may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory (52) may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. In addition, the memory (52) and the processor (51) may be implemented as a single chip.

[0202] The processor (51) can determine a reference position of at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123), and control the driving device (60) so that at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) is positioned at the reference position.

[0203] At this time, the processor (51) can determine whether a preset sterilization process start condition has been achieved after the drying process is completed, and in response to the sterilization process start condition being achieved, determine a reference position of the at least one lifter (122) including the at least one sterilization lamp (123).

[0204] The processor (51) can determine the humidity of the object to be dried based on the information obtained by the humidity detection unit (161), and can determine that the condition for starting the sterilization process has been achieved based on the humidity of the object to be dried being higher than a preset humidity.

[0205] The above processor (51)

[0206] Based on the information regarding the opening and closing of the door (130) received from the door opening and closing detection unit (162), it is determined whether the door (130) has been opened for a first time preset by the user from the time of the end of the drying process, and in response to the door (130) not being opened for the first time, it is determined that the sterilization process initiation condition has been fulfilled.

[0207] The processor (51) can determine whether the user is absent for a preset second period of time after the drying process is completed based on the user GPS information received from the user device (2) through the communication unit (150), and can determine that the preset condition is fulfilled in response to the user being absent for the second period of time.

[0208] At least one processor (51) can transmit information about the end of the drying process to the user device (2) through the communication unit (150), and then, in response to receiving a control command about the start of the sterilization process from the user device (2), determine that a preset condition has been achieved.

[0209] At least one processor (51) can determine the reference position of the lifter (122) so that the lifter (122) is located at the top inside the drum based on the amount of the detected dry matter being greater than a preset reference amount.

[0210] At least one processor (51) can determine a reference position of the lifter (122) based on the amount of the object to be dried, such that the distance between the lifter (122) and the object to be dried has a preset reference distance range based on the amount of the object to be dried.

[0211] At least one processor (51) can determine whether the auxiliary holder (250) is attached to the drum (120) based on the detection value of the auxiliary holder attachment detection unit (164), and can determine the position of the lifter (122) so that the lifter (122) is located at the top inside the drum based on the auxiliary holder (250) being attached to the drum (120).

[0212] At least one processor (51) can control a power supply (124) to turn on the sterilizing module (123) for a reference time in response to at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) being positioned at a determined reference position.

[0213] At least one processor (51) can control the power supply (124) to turn off the sterilizing lamp (123) based on the elapsed time of a reference time, control the driving device (60) to rotate the drum (120), and then control the power supply (124) to turn on the sterilizing lamp (123).

[0214] At least one memory (52) can store a cycle profile corresponding to a drying course and an operating time of the dryer (1), a washing course and an operating time of the dryer (1), and a washing setting / rinsing setting / spin setting / drying setting. The cycle profile can include a rotation speed of the drum (120) in the drying cycle, a target temperature of air supplied to the inside of the drum (30a), etc.

[0215] At least one memory (52) can store information data regarding the stacking height of the object to be dried within the drum corresponding to the amount of the object to be dried. In addition, at least one memory (52) can store data regarding the optimal distance range between the object to be dried and the lifter (122) including the sterilizing lamp (123) according to the stacking height of the object to be dried or the amount of the object to be dried, so as to perform the sterilization process with optimal efficiency.

[0216] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating communication between a dryer and a user device according to one embodiment.

[0217] A dryer (1) according to one embodiment may include a communication unit (150) capable of communicating with another home appliance, a user device (2), or a server (3), a user interface (40) for receiving user input or outputting information to a user, at least one processor (51) for controlling the operation of the dryer (1), and at least one memory (52) for storing a program for controlling the operation of the dryer (1).

[0218] The server (3) may include a communication module capable of communicating with the dryer (1) or the user device (2), at least one processor capable of processing data received from another server, the dryer (1) or the user device (2), and at least one memory capable of storing a program for processing data or processed data. The server (3) may be implemented as various computing devices such as a workstation, a cloud, a data drive, a data station, etc. The server (3) may be implemented as one or more servers that are physically or logically separated based on function, detailed configuration of function, or data, and may transmit and receive data through communication between each server and process the transmitted and received data.

[0219] The server (3) can perform functions such as managing user accounts, registering a dryer (1) by linking it to a user account, and managing or controlling the registered dryer (1). For example, a user can access the server (3) through a user device (2) and create a user account. The user account can be identified by an ID and password set by the user. The server (3) can register the dryer (1) to the user account according to a set procedure. For example, the server (3) can link identification information of the dryer (1) (e.g., serial number or MAC address, etc.) to the user account, thereby registering, managing, and controlling the dryer (1).

[0220] The user device (2) may include a communication module capable of communicating with the dryer (1) or the server (3), a user interface for receiving user input or outputting information to the user, at least one processor for controlling the operation of the user device (2), and at least one memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the user device (2) is stored.

[0221] The user device (2) may be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office, etc. The user device (2) may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer, a terminal, a portable telephone, a smart phone, a handheld device, a wearable device, etc.

[0222] A program for controlling the dryer (1), i.e., an application, may be stored in the memory of the user device (2). The application may be sold installed in the user device (2) or downloaded and installed from an external server.

[0223] A user can access a server (3) by executing an application installed on a user device (2), create a user account, and communicate with the server (3) based on the logged-in user account to register a dryer (1).

[0224] For example, when the dryer (1) is operated so that the dryer (1) can be connected to the server (3) according to the procedure guided by the application installed on the user device (2), the dryer (1) can be registered in the user account by registering the identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the dryer (1) in the corresponding user account on the server (3).

