Dryer

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dryer using dielectric heating and a control method thereof. The dryer of the present invention comprises: a body; a drum provided inside the body and accommodating an object therein; a fan for circulating air in the drum; a motor for circulating at least one of the drum and the fan; an energy harvester for collecting magnetic energy from a magnetic field formed in the motor; a plurality of electrodes provided in the body to be spaced apart from each other and forming a magnetic field in the drum; a first power controller connected to a commercial power source and the plurality of electrodes; and a second power controller for generating a driving signal by using power supplied from the energy harvester and transmitting the generated driving signal to the first power controller. The first power controller of the dryer according to one aspect converts power supplied from the commercial power source into power having a preset frequency and a preset magnitude on the basis of a driving signal received from the second power controller, and applies the converted power to the plurality of electrodes.

Description

dryer

[0001] The present invention relates to a dryer that dries an object using genetic heating.

[0002] A dryer is a device that dries an object (e.g., clothing) by removing moisture contained in the object.

[0003] Depending on the heat source that heats the air, dryers can be divided into heater types, heat pump types, and hybrid types that use both a heater and a heat pump.

[0004] These dryers use high temperatures of 50 to 70°C to dry objects for extended periods of time. Because of this, previous dryers have been prone to shrinkage and damage when drying objects.

[0005] One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a dryer that forms an electric field between a plurality of electrodes using first and second power controllers and reduces noise applied to a first power controller using a second power controller.

[0006] Another aspect of the disclosed invention provides a dryer that supplies power to at least one sensor using a second power controller.

[0007] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, a dryer comprises: a main body; a drum provided inside the main body and accommodating an object; a fan for circulating air in the drum; a motor for rotating at least one of the drum and the fan; an energy harvester for collecting magnetic energy from a magnetic field formed in the motor; a plurality of electrodes provided spaced apart from each other inside the main body and forming an electric field in the drum; a first power controller connected to a commercial power source and the plurality of electrodes; and a second power controller for generating a driving signal using power supplied from the energy harvester and transmitting the generated driving signal to the first power controller. The first power controller of the dryer according to one aspect converts power supplied from a commercial power source into power having a preset frequency and a preset magnitude based on the driving signal received from the second power controller and applies the converted power to the plurality of electrodes.

[0008] A first power controller of a dryer according to one aspect includes a switching element that is turned on or off based on a driving signal.

[0009] A second power controller of a dryer according to one aspect includes a transformer having a primary side connected to an energy harvester and a secondary side connected to a switching element of the first power controller. The energy harvester and the switching element of the dryer according to one aspect have a structure insulated by the transformer.

[0010] A second power controller of a dryer according to one aspect includes: a power converter that converts a component of power generated from an energy harvester or converts a voltage of power generated from the energy harvester; a charging unit that stores power converted by the power converter; a signal generator that receives the power stored in the charging unit and generates a source signal; and a gate driver that is provided with a transformer and receives the power stored in the charging unit and generates a driving signal based on the source signal received from the signal generator.

[0011] The power converter, charger and signal generator of the dryer according to one aspect are not connected to the ground of the first power controller and are floating.

[0012] The power converter, charging unit and signal generator of the dryer according to one aspect are provided on the primary side of the transformer and are insulated from the first power controller so as to block the inflow of noise from the first power controller.

[0013] The switching elements of the dryer according to one aspect can block noise from entering the power converter, charging unit and signal generator by the transformer.

[0014] The dryer according to one aspect may further include at least one sensor that is supplied with power stored in the charging unit.

[0015] According to one aspect, the dryer may further include a processor that controls the charging unit to apply power stored in the charging unit to at least one sensor based on a reference sensing cycle, and controls the drying operation based on information detected by the at least one sensor.

[0016] An energy harvester of a dryer according to one aspect includes a core and a coil wound around the core.

[0017] According to one aspect, a motor of a dryer includes a plurality of slots and a coil wound around each of the plurality of slots. According to one aspect, an energy harvester of a dryer includes a plurality of magnetic energy harvesters. Each of the plurality of magnetic energy harvesters of the dryer according to one aspect may be provided adjacent to at least two of the plurality of coils.

[0018] According to another aspect, a dryer comprises: a motor for rotating at least one of a drum and a fan; an energy harvester for collecting magnetic energy from a magnetic field formed in the motor; a plurality of electrodes for forming an electric field in the drum; a first power converter for converting power of a commercial power source into direct current power; a power amplifier for amplifying power converted by the first power converter to power of a preset frequency and a preset magnitude and applying the amplified power to the plurality of electrodes; a second power converter for converting power supplied from the energy harvester into direct current power; a charging unit for storing the power converted by the second power converter; a signal generator for receiving the power stored in the charging unit and generating a source signal; and a gate driver for receiving the power stored in the charging unit and generating a driving signal based on the source signal received from the signal generator and transmitting the generated driving signal to the power amplifier.

[0019] The first power amplifier of the dryer according to another aspect converts power supplied from a commercial power source into power having a preset frequency and preset magnitude based on a driving signal received from a gate driver.

[0020] According to another aspect, the power amplifier of the dryer may include a switching element that is turned on or off based on a driving signal. According to another aspect, the gate driver of the dryer may include a transformer.

[0021] The primary side of the transformer can be connected to an energy harvester, a second power converter, a charging unit, and a signal generator. The secondary side of the transformer of the dryer according to another aspect can be connected to a switching element.

[0022] According to another aspect, the energy harvester, the second power converter, the charging unit and the signal generator of the dryer can have noise from the switching elements blocked by the transformer.

[0023] According to another aspect, the switching element of the dryer can be prevented from introducing noise from at least one of the energy harvester, the second power converter, the charging unit and the signal generator by the transformer.

[0024] According to another aspect, the second power converter, charger and signal generator of the dryer are not connected to the ground of the first power converter and power amplifier and are floating.

[0025] At least one sensor supplied with power stored in a charging unit of a dryer according to another aspect; and a processor further comprising: a charging unit that controls the charging unit to apply the power stored in the charging unit to the at least one sensor based on a reference sensing cycle, and controls the drying operation based on information detected by the at least one sensor.

[0026] According to another aspect, the dryer further includes a noise filter unit for removing noise from the commercial power source; a power factor compensation unit for compensating the power factor of the noise-removed power and transmitting the power factor-compensated power to a first power converter; and a matching unit for matching impedance between a power amplifier and a plurality of electrodes.

[0027] An energy harvester of a dryer according to another aspect includes a core and a coil wound around the core.

[0028] According to the disclosed invention, the present invention can dry an object at a low temperature uniformly regardless of the size and location of the object, and has a faster drying time compared to a heat pump type dryer, thereby improving drying performance.

[0029] The present invention supplies power to some components of a dryer using a first power controller and supplies power to the remaining components of the dryer using a second power controller, thereby simplifying the wiring structure compared to when power is supplied to all components of the dryer using only the first power controller, and reducing the manufacturing cost due to the simplification of the wiring structure.

[0030] The present invention can prevent failure of various components connected to the second power controller through the wiring by arranging the wiring connected to the second power controller in an area safe from water leakage, and can enable various components connected to the second power controller to operate safely.

[0031] The present invention prevents noise from being applied to a driving signal when transmitting a driving signal to a power amplifier of the first power controller by separating the ground of a first power controller that supplies power to a plurality of electrodes and the ground of a second power controller that transmits a driving signal to a power amplifier of the first power controller, thereby preventing malfunction of the power amplifier of the first power controller and enabling power to be applied to a plurality of electrodes more stably. That is, the present invention can protect components of a dryer from high-frequency and high-power noise of approximately 13.56 MHz by using the second power controller, and can operate the dryer at high-frequency and high-power of approximately 13.56 MHz / 1 kW or more.

[0032] The present invention can reduce the total power of commercial power used through a dryer by generating power supplied to a second power controller through energy harvesting and operating at least one sensor of a dryer using the generated power.

[0033] The present invention can improve the safety of a dryer, improve the quality and marketability of a dryer, and further secure the competitiveness of a dryer.

[0034] Figure 1 is an external view of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0035] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0036] Figure 3 is an example diagram of the arrangement of electrodes provided in a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0037] Figure 4 is a control configuration diagram of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0038] Figure 5 is a configuration diagram of the first and second power controllers of the dryer according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figures 6 and 7 are circuit diagrams of a first power controller of a dryer according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 8 is a control configuration diagram of a dryer according to another embodiment.

[0041] Figure 9 is a configuration diagram of the first and second power controllers of a dryer according to another embodiment.

[0042] Figures 10 and 11 are exemplary drawings of a magnetic energy harvester provided in a dryer according to another embodiment.

[0043] Fig. 12 is an example diagram of the arrangement of a thermal energy harvester provided in a dryer according to another embodiment.

[0044] Fig. 13 is a structural example of a heat energy harvester provided in a dryer according to another embodiment.

[0045] Fig. 14 is a structural example of a wind energy harvester provided in a dryer according to another embodiment.

[0046] Fig. 15 is an example diagram of a gate driver provided in a second power controller of a dryer according to another embodiment.

[0047] Figures 16a and 16b are voltage graphs of a power amplifier provided in a second power controller of a conventional dryer.

[0048] Fig. 17 is a voltage graph of a power amplifier provided in a second power controller of a dryer according to another embodiment.

[0049] Fig. 18 is an example diagram of a sensing cycle of a sensor provided in a dryer according to another embodiment.

[0050] 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.

[0051] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0055] 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).

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] Below, a dryer according to various embodiments is specifically described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0061] The present embodiment may be a washing machine with a dryer, a clothes manager, or a dryer. The present embodiment will be described using a dryer as an example.

[0062] A dryer is a device that dries an object by heating the moisture of the object stored in a drying room.

[0063] The object may include any object capable of drying. For example, the object may be implemented using various types of fibers or fabrics, such as cloth, clothing, towels, and blankets, but is not limited thereto.

[0064] The dryer can be divided into a drum-type dryer having a drum that rotates by a motor and a plurality of electrodes arranged around the drum to form an electric field, and a flat-plate dryer having no drum but a plurality of electrodes arranged in a drying room to form an electric field.

[0065] Fig. 1 is an exemplary external view of a dryer according to one embodiment, Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a dryer according to one embodiment, and Fig. 3 is an exemplary view of the arrangement of electrodes provided in a dryer according to one embodiment. A drum-type dryer will be described as an example of the dryer according to one embodiment.

[0066] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the dryer (1) may include a main body (110) forming an exterior, a drum (120) provided inside the main body (110), a door (130) provided outside the main body (110), and a filter (140) for capturing various foreign substances such as lint contained in air discharged from the drum (120).

[0067] The main body (110) may be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped that extends vertically. However, this is an example for convenience of explanation, and the main body (110) may be implemented in various shapes.

[0068] An opening may be provided on the front of the main body (110). This opening may be provided at a position corresponding to the opening of the drum (120) and may be provided in a shape corresponding to the opening of the drum (120).

[0069] The drum (120) may be provided to be rotatable within the main body (110). The drum (120) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The drum (120) may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise within the main body (110) and may rotate at various speeds.

[0070] The drum (120) forms a drying room and can accommodate an object (i.e., an object to be dried).

[0071] The drum (120) can allow an object received through rotation to move within the drum (120). In this case, an object introduced into the drying chamber of the drum (120) through the opening of the main body (110) can be tumbled within the drying chamber and dried by an electric field introduced into the drying chamber.

[0072] A plurality of lifters (121) for lifting an object may be provided on the inner surface of the drum (120). The plurality of lifters (121) may be provided to protrude from the inner surface of the drum (120).

[0073] The door (130) may be circular in shape corresponding to the shape of the opening of the main body (110) or the opening (122) of the drum (120), and may be formed with a diameter larger than the opening (122).

[0074] The door (130) can be pivotally connected to the front of the main body (110). For example, the door (130) can be connected to a hinge provided on the front surface of the main body (110) adjacent to the door (130) and rotate around the hinge.

[0075] The door (130) can be brought into contact with a surface forming an opening of the main body (110) to open the opening of the main body (110), or can be separated from the surface forming the opening of the main body (110) to close the opening.

[0076] The door (130) can be used to close or open the drying room inside the drum (120).

[0077] At least a portion of the door (130) may be made transparent or translucent so that the inside of the main body can be seen.

[0078] The filter (140) can purify the air generated during drying operation and discharge the purified air.

[0079] The filter (140) may be provided so as to be detachable from the main body.

[0080] The dryer may further include a user interface (150) provided on the upper side of the front of the main body (110). The location of the user interface (150) is not limited to the upper side of the front of the main body. The user interface (150) may be provided at various locations of the dryer (1).

[0081] The user interface (150) may include an input unit for receiving user input, a display unit for displaying operation information of the dryer (1), and may further include a speaker for outputting operation information of the dryer as sound.

[0082] The input unit can receive a power on command, a power off command, and a pause command, and can receive information about a drying course and options selected by the user.

[0083] Drying courses may include a standard course, a quick course, and a wool course, and may further include a synthetic fiber course, a shirt course, a quilt course, a towel course, an outdoor course, and an artificial intelligence course.