[0225] A user can control a dryer (1) using an application installed on a user device (2). For example, when a user logs into a user account using an application installed on a user device (2), a dryer (1) registered to the user account appears, and when a control command for the dryer (1) is input, the control command can be transmitted to the dryer (1) via a server (3).

[0226] For example, a user can input a control command for initiating a sterilization process into the user device (2), and the input sterilization process initiation control command can be transmitted to the dryer (1) via the server (3).

[0227] A network can include both wired and wireless networks. Wired networks include cable networks or telephone networks, while wireless networks can include any network that transmits and receives signals via radio waves. Wired and wireless networks can be interconnected.

[0228] A network may include a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an access point (AP), and a short-range wireless network that does not use an access point (AP). Short-range wireless networks may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC), Z-Wave, etc.

[0229] An access point (AP) can connect a dryer (1) or a user device (2) to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server (3) is connected. The dryer (1) or a user device (2) can be connected to the server (3) via the wide area network (WAN).

[0230] The access point (AP) can communicate with the dryer (1) or user device (2) using wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), or Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), and can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, but is not limited thereto.

[0231] According to various embodiments, the dryer (1) may be directly connected to a user device (2) or a server (3) without going through an access point (AP).

[0232] The dryer (1) can be connected to a user device (2) or a server (3) via a long-range wireless network or a short-range wireless network.

[0233] For example, the dryer (1) can be connected to the user device (2) via a short-range wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct).

[0234] As another example, the dryer (1) may be connected to a user device (2) or a server (3) via a wide area network (WAN) using a long-distance wireless network (e.g., a cellular communication module).

[0235] As another example, the dryer (1) can be connected to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication and connected to a user device (2) or a server (3) through the wide area network (WAN).

[0236] If the dryer (1) can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, it can also function as an access relay. Accordingly, the dryer (1) can connect other home appliances to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected. In addition, other home appliances can connect the dryer (1) to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected.

[0237] The dryer (1) can transmit information about its operation or status to another home appliance, a user device (2), or a server (3) via a network. Specifically, the dryer (1) can transmit information about its operation or status to another home appliance, a user device (2), or the server (3) when a request is received from the server (3), when a specific event occurs in the dryer (1) (e.g., the end of the drying process), or periodically or in real time. When the server (3) receives information about its operation or status from the dryer (1), it can update the stored information about the operation or status of the dryer (1) and transmit the updated information about the operation and status of the dryer (1) to the user device (2) via the network. Here, updating information can include various operations in which existing information is changed, such as an operation of adding new information to existing information and an operation of replacing existing information with new information.

[0238] That is, the communication unit (150) of the dryer (1) can transmit information regarding the end of the drying process to the user device (2) via the network.

[0239] The dryer (1) can obtain various information from other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3), and provide the obtained information to the user. For example, the dryer (1) can obtain information related to the function of the dryer (1) (e.g., washing instructions, etc.), various environmental information (e.g., weather, temperature, humidity, etc.), and / or information about the user (e.g., user GPS information, etc.) from the server (3), and output the obtained information through the user interface (40).

[0240] The dryer (1) can operate according to a control command received from another home appliance, a user device (2), or a server (3). For example, in response to receiving a control command for initiating a sterilization process from a user device (2), the dryer (1) can determine that a preset condition has been met and control the driving device (60), the laundry weight detection unit (160), the auxiliary stand attachment detection unit (164), and / or the power supply (124) to initiate the sterilization process.

[0241] In addition, if the dryer (1) obtains prior approval from the user so that it can operate according to the control command of the server (3) even without user input, the dryer (1) can operate according to the control command received from the server (3). Here, the control command received from the server (3) may include, but is not limited to, a control command input by the user through the user device (2) or a control command based on preset conditions.

[0242] The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the dryer (1) or the server (3) via the communication module. For example, the user device (2) can transmit information about the user's location (e.g., GPS information), the user's health status, the user's preferences, the user's schedule, etc. to the server (3). The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the server (3) with the user's prior consent.

[0243] The dryer (1), user device (2), or server (3) may determine control commands using technologies such as artificial intelligence. For example, the server (3) may receive information regarding the operation or status of the dryer (1) or information regarding the user of the user device (2), process the information using technologies such as artificial intelligence, and transmit the processing result or control command to the dryer (1) or user device (2) based on the processing result.

[0244] Accordingly, the processor (51) of the dryer (1) can initiate a sterilization process based on a user input transmitted from the user device (2) during or after the drying process is completed.

[0245] For example, the processor (51) can determine whether the user is out of a preset geographic range from the dryer (1) for a preset time after the drying process is completed based on user GPS information received from the user device (2) through the communication unit (150).

[0246] If the processor (51) determines that the user is absent, it can determine that a preset condition has been fulfilled in response.

[0247] At least one processor (51) can transmit information about the end of the drying process to the user device (2) through the communication unit (150), and then, in response to receiving a control command about the start of the sterilization process from the user device (2), determine that a preset condition has been achieved.

[0248] The above has described the process of determining whether a preset condition for initiating a sterilization process of a dryer (1) has been achieved. Below, in response to the achievement of a preset condition, the process of determining a reference position of at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilization lamp (123) will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0249] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining an example of determining a reference position of one lifter including one sterilizing lamp when the amount of dried material in the drum of the dryer is greater than a reference value.