[0084] Option information may include drying time information, target dryness information, drying temperature information, material information of the object (cotton, wool, polyester, rayon, etc.), and type information of the object (blanket, clothes, towel, etc.).

[0085] The input unit can convert sensory information received from the user into an electrical signal.

[0086] The input unit may include a physical button, key, tact switch, push switch, slide switch, toggle switch, micro switch, touch switch, touch pad, touch screen, jog dial, and / or microphone.

[0087] If a jog dial is provided as an input unit, UI elements displayed on the display unit can move sequentially according to the rotation of the jog dial.

[0088] The display unit can display the operation information of the dryer (1) as a visual image.

[0089] The display can display information about the drying course and options selected by the user.

[0090] The display can display the total drying time and remaining drying time.

[0091] The display unit can also display the moisture content of the object, the current dryness of the object, and the target dryness of the object.

[0092] The display unit may include at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel, a micro LED panel, or a plurality of seven-segment panels.

[0093] The display may include a touch screen.

[0094] The display unit can display information input by the user or information provided to the user on various screens. The display unit can display information related to the operation of the dryer (1) in the form of at least an image or text. In addition, the display unit can display a graphical user interface (GUI) that enables control of the dryer (1). That is, the display unit can display a user interface element (UI element), such as an icon.

[0095] The speaker can output sound information on the start of drying operation and the end of drying operation.

[0096] The speaker can also output voice guidance information about the drying course and options selected by the user.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 2, the drum (120) may include an intake port (123) provided at the rear of the drum for sucking in air, and an exhaust port (124) provided at the lower portion of the front of the drum for discharging air containing moisture to the outside of the drum (120).

[0098] It is also possible to provide a dryness sensor (not shown) around at least one of the intake port (123) and exhaust port (124) of the drum (120) to detect the dryness of the object contained inside the drum (120).

[0099] The dryer may further include at least one of a temperature sensor (not shown) for detecting the temperature inside the drum (120), a humidity sensor (not shown) for detecting the humidity inside the drum, a current sensor (not shown) for detecting the current flowing in the motor connected to the drum (120), and a speed sensor (not shown) for detecting the rotation speed of the motor connected to the drum (120).

[0100] As shown in FIG. 2, the dryer (1) may include air paths (111, 112) provided inside the main body (110) and the drum (120) for circulating air, a fan (160) provided inside the main body (110) for circulating air between the inside and the outside of the drum (120), and a motor (170) provided inside the main body (110) for transmitting rotational force for rotating the drum (120) and the fan (160).

[0101] The fan (160) is provided inside the fan housing (160a) and may be provided to be rotatable.

[0102] The exhaust path (111) is provided between the exhaust port (124) of the drum (120) and the fan housing (160a), and is a path that allows air inside the drum (120) to move into the interior of the fan housing (160a).

[0103] The exhaust path (111) can allow air to be discharged from the inside of the drum (120) to the outside of the drum (120).

[0104] A filter (140) may be placed at the exhaust port of the drum or the inlet of the exhaust path (111) of the dryer (1). The outlet of the exhaust path (111) may be exposed to the outside of the main body (110).

[0105] By the rotation of the fan (160), air inside the drum (120) can be introduced into the exhaust passage (111). The air introduced into the inlet of the exhaust passage (111) can be filtered while passing through the filter (140), and the filtered air can be discharged to the outside.

[0106] The intake passage (112) is connected to the intake port (123) of the drum (120) and is a passage that allows air blown by the fan (160) to move into the drum (120).

[0107] As the fan (160) rotates, air can be supplied into the drum (120) through the intake passage (112) and the air intake port (124) of the drum (120). The air supplied into the drum (120) can be used for drying the object.

[0108] The motor (170) performs rotation and transmits the rotational force generated by the rotation to the drum (120).

[0109] The rotation speed of the drum (120) can be controlled by controlling the rotation speed of the motor (170). The rotation direction of the drum (120) can be controlled by controlling the rotation direction of the motor (170).

[0110] The dryer (1) further includes a pulley (171) that is connected to a rotating shaft connected to a motor (170) and rotates by receiving power from the motor (170), and a belt (172) that is provided on the outer surface of the drum and rotates the drum (120) by rotating the pulley (171). A roller (173) that supports the drum (120) so that it rotates smoothly may be provided on the outer surface of the drum (120).

[0111] That is, by installing the belt (172) so that it is wound around the outer surface of the pulley (171) and the outer surface of the drum (120), the drum (120) can be rotated as the pulley (171) rotates according to the driving of the motor (170).

[0112] The motor (170) can also transmit the generated rotational force to the fan (160). In this case, the shaft of the motor (170) can be extended to both sides. That is, a pulley (171) can be connected to one side of the motor (170) shaft, and a fan (160) can be connected to the other side.

[0113] The motor (170) can transmit rotational force to the fan (160) to cause the fan (160) to rotate. Through this, the object placed in the drying room within the drum (120) can be tumbled while air is uniformly applied to the object through the fan (160).

[0114] The dryer (1) may also include a fan motor (not shown) for rotating the fan (160) and a drum motor (not shown) for rotating the drum (120). In this case, the pulley (171) and the belt (172) may be omitted.

[0115] The dryer (1) may further include an auxiliary fan (not shown) to generate forced convection.

[0116] The dryer (1) may include a heating unit (180) that generates heat for drying an object accommodated in a drum. The heating unit (180) may be a dielectric heating device that generates heat by causing a dielectric to vibrate using a radio frequency. The heating unit (180) may include a plurality of electrodes (180a, 180b) that are provided on the outer surface of the drum (120) but are spaced apart from the drum (120). The number of electrodes may be two or more.

[0117] As shown in Fig. 2, the heating unit (180) of the dryer (1) may include first and second electrodes (180a, 180b).

[0118] The first and second electrodes (180a, 180b) may be spaced apart from each other on the outside of the drum (120). For example, the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b) may be spaced apart from each other along the periphery of the drum (120). The first and second electrodes (180a, 180b) may also be spaced apart from the main body (110) and the drum (120).

[0119] When power is applied to the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b), an electric field may be generated inside the drum (210). When an electric field is applied to the dielectric, polarization occurs due to the movement of charged bodies such as electrons and ions contained within the dielectric, and the polar dipoles of the sign try to change direction in the direction of the electric field. In the case of a high-frequency alternating current of several to several tens of MHz, where the polarity changes millions to tens of millions of times per second, the friction caused by the violent movement of the dipoles trying to follow the reversal of the electric field generates heat.