[0250] According to one embodiment, the processor (51) can detect the amount of the dry material contained inside the drum (120) based on data received from the amount detection unit (160).

[0251] The processor (51) can determine the stacking height of the object to be dried corresponding to the detected amount of the object to be dried based on information data on the stacking height of the object to be dried within the drum corresponding to the amount of the object to be dried stored in the memory (52).

[0252] At this time, the processor (51) can determine whether the stacking height of the determined drying material is equal to or higher than the reference height (Hr). The reference height is the height from the lowest part (Hm) of the drum (120), and can be preset in the manufacturing process of the dryer (1), and can also be set or changed based on user input entered through the user interface (40).

[0253] For example, the reference height may correspond to the radius of the drum (120). When the reference height corresponds to the radius of the drum (120), if the stacking height of the drying material is equal to or greater than the reference height, the drying material may be stacked to a position higher than the radius of the drum (120).

[0254] The processor (51) can determine that the amount of the detected drying material is greater than or equal to a preset standard amount when the stacking height of the determined drying material is greater than or equal to a standard height. The preset standard amount can be set or changed as the preset standard height is set or changed.

[0255] Accordingly, the processor (51) can determine the reference position of the lifter (122) so that the lifter (122) is located at the top inside the drum based on the detected amount of the dry matter being greater than a preset reference amount.

[0256] At this time, the top part of the drum (120) may correspond to a position having the maximum height (HM) among the height range (i.e., Hm or more and HM or less in FIG. 9) that the lifter (122) can have when the drum (120) rotates by the driving device (60).

[0257] The total amount of ultraviolet rays per unit area irradiated by the UV lamp (123a) included in the sterilizing lamp (123) (i.e., the luminous intensity of the UV lamp (123a)) is inversely proportional to the square of the distance. Therefore, when the amount of the object to be dried is greater than a preset standard amount, the lifter (122) including the sterilizing lamp (123) can be positioned at the topmost part of the drum (120) to increase the total amount of ultraviolet rays reaching the object to be dried per unit area, thereby allowing a powerful sterilization process to be performed.

[0258] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining an example of determining a reference position of one lifter including at least one sterilizing lamp when the amount of a drying material in a drum of a dryer is less than a reference value.

[0259] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining another example of determining a reference position of one lifter including at least one sterilizing lamp when the amount of the drying material in the drum of the dryer is less than a reference value.

[0260] The processor (51) can determine that the amount of the detected drying material is less than the standard amount when the stacking height of the determined drying material (H1 of FIG. 10 or H2 of FIG. 11) is less than the standard height (Hr of FIGS. 10 and 11).

[0261] If the detected amount of the drying material is less than the reference amount, when the lifter (122) including the sterilizing lamp (123) is positioned at the top of the drum (120), the distance between the drying material and the sterilizing lamp (123) may be greater than when positioned at other locations. Consequently, the sterilizing efficiency may decrease. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the optimal position of the lifter (122) based on the stacking height according to the amount of the drying material.

[0262] For example, comparing Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the greater the amount of the drying material, the higher the stacking height of the drying material. (i.e., H1>H2)

[0263] Assuming that the lifter (122) is located at the same position (i.e., when the vertical distance from the bottom of the drum (Hm) is equal to H1'), the more the amount of the material to be dried, the shorter the vertical distance from the lifter (122) to the position where the material to be dried is stacked (i.e., the distance from the position of the lifter (122) within the drum to the part where it touches the material to be dried in the direction of gravity) becomes (i.e., H1'- H1< H1'- H2).

[0264] Accordingly, as the amount of the drying material increases, the distance (d) for the ultraviolet radiation irradiated from the lifter (122) to reach the drying material increases, so the amount of ultraviolet radiation reaching per unit area of ​​the drying material may decrease.

[0265] That is, when the position of the lifter (122) is fixed, the sterilization efficiency may vary depending on the amount of the object to be dried even if the output of the sterilization lamp (123) is the same.

[0266] Therefore, it is necessary to determine a standard distance range between the lifter (122) and the object to be dried that can derive the optimal sterilization efficiency depending on the amount of the object to be dried (i.e., the standard distance range between the lifter (122) and the object to be dried means a distance range that the ultraviolet radiation irradiated from at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) can have at a distance (d) that can reach the object to be dried).

[0267] At this time, the processor (51) can determine a standard distance range between the lifter (122) including the sterilizing lamp (123) and the drying material based on data on the distance that can achieve optimal sterilization efficiency according to the amount of the drying material stored in the memory (52).

[0268] Data on the distance that can achieve optimal sterilization efficiency according to the amount of the drying material can be stored in advance in the memory (52) during the manufacturing process of the dryer (1) based on multiple experimental values, and as described above in FIG. 8, the data can also be updated by the server (3) or the user device (2).

[0269] Accordingly, the processor (51) can determine the reference position of the lifter (122) so that the lifter (122) is located at a position having the reference distance range from the object to be dried based on the determination of the reference distance range between the lifter (122) and the object to be dried.

[0270] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating another example of determining a reference position of a plurality of lifters including at least one sterilizing lamp.

[0271] According to one embodiment, the dryer (1) may include a plurality of lifters (122) each including at least one germicidal lamp (123).

[0272] At this time, as a method for determining the reference position of each of the plurality of lifters (122), the method for determining the position of one lifter (122) can be applied in the same manner.

[0273] When there are multiple lifters (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123), the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated to the object to be dried can increase depending on the number of lifters (122).