[0120] That is, the electric field generated inside the drum (120) can vibrate the dielectric (e.g., water molecules) contained in the object, and when the dielectric (e.g., water molecules) vibrates, dipole frictional heat is generated, which can heat the dielectric. The object can be dried by evaporating the heated dielectric. The evaporated dielectric can be discharged outside the drum (120) together with the air supplied into the drum (120).

[0121] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the heating unit (180) of the dryer (1) may include first, second, and third electrodes (180a, 180b, 180c).

[0122] The first, second, and third electrodes (180a, 180b, 180c) may be spaced apart from each other on the outside of the drum (120). For example, the first, second, and third electrodes (180a, 180b, 180c) may be spaced apart from each other along the perimeter of the outer surface of the drum (120).

[0123] The first, second, and third electrodes (180a, 180b, 180c) may each be provided in the shape of a plate having a curvature.

[0124] The first electrode (180a) may be arranged along the first outer surface of the drum (120), the second electrode (180b) may be arranged on the first side of the first electrode (180a) but along the second outer surface of the drum (120), and the third electrode (180c) may be arranged on the second side of the first electrode (180a) but along the third outer surface of the drum (120).

[0125] The first, second, and third electrodes (180a, 180b, 180c) can be fixed between the main body (110) and the drum (120). Since the first, second, and third electrodes (180a, 180b, 180c) are not connected to the drum (120), they do not restrict the rotation of the drum (120).

[0126] In addition, since the first, second, and third electrodes (180a, 180b, and 180c) are arranged along the periphery of the drum (120), an electric field can be generated in various areas within the drum (120). Accordingly, the dryer (1) can generate an electric field within the drum (120) through the first, second, and third electrodes (180a, 180b, and 180c) even while the drum (120) rotates, and can perform drying of the object.

[0127] When the dryer is provided with first, second, and third electrodes (180a, 180b, and 180c), the dryer can first form an electric field by operating the first and second electrodes and deactivating the third electrode, then secondly form an electric field by operating the second and third electrodes and deactivating the first electrode, and then thirdly form an electric field by operating the first and third electrodes and deactivating the second electrode.

[0128] In other words, the dryer can dry the object by periodically changing the area where the electric field is formed.

[0129] The dryer can also operate only two of the first, second, and third electrodes (180a, 180b, 180c) while performing drying operation.

[0130] Fig. 4 is a control configuration diagram of a dryer according to one embodiment, which is described with reference to Figs. 5 to 7.

[0131] FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of the first and second power controllers (pc1, pc2) of the dryer according to an embodiment, and FIGS. 6 and 7 are circuit configuration diagrams of the first power controller (pc1) of the dryer according to an embodiment.

[0132] A dryer (1) according to one embodiment may include a user interface (150), a motor (170), a heating unit (180), and a control unit (200), and may further include a communication unit (210).

[0133] The user interface (150) can receive user input and output operation information of the dryer.

[0134] The motor (170) applies rotational force to the drum (120) and the fan (160).

[0135] The motor (170) can rotate at a rotation speed and in a rotation direction corresponding to the control command of the processor (201).

[0136] The dryer (1) may further include a motor driver (not shown) for driving the motor (170). In this case, the motor driver may generate an operation signal based on a control command of the processor (201) and transmit the generated operation signal to the motor (170).

[0137] The heating unit (180) may be a dielectric heating device for heating an object contained in a drum (120). The heating unit (180) may cause water contained in the object to be heated.

[0138] The heating unit (180) may include a first electrode (180a), a second electrode (180b), and an electrode driving unit (180d). In this embodiment, a dryer including two electrodes will be described.

[0139] The first electrode (180a) and the second electrode (180b) can be placed inside the main body (110) at a certain distance from each other. The first electrode (180a) and the second electrode (180b) receive power from the electrode driving unit (180d) and use the supplied power to form an electric field inside the drum (120).

[0140] High frequency alternating current power (i.e. RF power) of several to several tens of MHz can be applied to the first electrode (180a) and the second electrode (180b).

[0141] The phases of the RF power applied to the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b) may be different. As RF power having different phases is applied to the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b), a rotating electric field may be generated within the drum (120). That is, the intensity of the electric field generated between the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b) may periodically repeat increasing and decreasing.

[0142] The electrode driving unit (180d) may include a first power controller (pc1) and a second power controller (pc2).

[0143] As shown in Fig. 5, the first power controller (pc1) receives AC power from a commercial power source (S).

[0144] The first power controller (pc1) may include a noise filter unit (181), a power factor correction unit (182), a first power converter (183), a power amplifier (184), and a matching unit (185).

[0145] The noise filter unit (181) can remove noise included in the alternating current (AC) power supplied from a commercial power source (AC).

[0146] The noise filter unit (181) can remove noise included in AC power through the ground wire.

[0147] The noise filter unit (181) may include an EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) filter.

[0148] The noise filter unit (181) can be provided as a circuit in which various electronic elements such as capacitors, inductors, and diodes are connected in parallel and / or series.

[0149] The noise filter unit (181) can be provided as a passive filter or an active filter.

[0150] The power factor compensation unit (182) can compensate for the power factor of alternating current (AC) power. The power factor compensation unit (182) can compensate for the power factor by reducing or eliminating reactive power among the active power and reactive power that constitute AC power. This can reduce power loss.

[0151] The power factor compensation unit (182) can be provided as a circuit in which various electronic elements such as capacitors, inductors, and diodes are connected in parallel and / or series.

[0152] The first power converter (183) can reduce the voltage of the direct current power received from the power factor correction unit (182) and transmit the direct current power with the reduced voltage to the power amplifier (184).

[0153] The first power converter (183) can adjust the magnitude of the voltage applied to the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b) under the control of the processor (201). For example, when the DC power transmitted by the first power converter (183) to the power amplifier (184) increases, the amplitude of the high-frequency signal generated by the power amplifier (184) increases, and the magnitude of the voltage applied to the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b) can increase. The magnitude of the voltage can be expressed as an rms value.

[0154] The first power converter (183) can be configured as a circuit in which various electronic components such as transistors, inductors, and diodes are connected in parallel and / or series.

[0155] The power amplifier (184) can generate a high-frequency signal for forming an electric field between the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b) based on the DC power received from the first power converter (183) and the driving signal received from the second power converter (186). The high-frequency signal can include an RF (Radio Frequency) signal.

[0156] The power amplifier (184) can apply the generated high-frequency signal to the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b). A sinusoidal voltage can be applied to the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b) by the high-frequency signal.

[0157] The matching unit (185) can match the impedance of the power amplifier (182) and the impedance of each of the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b). The matching unit (185) can include a variable inductor and a variable capacitor.