[0274] Additionally, ultraviolet rays can be irradiated from various directions depending on the position of each lifter (122).

[0275] Accordingly, the processor (51) can determine a reference distance range between the plurality of lifters (122) and the object to be dried by considering the increase in the amount of light and the direction of irradiation in addition to the amount of the object to be dried detected.

[0276] That is, the processor (51) can determine a standard distance range between the object to be dried and a plurality of lifters (122) including sterilizing lamps (123) based on data on the distance that can produce the optimal sterilization efficiency according to the amount of the object to be dried stored in the memory (52), while taking into account the increased light quantity and irradiation direction.

[0277] At this time, the reference distance range between the dry objects of each lifter (122) may be the same or different.

[0278] Accordingly, the processor (51) can determine the reference position of the lifter (122) so that the plurality of lifters (122) are positioned at a position having the reference distance range from the object to be dried based on the determination of the reference distance range between the plurality of lifters (122) and the object to be dried.

[0279] FIG. 12 illustrates that the distance (d) until the ultraviolet radiation irradiated from each of the plurality of lifters (122) reaches the object to be dried is the same, but this should not be interpreted as being limited to this, and if each lifter (122) is located at a position that satisfies the standard distance range, each lifter (122) may be located at a position where the distance (d) until the ultraviolet radiation irradiated from the lifter (11) reaches the object to be dried is different.

[0280] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of determining the position of at least one lifter including at least one sterilizing lamp of the lifter when an auxiliary stand is attached according to one embodiment.

[0281] As described above, the processor (51) can determine whether the auxiliary holder (250) is attached to the inside of the drum (120) by receiving the detection value of the auxiliary holder attachment detection unit (164) provided inside the home (251).

[0282] When an auxiliary holder (250) is fixed inside a drum (120) and an object to be dried, such as a shoe, is accommodated in at least one chamber formed in the auxiliary holder (250), the positions of the auxiliary holder (250) and the object to be dried can be fixed even if the drum (120) is rotated by the driving device (60).

[0283] Since the auxiliary holder (250) and the drying material placed on the auxiliary holder (250) inside the drum (30a) can occupy a large volume, the efficiency of the sterilization process can vary depending on the position of the lifter (122).

[0284] For example, if the lifter (122) is positioned at a vertical height less than the radius of the drum (120), the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the sterilizing lamp (123) by the auxiliary holder (250) may not reach the object to be dried.

[0285] In addition, when shoes are placed on the auxiliary stand (250), the area that primarily requires sterilization will be the inside of the shoes, so when the vertical height of the lifter (122) is positioned at a position corresponding to the radius of the drum (120), ultraviolet rays may only reach the left or right side of the outer surface of the shoes, and may not reach the inner surface.

[0286] Accordingly, in order to derive the optimal sterilization efficiency, the processor (51) can determine the position of the lifter (122) including at least one sterilization lamp (123) as the topmost part within the drum.

[0287] Although the present disclosure discloses that the position of the lifter (122) is determined as the topmost part within the drum, it may be adopted as the position of the lifter (122) if it corresponds to a position suitable for sterilizing the object to be dried placed on the auxiliary holder (250).

[0288] In accordance with various embodiments, the method of determining the reference position of at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) depending on whether an auxiliary stand (250) is fixed inside the drum (120) of the dryer (1) or depending on the amount of the material to be dried has been described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13.

[0289] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 14, a description will be given of how, according to one embodiment, a processor (51) controls a driving device (60) to move at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) to a reference position.

[0290] FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating moving at least one lifter including at least one sterilizing lamp to a reference position according to one embodiment.

[0291] The processor (51) can control the driving device (60) to rotate the drum (120) and determine whether at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) is positioned at a position having a reference distance range.

[0292] For this purpose, at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) may include a light sensor that detects light reflected from the object to be dried.

[0293] At this time, the direction of light irradiated onto the object to be dried is the same as the direction of light irradiated onto the object to be dried from the sterilizing lamp (123).

[0294] In addition to the light sensor, any sensor capable of outputting a detection value for determining the distance between at least one lifter (122) including a sterilizing lamp (123) and the object to be dried may be employed.

[0295] The processor (51) can determine whether at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) is positioned at a position having a reference distance range based on the real-time detection value of the light sensor while rotating the drum (120).

[0296] Accordingly, the processor (51) can control the driving device (60) to continuously rotate the drum (120) until the distance (d) at which ultraviolet radiation irradiated from at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) reaches the object to be dried satisfies the reference distance range.

[0297] That is, the processor (51) can repeat the rotation of the drum (120) until the distance (d) at which ultraviolet radiation irradiated from at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) reaches the object to be dried satisfies the reference distance range.

[0298] Fig. 15 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a control method of a dryer for performing a sterilization process according to one embodiment.

[0299] Referring to FIG. 15, a dryer (1) according to one embodiment can determine whether a preset sterilization process initiation condition is satisfied, and start a sterilization process in response to the sterilization process initiation condition being satisfied (1501).

[0300] The processor (51) can determine that the sterilization process initiation condition is satisfied based on the humidity of the drying material contained inside the drum (120) being higher than the preset humidity.

[0301] The processor (51) receives information on the humidity of the object to be dried from the humidity detection unit (161), and based on the information, can determine whether the humidity of the object to be dried contained inside the drum (120) is higher than a preset humidity.

[0302] The preset humidity can be preset and stored in the memory (52) during the production process of the dryer (1), and can also be described and / or changed by the user through the user interface (40).

[0303] The processor (51) can determine whether the door (130) has been opened for a preset first time from the end point of the drying process, and can determine that the sterilization process initiation condition has been satisfied in response to the door (130) not being opened for the first time.

[0304] The processor (51) can determine whether a door (130) opening event has occurred for a preset first time period based on information related to door opening and closing received from the door opening and closing detection unit (162). Based on this, if the processor (51) determines that the door (130) has remained closed for the first time period (i.e., if it is determined that the door opening event has not occurred, which may include a case in which it is determined that the user has not taken any action after the drying process ends), the processor (51) can determine that the sterilization process initiation condition has been satisfied.

[0305] As another example, the processor (51) can determine whether the user is out of a preset geographic range from the dryer (1) for a preset second time after the end of the drying process based on user GPS information included in user information received from the user device (2) via the communication unit (150).

[0306] The processor (51) may determine that the user is absent if the user is out of a preset geographic range from the dryer (1) for a preset second period of time, and in response, determine that the preset condition has been fulfilled.

[0307] At this time, the process of determining whether the user is absent is performed in the user device (2) or server (3), and the result may be transmitted to the dryer (1) via wireless or wired communication.

[0308] At this time, the preset first time or the preset second time can be preset and stored in the memory (52) during the production process of the dryer (1), and can also be described and / or changed by the user through the user interface (40).

[0309] As another example, the processor (51) may transmit information regarding the end of the drying process to the user device (2) through the communication unit (150), and then, in response to receiving a control command regarding the start of the sterilization process from the user device (2), determine that a preset condition has been achieved.

[0310] In addition, when a user input regarding the start of a sterilization process is received from the user interface (40) during or after the drying process is completed, the sterilization process may be started by determining that a preset condition has been achieved.

[0311] The processor (51) can determine the reference position of at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) based on the initiation of the sterilizing process (1502).

[0312] The reference position of at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) can be determined by determining the reference distance range that the distance (d) that ultraviolet rays irradiated from at least one sterilizing lamp (123) included in at least one lifter (122) can have until they reach the object to be dried in the drum (120).

[0313] The processor (51) can determine a reference distance range based on data regarding the optimal distance (d) for ultraviolet rays to reach the drying object according to the amount of the drying object stored in the memory (52).

[0314] In the case where there are multiple lifters (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123), the reference distance range can be determined by additionally considering the amount of light that increases according to the number of lifters (122) and the variety of directions in which light is irradiated.

[0315] In addition, when there are multiple lifters (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123), the reference distance range of each lifter (122) may be the same or different. Accordingly, the vertical distance from the determined reference position of each lifter (122) may be the same or different.

[0316] In addition, the processor (51) can determine the reference position of at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) depending on whether an auxiliary holder (250) is fixed inside the drum. A specific method for determining the reference position of at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) is described in detail below with reference to FIG. 17.

[0317] The processor (51) can control the driving device (60) to rotate the drum (120) when the reference position of at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) is determined (1503).

[0318] The processor (51) controls the driving device (60) to rotate the drum (120), and based on the information acquired by the sterilizing lamp position detection unit (163) included in the lifter (122), it can determine whether the distance (d) until the ultraviolet radiation irradiated from at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) reaches the object to be dried is within the reference distance range.

[0319] That is, as described above with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the processor (51) can rotate the drum (120) so that the lifter (122) including the sterilizing lamp (123) is positioned at a position that satisfies the reference distance range between the object to be dried and the lifter (122).

[0320] While the drum (120) rotates, the processor (51) can determine whether the distance between the at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) and the object to be dried satisfies the reference distance based on the information obtained by the sterilizing lamp position detection unit (163).

[0321] The distance between at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) and the object to be dried satisfies the standard distance, which may correspond to the distance (d) until the ultraviolet radiation irradiated from at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) reaches the object to be dried being included within the standard distance range.

[0322] The processor (51) can control the driving device (60) to repeat the rotation of the drum (120) when the distance between the at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) and the object to be dried does not satisfy the reference distance (NO of 1504). That is, the processor (51) can repeatedly rotate the drum to move the at least one lifter (122) to a position where the distance between the at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) and the object to be dried satisfies the reference distance.

[0323] At this time, the processor (51) can detect the change in the magnetic field between the Hall sensor and the permanent magnet as the sterilizing lamp position detection unit (163) rotates the drum (120).

[0324] For example, if the permanent magnet of the sterilizing lamp position detection unit (163) is fixed at an arbitrary position on the inner surface of the tub (115), when the drum (120) rotates and the Hall sensor of the sterilizing lamp position detection unit (163) approaches the permanent magnet, an increase in the magnetic field can be detected, and when the Hall sensor of the sterilizing lamp position detection unit (163) moves away from the permanent magnet, a decrease in the magnetic field can be detected.

[0325] The sterilizing lamp position detection unit (163) can accurately detect even minute changes in position, and the processor (51) can precisely control the sterilizing lamp (123) (or the lifter (122) including the sterilizing lamp) to be positioned exactly at the reference position based on information about changes in the magnetic field detected by the sterilizing lamp position detection unit (163).

[0326] When the distance between at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) and the object to be dried satisfies the reference distance (example of 1504), the processor (51) determines that at least one lifter (122) is located at the reference position, and controls the power supply (124) to turn on at least one sterilizing lamp (123) included in the lifter (122) (1505).

[0327] By positioning at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) at a position that can achieve optimal sterilizing efficiency and then turning on the sterilizing lamp (123), power efficiency can be increased.