[0158] If there is a difference between the impedance of the power amplifier (184) and the impedances of the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b), reflected power is generated from the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b), and power transmission efficiency is reduced. In order to minimize the reflected power, matching of the impedance of the power amplifier (184) and the impedances of the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b) is required. Impedance matching can be performed by controlling the matching unit (185).

[0159] The circuit configuration of this first power controller (pc1) will be described later.

[0160] The second power controller (pc2) receives AC power from a commercial power source (S) and can be connected to the first power controller (pc1).

[0161] The second power controller (pc2) may include a second power converter (186), a signal generator (187), and a gate driver (188).

[0162] The second power converter (186) can convert the voltage magnitude from the direct current power converted by the first power converter (183). The magnitude of the voltage converted by the second power converter (186) may be smaller than the magnitude of the voltage output by the first power converter (183).

[0163] For example, the magnitude of the voltage converted by the first power converter (183) may be approximately 60 V. The magnitude of the voltage converted by the second power converter (186) may be approximately 12 V or 3.3 V.

[0164] The signal generator (187) is connected to the second power converter (186) and can receive direct current power having a voltage converted from the second power converter (186).

[0165] The signal generator (187) can generate a high-frequency alternating current signal of several tens of MHz using the supplied direct current power. The high-frequency alternating current signal of several tens of MHz generated by the signal generator (187) can be used as a source signal for driving the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b).

[0166] The signal generator (187) can apply a high-frequency AC signal of several tens of MHz to the gate driver (188).

[0167] The signal generator (187) may include any one of a micro control unit (MCU), a digital logic circuit, and an FPGA.

[0168] The gate driver (188) is connected to the second power converter (186) and can receive direct current power having a voltage converted from the second power converter (186).

[0169] The gate driver (188) amplifies the voltage of a high-frequency AC signal of several tens of MHz received from a signal generator (187), generates a driving signal corresponding to the amplified voltage, and transmits the generated driving signal to a power amplifier (184).

[0170] The generated drive signal may be a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal.

[0171] The heating unit (180) may further include a sensor (189) that detects the current flowing to the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b) and / or detects the voltage applied to the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b).

[0172] The sensor (189) can transmit information about the detected current and / or voltage to the dryer control unit (200).

[0173] The dryer control unit (200) can determine the power output from each component of the heating unit (180) and the power supplied to each component based on information about the current and / or voltage received from the sensor (189). For example, the dryer control unit (200) can determine the power supplied to the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b) based on the current and voltage applied to the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b).

[0174] The dryer control unit (200) can be electrically connected to components of the dryer (1) and can control the components of the dryer (1). For example, the dryer control unit (200) can control the motor (170). The control unit (200) can control the electrode drive unit to apply power to the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b).

[0175] The dryer control unit (200) may be implemented with a memory (202) that stores data on an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the dryer (1) or a program that reproduces the algorithm, and a processor (201) that performs the aforementioned operation using the data stored in the memory (202). In this case, the memory (201) and the processor (202) may each be implemented as separate chips. Alternatively, the memory (201) and the processor (202) may be implemented as a single chip. In addition, a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories may be provided.

[0176] The processor (201) can process various data and various signals using instructions, data, programs and / or software stored in the memory (202).

[0177] The processor (201) may include one core or multiple cores. The processor (201) may include a separate NPU that performs the operation of an artificial intelligence model, and may include a dedicated graphics processor (GPU), etc.

[0178] The memory (202) may be implemented as at least one of a non-volatile memory element such as a cache, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable ROM), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and a flash memory, a volatile memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), or a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a CD-ROM, but is not limited thereto.

[0179] The memory (202) may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks.

[0180] The processor (201) and memory (202) will be described in more detail.

[0181] The processor (201) can also control drying operation based on target dryness information received through the user interface (150).

[0182] The processor (201) can also control the drying operation based on at least one of the drying time information and the drying temperature information received through the user interface (150).

[0183] The processor (201) can also control the drying operation based on the drying course received through the user interface (150).

[0184] When controlling the drying operation, the processor (201) can control the motor (170) to rotate the drum (120) and the fan (160), and cause the object to tumble within the drum (120) by the rotation of the drum (120), and cause the air within the drum (120) to circulate by the rotation of the fan (160).

[0185] The processor (201) can control the electrode driving unit (180d) so that the amount of power applied to the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b) is controlled.

[0186] When the heating unit has three electrodes, the processor (201) can select two electrodes to apply power to and control the electrode driving unit (180d) to apply power to the two selected electrodes.

[0187] The processor (201) can determine the electrode impedance of the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b) based on the magnitude of the voltage detected at the input terminals of the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b).

[0188] The electrode impedance of the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b) may vary depending on various factors such as the amount of the object accommodated in the drum (120), the type of the object, the size of the object, the amount of water contained in the object, and the distribution state of the object. For example, if a dielectric having a high permittivity (e.g., water) exists between the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b), the strength of the electric field formed between the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b) may decrease because charges are accumulated in the dielectric. When the strength of the electric field decreases, the magnitude of the voltage detected at the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b) may decrease, and the electrode impedance may decrease. As the drying of the object progresses, the water contained in the object is removed, and thus the electrode impedance may be detected to gradually increase.

[0189] In other words, as drying progresses, the difference between the magnitude of the voltage detected at the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b) and the magnitude of the reference voltage may gradually decrease. The processor (201) may determine the dryness of the object based on the change in the magnitude of the voltage detected at the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b) and / or the change in electrode impedance, and may control the completion of the drying operation based on the determined dryness.

[0190] The processor (201) can determine the completion of the drying operation based on the dryness of the target object reaching a tolerance range of a predetermined standard dryness.

[0191] Additionally, the processor (201) can determine completion of the drying operation when the electrode impedance of the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b) is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value.

[0192] The processor (201) can also control the user interface (150) to predict the completion time of the drying operation based on the dryness of the object and output information about the predicted completion time.

[0193] Depending on the location of the object within the drum (20), the electrode impedance detected by each of the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b) may differ. The processor (201) may obtain distribution information of the object using the electrode impedance of each of the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b). In addition, the dryer control unit (200) may determine the amount of water (i.e., moisture content) contained in the object based on the detected electrode impedance.

[0194] The dryer (1) may further include a communication unit (210).

[0195] The communication unit (210) may perform wired and / or wireless communication with an external device, or may perform communication between components inside the dryer (1).

[0196] The communication unit (210) can transmit data to an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance) or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication unit (210) can establish communication with a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance, and transmit and receive various types of data.

[0197] For example, the communication unit (210) may receive drying operation information corresponding to a drying course from a server (not shown) and transmit the received drying operation information to the processor (201). As another example, the communication unit (210) may receive a remote control signal from a user device and transmit the received remote control signal to the processor (201).

[0198] The communication unit (210) may 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 (210) may 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).

[0199] The communication unit (210) can communicate with an external device via a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) 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 various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0200] 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.

[0201] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance 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.

[0202] The communication unit (210) can communicate with external devices such as servers, user devices, and other home appliances through a surrounding access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the dryer or user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected.

[0203] At least one component may be added or deleted to correspond to the performance of the components of the dryer illustrated in FIG. 4. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the relative positions of the components may be altered to correspond to the performance or structure of the dryer.

[0204] Meanwhile, each component illustrated in FIG. 4 refers to software and / or hardware components such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

[0205] Hereinafter, the circuit configuration of the first power controller (pc1) provided in the dryer will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0206] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the noise filter unit (181) of the first power controller (pc1) may include a plurality of capacitors (C1, C2) connected to both ends of a commercial power source (AC) and connected in parallel with each other, a plurality of inductors (L1, L2) connected between the plurality of capacitors, and a plurality of diodes (D1, D2, D3, D4) forming a bridge.

[0207] The plurality of inductors (L1, L2) provided in the noise filter unit (181) may be transformers.

[0208] The noise filter unit (181) is not limited to the example shown and may be provided in various ways depending on the design.

[0209] The noise filter unit (181) can be connected to the motor (170) and supply commercial power with noise removed to the motor (170).

[0210] The power factor compensation unit (182) of the first power controller (pc1) may include a plurality of electrolytic capacitors (Cpf1, Cpf2) connected to a plurality of diodes (D1, D2, D3, D4) provided in the noise filter unit (181), a first switching element (SW_pf) connected in parallel between the plurality of electrolytic capacitors (Cpf1, Cpf2), an inductor (Lpf) connected between the electrolytic capacitor (Cpf1) and the first switching element (SW_pf), and a diode (Dpf) connected between the electrolytic capacitor (Cpf2) and the first switching element (SW_pf). The first switching element (SW_pf) may include a transistor. The first switching element (SW_pf) may allow or block the flow of current depending on the application of voltage.

[0211] The circuit structure of the power factor compensation unit (182) is not limited to the example shown, and can be designed in various ways depending on the design.

[0212] The first power converter (183) of the first power controller (pc1) may include a second switching element (SW_dc), an inductor (Ldc), and a diode (Ddc). The second switching element (SW_dc) may include a transistor. The circuit structure of the first power converter (183) is not limited to the example shown, and may be provided in various ways depending on the design.

[0213] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the power amplifier (184) of the first power controller (pc1) may include an electrolytic capacitor (Cpa11), a capacitor (Cpa12), a plurality of inductors (Lpa11, Lpa12), and a third switching element (SW_pa1).

[0214] An electrolytic capacitor (Cpa11) can be connected between the Vpa node and ground (GND).

[0215] A third switching element (SW_pa1) and an inductor (Lpa11) may be connected in series between the Vpa node and ground (GND). Additionally, an inductor (Lpa12) and a capacitor (Cpa12) connected in series may be placed at the N1 node connecting the third switching element (SW_pa1) and the inductor (Lpa11).

[0216] The third switching element (SW_pa1) may include a transistor.

[0217] The third switching element (SW_pa1) can be activated or deactivated by the second power controller (pc2).

[0218] The second power controller (pc2) can control the operation of the power amplifier (184) by adjusting the voltage applied to the third switching element (SW_pa1). When the third switching element (SW_pa1) is turned on, the operation of the power amplifier (184) can be activated. When the third switching element (SW_pa1) is turned off, the operation of the power amplifier (184) can be deactivated.

[0219] The matching unit (185) may be provided as a circuit in which a plurality of inductors (L), a plurality of capacitors (C), and a plurality of switches are connected in series and / or in parallel.

[0220] The plurality of switches provided in the matching unit (185) can be opened or closed under the control of the processor (201). Impedance matching can be performed as the plurality of switches provided in the matching unit (185) are controlled.

[0221] In Fig. 7, the matching unit (185) is illustrated as including three parallel-connected inductors (L), three parallel-connected capacitors (C), and nine switches, but is not limited thereto and may be variously changed depending on the design.

[0222] The first power controller (pc1) and the second power controller (pc2) of the dryer of one embodiment may have a common ground.

[0223] Noise generated at at least one point within the first power controller (pc1) and the second power controller (pc2) may travel along the ground loop. For example, noise generated in the gate driver (188) may be applied to the third switching element of the power amplifier (184) along with the driving signal. In this case, the power amplifier (184) may malfunction.

[0224] The gate driver (188) of the second power controller (pc2) can apply a signal of a preset frequency and preset size as a driving signal to the power amplifier.

[0225] Signals above a preset frequency and preset magnitude may include a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal of 13.56 MHz, 50% duty, 1 kW.

[0226] The gate driver (188) of the second power controller (pc2) applies a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal having a frequency of 13.56 MHz and a duty of 50% as a driving signal to the power amplifier (184). However, if noise exists in the gate driver (188), a driving signal with a distorted frequency and duty ratio may be applied to the power amplifier (184). This may result in damage to the power amplifier (184).

[0227] The dryer (1) of one embodiment may further include a noise removal unit (not shown) for detecting noise of the gate driver (184) and removing the detected noise.

[0228] Fig. 8 is a control configuration diagram of a dryer according to another embodiment, which is described with reference to Figs. 9 to 18.

[0229] Figure 9 is a configuration diagram of the first and second power controllers of a dryer according to another embodiment.

[0230] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are exemplary diagrams of a magnetic energy harvester provided in a dryer according to another embodiment, FIG. 12 is an exemplary diagram of the arrangement of a thermal energy harvester provided in a dryer according to another embodiment, FIG. 13 is an exemplary diagram of the structure of a thermal energy harvester provided in a dryer according to another embodiment, and FIG. 14 is an exemplary diagram of the structure of a wind energy harvester provided in a dryer according to another embodiment.

[0231] Fig. 15 is an example diagram of a gate driver provided in a second power controller of a dryer according to another embodiment.

[0232] FIG. 16a and FIG. 16b are voltage graphs of a power amplifier provided in a second power controller of a conventional dryer, and FIG. 17 is a voltage graph of a power amplifier provided in a second power controller of a dryer according to another embodiment.

[0233] Fig. 18 is an example diagram of a sensing cycle of a sensor provided in a dryer according to another embodiment.