[0328] When at least one sterilizing lamp (123) is turned on from the power supply (124) according to the control signal of the processor (51), ultraviolet rays are irradiated to the object to be dried, and a sterilizing process can be performed accordingly.

[0329] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a control method of a dryer for performing a sterilization process after rearranging a drying material according to one embodiment.

[0330] When the drying material is stacked inside the drum (120) of the dryer (1), the amount of ultraviolet rays reaching the lower part of the stacked drying material is less than that reaching the upper part, so a process of rearranging the drying material is necessary during the sterilization process.

[0331] Accordingly, the processor can determine whether the reference time has elapsed after the sterilizing lamp (123) is turned on (1601).

[0332] At this time, the reference time is a preset value that can be input by the user through the user interface (40). Additionally, it can also be determined by the processor (51) based on data regarding the reference time according to the amount of the dry material stored in the memory (52).

[0333] At this time, the reference time according to the amount of the dried material stored in the memory (52) can be updated through the user device (2) or server (3).

[0334] The processor (51) can keep the sterilization lamp (123) turned on so that the sterilization process can be performed for the standard time if the standard time has elapsed (No of 1601).

[0335] On the other hand, if the processor (51) determines that the reference time has elapsed (example of 1601), it can control the power supply (124) to turn off the sterilizing lamp (123) (1602).

[0336] The processor (51) can control the driving device (60) to rotate the drum (120) to rearrange the drying material inside the drum (120) after turning off the sterilizing lamp (123). (1603)

[0337] At this time, the output of the driving device (60) can be determined depending on the detected amount of the object to be dried, the type of the object to be dried, and whether the auxiliary stand (250) is attached.

[0338] For example, when the amount of the drying material is relatively small, the drying material can be rearranged within the drum (120) even with a weak output, and rather, a strong output can damage the drying material, so the output of the driving device (60) can be determined to be relatively weak.

[0339] The processor (51) can control the power supply (124) to rotate the drum (120) with the determined output and then turn on the sterilizing lamp (123) again (1604).

[0340] Accordingly, ultraviolet rays can be irradiated to the object to be dried while the object to be dried is rearranged within the drum (120), so that the sterilization process can be performed more efficiently when the sterilization lamp (123) is continuously turned on without rotating the drum.

[0341] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a control method of a dryer for determining a reference position of at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) according to one embodiment.

[0342] According to one example, the processor (51) can determine the reference position of at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) inside the drum based on whether an auxiliary holder (250) is attached inside the drum (120) or the amount of the material to be dried.

[0343] The processor (51) can determine whether the auxiliary holder (250) is attached inside the drum (120) based on the detection value received from the auxiliary holder attachment detection unit (164) (1701).

[0344] If the processor (51) determines that the auxiliary holder (250) is not attached inside the drum (120) (No in 1701), the processor (51) can detect the amount of the dry material contained inside the drum (120) based on the sensing data received from the amount detection unit (160) (1702).

[0345] At this time, if the processor (51) determines that the amount of the detected drying material is less than the reference amount (No of 1702), the processor can determine the reference position of at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) so that there is a reference distance range between the drying material and at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) (1703).

[0346] On the other hand, if the processor (51) determines that the auxiliary holder (250) is fixed inside the drum (120) (example of 1701) or determines that the amount of the detected drying material is greater than the reference amount (example of 1702), the processor (51) can determine the reference position of at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) so that at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) is located at the top inside the drum (1704).

[0347] When the reference position of at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) is determined, the processor (51) can perform an operation (i.e., 1503 of FIG. 15) to rotate the drum (120) by controlling the driving device (60) to position the lifter to the determined position in response thereto.

[0348] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, the drying material contained inside the drum (120) can be sterilized after the drying process is completed or during the drying process.

[0349] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, the sterilization efficiency can be increased by positioning the sterilization lamp (123) that performs the sterilization process at an optimal distance according to the amount of the drying material accommodated inside the drum (120).

[0350] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, energy efficiency can be improved by operating the sterilizing lamp (123) after the sterilizing lamp (123) is positioned at an optimal position.

[0351] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, in performing a sterilization process, the drying object can be evenly sterilized through a process of rearranging the drying object.

[0352] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0353] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a dryer (1) comprises: a main body (110); a drum (120) that receives an object to be dried and is rotatably installed inside the main body; a driving device (60) that provides rotational force to the drum (120); a plurality of lifters (121, 122) mounted on an inner surface of the drum (120); and a processor (51) that controls the driving device, wherein at least one lifter (122) among the plurality of lifters (121, 122) includes at least one sterilizing lamp (123), and the processor (51) determines a reference position of the at least one lifter (122) including the at least one sterilizing lamp (123) and controls the driving device (60) so that the at least one lifter (122) including the at least one sterilizing lamp (123) is positioned at the reference position.

[0354] The processor (51) can determine whether a preset sterilization process start condition is satisfied after the drying process is completed, and in response to the sterilization process start condition being satisfied, determine a reference position of the at least one lifter (122) including the at least one sterilization lamp (123).

[0355] The above dryer (1) further includes a humidity detection unit (161) that obtains information on the humidity of the object to be dried inside the drum (120), and the processor (51) can determine that the sterilization process initiation condition is satisfied based on the humidity of the object to be dried being equal to or greater than a preset humidity based on the information.

[0356] The above dryer (1) is,

[0357] It further includes a door (130); and a door opening / closing detection unit (162) that obtains information on the opening / closing of the door;

[0358] The above processor,

[0359] Based on the information regarding the opening and closing of the door (130) received from the door opening and closing detection unit (162), it is determined whether the door (130) has been opened for a first time set in advance from the time point at which the drying process ends, and in response to the door (130) not being opened for the first time, it is determined that the sterilization process initiation condition has been satisfied.

[0360] The above dryer (1) further includes a communication unit (330) that communicates with a user device, and the processor (51) determines whether the user is absent for a preset second time from the time of completion of the drying process based on user information including user GPS information received from the user device (2), and determines that the preset condition is fulfilled in response to the user being absent for the preset second time.

[0361] The processor (51) transmits information regarding the end of the drying process to the user device (2) through the communication unit (330), and then, in response to receiving a control command regarding the start of the sterilization process from the user device (2), determines that the preset sterilization process start condition is satisfied.

[0362] The above dryer (1) further includes a laundry weight detection unit (160) that obtains information about the amount of the drying material accommodated inside the drum (120), and the laundry weight detection unit (160) may include at least one of a weight sensor, a light sensor, an infrared sensor, and a current sensor. In this case, the current sensor may be configured to detect a torque value generated by rotation of the driving device.

[0363] The processor (51) can determine the reference position of the lifter (122) such that the lifter (122) including the at least one sterilizing lamp (123) is located at the topmost part of the drum based on the detected amount of the dry matter being greater than or equal to a preset reference amount.

[0364] The processor (51) determines a reference distance range between the at least one lifter (122) including the at least one sterilizing lamp (123) and the object to be dried based on the amount of the object to be dried being less than a preset reference amount, and determines a reference position of the lifter (122) so that the reference distance range exists between the at least one lifter (122) including the at least one sterilizing lamp (123) and the object to be dried.

[0365] The above dryer (1) has at least one groove (251) in which an auxiliary stand (250) can be fixed; and

[0366] It further includes an auxiliary holder fixation detection unit (164) provided inside at least one of the grooves (25); and the processor (51) determines whether the auxiliary holder (250) is fixed inside the drum (120) based on a detection value of the auxiliary holder fixation detection unit (164), and based on the auxiliary holder (250) being fixed inside the drum (120), determines a reference position of the lifter (122) such that the lifter (122) including the at least one sterilizing lamp (123) is located at the uppermost part inside the drum (120).

[0367] The above auxiliary stand fixation detection unit (164) may include a Hall sensor.

[0368] The above dryer (1) further includes a power supply device (124) that supplies power to the sterilizing lamp (123), and the power supply device (124) may include a generator (125) that is provided inside the at least one lifter (122) including the at least one sterilizing lamp (123) and generates power to be supplied to the sterilizing lamp (123), or at least one capacitor (126) that is connected between the generator (125) and the sterilizing lamp (123).

[0369] The power supply device (124) may include a power terminal (127) provided on the upper part of the outer surface of the drum (120) and electrically connected to the sterilizing lamp (123), and a power supply unit (128) provided on the outside of the drum (120) and connected to the power terminal (127) to supply power to the sterilizing lamp (123).

[0370] The processor (51) can control the power supply (124) to turn on the sterilizing lamp (123) for a preset reference time in response to the at least one lifter (122) including the at least one sterilizing lamp (123) being located at the determined reference position.

[0371] The processor (51) can control the power supply (124) to turn off the sterilizing lamp (123) based on the elapsed time of the reference time, control the driving device (60) to rotate the drum (120), and then control the power supply (124) to turn on the sterilizing lamp (123).

[0372] A method for controlling a dryer (1) comprising a main body (110), a drum (120) that accommodates a material to be dried and is rotatably installed inside the main body (110), a driving device (60) that provides rotational force to the drum (120), and at least one lifter (122) that includes at least one sterilizing lamp (123) that performs a sterilizing process among a plurality of lifters (121, 122) mounted on an inner surface of the drum (120), may include determining whether a preset condition has been achieved, determining a reference position of the at least one lifter (122) including the at least one sterilizing lamp (123) in response to the preset condition being achieved, and positioning the at least one lifter (122) including the at least one sterilizing lamp (123) at the reference position.

[0373] Determining whether a preset condition has been achieved may include determining that the sterilization process initiation condition has been satisfied based on the humidity of the drying object detected by the humidity detection unit (161) being equal to or greater than the preset humidity.

[0374] Determining whether a preset condition is achieved includes determining whether the door (130) has been opened by the user for a preset first time from the end point of the drying process based on information about the opening and closing of the door (130) received from the door opening and closing detection unit (162); and determining that the sterilization process start condition is satisfied in response to the door (130) not being opened for the first time.

[0375] Determining whether a preset condition has been achieved may further include transmitting information regarding the end of the drying process to the user device (2) via the communication unit (330), and then determining that the preset condition has been achieved in response to receiving a control command regarding the start of a sterilization process from the user device (2).

[0376] The above dryer (1) further includes a laundry weight detection unit (160) that detects the amount of the laundry to be dried contained inside the drum (120), and determining the reference position of the at least one lifter (122) including at least one sterilizing lamp (123) may further include determining the reference position of the lifter (122) such that the lifter (122) including the at least one sterilizing lamp (123) is located at the uppermost part of the drum based on the detected laundry weight being equal to or greater than a preset reference amount.