[0234] A dryer (2) according to another embodiment may include a user interface (150), a motor (170), a heating unit (180), and a control unit (220), and may further include a communication unit (210), and may further include first and second sensors (189a, 189b).

[0235] The user interface (150), motor (170), and communication unit (210) of the dryer (2) according to another embodiment are the same as the user interface (150), motor (170), and communication unit (210) of the dryer (1) according to one embodiment, and thus, description thereof is omitted.

[0236] According to another embodiment, the heating unit (180) of the dryer (2) may be a dielectric heating device for heating an object accommodated in a drum (120). In this embodiment, a dryer (2) including two electrodes will be described.

[0237] The heating unit (180) may include a first electrode (180a), a second electrode (180b), and an electrode driving unit (180d). The electrode driving unit (180d) may include a first power controller (pc1) and a second power controller (pc3).

[0238] The first power controller (pc1) receives AC power from a commercial power source (S).

[0239] The first power controller (pc1) may include a noise filter unit (181), a power factor correction unit (182), a first power converter (183), a power amplifier (184), and a matching unit (185). The first power controller (pc1) of another embodiment is the same as the first power controller (pc1) of one embodiment, and thus, a description thereof is omitted.

[0240] The second power controller (pc2) is connected to the power amplifier (184) of the first power controller (pc1), and can generate a driving signal using the power generated in the dryer (2) and transmit the generated driving signal to the power amplifier (184) of the first power controller (pc1).

[0241] The second power controller (pc2) may include an energy harvester (191), a second power converter (192), a charging unit (193), a signal generator (194), and a gate driver (195).

[0242] The energy harvester (191) is provided inside the dryer (2) and can generate energy on its own.

[0243] The energy harvester (191) may include a magnetic energy harvester (190a) that collects magnetic energy. Such a magnetic energy harvester is described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0244] As shown in FIG. 10, a magnetic energy harvester (190a) may be provided adjacent to a motor (170).

[0245] The magnetic energy harvester (190a) may include a core (aa1) and a coil (aa2) wound around the core (aa1).

[0246] The magnetic energy harvester (190a) can collect magnetic energy of a magnetic field generated in the motor (170) during rotation of the motor (170) by using a core (aa1) and a coil (aa2).

[0247] The motor (170) may include a rotor (171) and a stator (172).

[0248] The rotor (171) may include a permanent magnet having a N pole and a S pole. The permanent magnets provided in the rotor (171) may be one pair or two or more pairs.

[0249] The stator (172) may include a plurality of slots (172a) and a plurality of coils (172b) each wound around the plurality of slots (172a). Three-phase current may flow through the plurality of coils (172b) of the stator (172). As the magnitude of the current flowing through the plurality of coils (172b) of the stator (172) increases, the rotational speed of the motor (170) increases.

[0250] When the motor (170) rotates, the coil (172b) of the motor (170) can be magnetized and become an electromagnet. A magnetic field can be formed around the multiple coils (172b) of the motor (170).

[0251] A portion of the magnetic energy of the magnetic field formed around the plurality of coils (172b) of the motor (170) can be used as energy to rotate the rotor (171).

[0252] The remainder of the magnetic energy of the magnetic field formed around one of the plurality of coils (172b) of the motor (170) can be collected by the magnetic energy harvester (190a).

[0253] The magnetic energy harvester (190a) can collect magnetic energy around the coil (172b) of the motor (170) by utilizing the magnetic coupling phenomenon of the core (aa1) and the coil (aa2).

[0254] That is, a magnetic flux is formed around the coil (172b) of the motor (170) through which current flows, and the magnetic energy of the coil (172b) of the motor (170) can be transferred to the coil (aa2) of the magnetic energy harvester (190a).

[0255] Current can flow through the coil (aa2) of the magnetic energy harvester (190a), and this current can be transmitted to the second power converter (192).

[0256] The dryer (2) can generate and store AC power whenever the motor (170) rotates by using a magnetic energy harvester (190a).

[0257] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the dryer (2) may include a plurality of magnetic energy harvesters (190a).

[0258] Each of the plurality of magnetic energy harvesters (190a) can be provided around the plurality of coils (172b) provided in the motor (170).

[0259] Electrical energy generated from multiple magnetic energy harvesters (190a) can be transmitted to a second power converter (192).

[0260] The energy harvester (191) may include a thermal energy harvester (190b) that generates electrical energy using thermal energy. This thermal energy harvester (190b) is described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

[0261] The thermal energy harvester (190b) may include one or more thermoelectric elements.

[0262] As shown in Fig. 12, when a plurality of thermoelectric elements are provided in the dryer (2), the plurality of thermoelectric elements may be provided inside the main body (110) but may be provided in different locations.

[0263] Each thermoelectric element can collect thermal energy using the heat of the drum (120) and output the collected thermal energy as electrical energy.

[0264] Each thermoelectric element may be an element having a Peltier effect that absorbs heat on the first surface and releases heat on the second surface according to the direction in which the current flows when direct current is applied.

[0265] Each thermoelectric element can generate electric current through the Seebeck effect, which is the opposite effect to the Peltier effect.

[0266] Each thermoelectric element generates thermoelectric power based on the temperature difference between its two surfaces. Current flows through each thermoelectric element. The generated thermoelectric power can be proportional to the temperature gradient.

[0267] That is, each thermoelectric element can cause current to flow through the p-type and n-type semiconductors when a temperature difference occurs between the first and second surfaces.

[0268] As illustrated in FIG. 13, each thermoelectric element may include first and second ceramic substrates (bb1, bb2) spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval, a first conductive substrate (bb3) provided on the first ceramic substrate (bb1), a second conductive substrate (bb4) provided on the second ceramic substrate (bb2) facing the first conductive substrate (bb3), and an n-type semiconductor and a p-type semiconductor arranged between the first and second conductive substrates (bb3, bb4) and electrically connected to each other.

[0269] A plurality of n-type semiconductors and p-type semiconductors can be arranged in a cross pattern between the first and second conductive substrates (bb3, bb4).

[0270] The first side of each thermoelectric element may be a side provided with a first ceramic substrate and may be a side that radiates heat (cold side).

[0271] The second side of each thermoelectric element may be a side that absorbs heat (hot side) and is provided with a second ceramic substrate.

[0272] The second surface of each thermoelectric element may be provided adjacent to or in contact with the drum (120).

[0273] The second surface of each thermoelectric element can collect thermal energy of the drum (120).

[0274] The second surface of each thermoelectric element may be provided on the inner surface of the drum (120) or may be provided on the outer surface of the drum.