[0377] Determining the reference position of the at least one lifter (122) including the at least one sterilizing lamp (123) may further include determining a reference distance range between the at least one lifter (122) including the at least one sterilizing lamp (123) and the object to be dried based on the amount of the object to be dried being less than a preset reference amount, and determining the reference position of the lifter (122) so that there is a reference distance range between the at least one lifter (122) including the at least one sterilizing lamp (123) and the object to be dried.

[0378] The above dryer (1) further includes at least one groove (251) in which an auxiliary stand (250) can be fixed and an auxiliary stand fixing detection unit (164) provided inside the at least one groove (251).

[0379] Determining the reference position of the at least one lifter (122) including the at least one sterilizing lamp (123) is as follows:

[0380] Determine whether the auxiliary stand (250) is fixed inside the drum (120),

[0381] The method may further include determining a reference position of the lifter (122) such that the lifter (122) including the at least one sterilizing lamp (123) is positioned at the top of the drum (120) based on the auxiliary stand (250) being fixed inside the drum (120).

[0382] The control method of the above dryer (1) may further include controlling the power supply (124) so ​​that the sterilizing lamp (123) is turned on for a preset reference time in response to the at least one lifter (122) including the at least one sterilizing lamp (123) being positioned at the determined reference position.

[0383] 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.

[0384] 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.

[0385] 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.

[0386] 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.

[0387] The above illustrates and describes specific embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. Main body; A drum that accommodates a drying material and is rotatably installed inside the main body; A driving device that provides rotational force to the above drum; A plurality of lifters mounted on the inner surface of the drum; and A processor controlling the above driving device; At least one of the plurality of lifters, Containing at least one germicidal lamp, The above processor, A dryer that determines a reference position of at least one lifter including at least one sterilizing lamp, and controls the driving device so that the at least one lifter including the at least one sterilizing lamp is positioned at the reference position.

2. In paragraph 1, The above processor, After the drying process is completed, it is determined whether the preset sterilization process start conditions have been met. A dryer for determining a reference position of at least one lifter including at least one sterilizing lamp in response to satisfying the above sterilizing administration initiation condition.

3. In paragraph 2, The above dryer, Further comprising a humidity detection unit for obtaining information on the humidity of the drying material inside the drum; The above processor, A dryer that determines that the sterilization process initiation condition is satisfied based on the humidity of the drying material being higher than the preset humidity based on the information.

4. In paragraph 2, The above dryer, A door; and a door opening / closing detection unit for obtaining information about the opening / closing of the door; The above processor, Based on the door opening / closing information received from the door opening / closing detection unit, it is determined whether the door has been opened for a preset first time from the end of the drying process, A dryer that determines that the sterilization process initiation condition is satisfied in response to the door not being opened for the first time period.

5. In paragraph 2, The above dryer, Further comprising a communication unit for communicating with a user device; The above processor, Based on the user information including the user GPS information received from the user device, it is determined whether the user is absent for a preset second period of time from the end of the drying process, A dryer that determines that the sterilization administration initiation condition is fulfilled in response to the user being absent for the preset second time period.

6. In paragraph 2, The above processor, Transmitting information about the end of the drying process to the user device through the communication unit, A dryer that determines that the sterilization administration start condition has been fulfilled in response to receiving a control command for sterilization administration start from the user device.

7. In paragraph 1, The above dryer, Further comprising a quantity detection unit for obtaining information on the quantity of the drying material accommodated inside the drum; The above processor, The amount of the dry material is determined based on information about the amount of the dry material received from the amount detection unit, A dryer that determines the reference position of the lifter based on the amount of the drying material.

8. In paragraph 4, The above-mentioned quantity detection unit is, A dryer comprising at least one of a weight sensor, a light sensor, an infrared sensor, and a current sensor.

9. In paragraph 5, The above current sensor, A dryer configured to detect a torque value generated by rotation of the above driving device.

10. In paragraph 7, The above processor, A dryer that determines the reference position of the lifter such that the lifter including the at least one sterilizing lamp is located at the uppermost position within the drum based on the amount of the detected drying material being greater than or equal to a preset reference amount.

11. In paragraph 10, The above processor, A dryer for determining a reference distance range between the at least one lifter including the at least one sterilizing lamp and the object to be dried based on the amount of the object to be dried being less than a preset reference amount, and determining a reference position of the lifter so that the reference distance range is present between the at least one lifter including the at least one sterilizing lamp and the object to be dried.

12. In paragraph 1, The above dryer, At least one groove in which an auxiliary stand can be secured; and Further comprising a sensor device provided inside at least one of the above homes; The above processor, Based on the detection value of the above sensor device, it is determined whether the auxiliary stand is fixed inside the drum, A dryer wherein the reference position of the lifter including the at least one sterilizing lamp is determined so that the lifter is positioned at the uppermost position within the drum based on the auxiliary stand being fixed within the drum.

13. In paragraph 1 The above dryer, Further comprising a power supply device for supplying power to the above sterilizing lamp; The above power supply device, A dryer comprising a generator for generating power to be supplied to the germicidal lamp or at least one capacitor connected between the generator and the germicidal lamp, the generator being provided inside the at least one lifter including the at least one germicidal lamp.

14. In paragraph 13, The above power supply device, A dryer comprising a power terminal section provided on the upper part of the outer surface of the drum and electrically connected to the sterilizing lamp, and a power supply section provided on the outside of the drum and connected to the power terminal section to supply power to the sterilizing lamp.

15. In paragraph 13 or 14, The above processor, A dryer that controls a power supply to turn on the germicidal lamp for a preset reference time in response to the at least one lifter including the at least one germicidal lamp being positioned at the determined reference position.

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