[0275] The first surface of each thermoelectric element may be provided inside the main body (110) but spaced apart from the drum (120) by a certain distance.

[0276] The position of the first surface of each thermoelectric element may correspond to the position of the second surface of the thermoelectric element.

[0277] The first surface of each thermoelectric element may be formed integrally in a circular shape along the outer surface of the drum. In this case, the second surfaces of the multiple thermoelectric elements may be arranged spaced apart from each other, but may be formed at positions corresponding to the first surfaces of the thermoelectric elements of the drum.

[0278] The energy harvester (191) may include a wind energy harvester (190c) that generates electrical energy using wind energy. Such a wind energy harvester is described with reference to FIG. 14.

[0279] A wind energy harvester (190c) can be installed around the drum (120).

[0280] The wind energy harvester (190c) may be provided around the intake port (123) of the drum (120) and may be provided around the exhaust port (124) of the drum (120).

[0281] As illustrated in FIG. 14, the wind energy harvester (190c) may include a blade (cc1) that rotates by a flow of air circulated inside and outside the drum (120), a gear (cc2) that is connected to the blade (cc1) and increases the rotational speed of the blade (cc1) to amplify the rotational kinetic energy of the blade (cc1), and a generator (cc3) that is connected to the gear (cc2) and converts the rotational kinetic energy into electrical energy.

[0282] The energy harvester (191) of the second power controller (pc3) may include at least one of a magnetic energy harvester (190a), a thermal energy harvester (190b), and a wind energy harvester (190c).

[0283] The second power converter (192) is connected to the energy harvester (191) and converts power supplied from the energy harvester (191).

[0284] The second power converter (192) can convert AC power supplied from the energy harvester (191) into DC power.

[0285] For example, the second power converter (192) can convert AC power supplied from the magnetic energy harvester (190a) into DC power.

[0286] As another example, the second power converter (192) can convert AC power supplied from the wind energy harvester (190c) into DC power.

[0287] When direct current power is applied from the energy harvester (191), the second power converter (192) can convert the voltage of the applied power and transmit the converted direct current power to the charging unit (193).

[0288] For example, the second power converter (192) can reduce or increase the voltage of the direct current power applied from the thermal energy harvester (190b) by a certain amount.

[0289] The second power converter (192) can convert the voltage of the applied power into a voltage of a size that can be stored in the charging unit (193).

[0290] The second power converter (192) can block the supply of power supplied from the energy harvester (191) to the charging unit (193) if the charging power of the charging unit (193) is greater than the standard charging power.

[0291] For example, the second power converter (186) includes a switch (not shown), and when the charging power of the charging unit (193) is greater than or equal to the reference charging power, the switch can be opened to prevent the power of the energy harvester (191) from being transmitted to the charging unit (193).

[0292] As another example, the second power converter (186) may include a Zener diode, and may prevent the power of the energy harvester (191) from being transferred to the charging unit (193) through the Zener diode based on the charging power amount of the charging unit (193) being greater than or equal to the reference charging power amount.

[0293] The charging unit (193) can charge the power supplied to the second power converter (186). The charging unit (193) can include a battery. The charging unit (193) can include a rechargeable capacitor. The charging unit (193) can include a super capacitor.

[0294] The charging unit (193) can apply the charged power to the signal generator (194) and the gate driver (195).

[0295] The charging unit (193) can apply the charged power to the second sensor (189b).

[0296] The signal generator (194) generates a high-frequency alternating current signal using the power applied from the charging unit (193) and transmits the generated high-frequency alternating current signal to the gate driver (195).

[0297] More specifically, the signal generator (194) can generate a high-frequency alternating current signal of several tens of MHz using the applied direct current power. The high-frequency alternating current signal of several tens of MHz generated by the signal generator (194) can be used as a source signal for driving the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b).

[0298] The signal generator (194) can apply a high-frequency AC signal of several tens of MHz to the gate driver (195).

[0299] The signal generator (194) may include any one of a micro control unit (MCU), a digital logic circuit, and an FPGA.

[0300] The gate driver (195) is connected to a signal generator (194) and can amplify the voltage of a high-frequency AC signal of several tens of MHz received from the signal generator (194) and generate a driving signal corresponding to the amplified voltage.

[0301] The drive signal may be a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal.

[0302] The gate driver (195) is connected to the power amplifier (184) of the first power controller (pc1) and can transmit the generated driving signal to the power amplifier (184) of the first power controller (pc1).

[0303] The gate driver (195) can transmit a driving signal to the gate terminal of the third switching element of the power amplifier (184).

[0304] As illustrated in FIG. 15, the gate driver (195) may include a transformer (TF). The gate driver (195) may be implemented as an isolated gate driver.

[0305] The primary side of the transformer (TF) can be connected to a charging unit (193) and a signal generator (194). The secondary side of the transformer (TF) can be connected to a power amplifier (184) and can be connected to ground.

[0306] The secondary side of the transformer (TF) can be insulated from the primary side of the transformer (TF).

[0307] The primary side of the transformer (TF) of the second power converter (192), charging unit (193), signal generator (194), and gate driver (195) is not connected to the ground of the first power controller (pc1).

[0308] The primary side of the transformer (TF) of the second power converter (192), charging unit (193), signal generator (194), and gate driver (195) is floated from the ground of the first power controller.

[0309] The ground of the first power controller (pc1) and the ground of the second power controller (pc3) may be separated from each other.

[0310] As a result, the primary side of the transformer (TF) of the second power converter (192), charging unit (193), signal generator (194), and gate driver (195) is not affected by high-frequency, high-output noise generated from the first power controller (pc1). As a result, the signal generator (194) can generate a normal 13.56 MHz signal.

[0311] No noise from the energy harvester (191), second power converter (192), charging unit (193), and signal generator (194) is applied to the secondary side of the transformer (TF) of the gate driver (195).

[0312] The secondary side of the transformer (TF) of the gate driver (195) can amplify a signal received from a signal generator (194) to generate a driving signal and transmit the generated driving signal to the gate terminal of the power amplifier (184).

[0313] Due to this, noise from the energy harvester (191), the second power converter (192), the charging unit (193), and the signal generator (194) is not transmitted to the gate terminal of the third switching element of the power amplifier (184) of the first power controller (pc1).

[0314] The form of the output signal of the third switching element (SW_pal) of the power amplifier (184) when noise is included in the driving signal output from the gate driver (195) to the gate terminal of the third switching element (SW_pal) of the power amplifier (184) is described with reference to FIGS. 16a and 16b.

[0315] As illustrated in Fig. 16a, the magnitude of the driving signal applied to the gate terminal of the power amplifier (184) is not constant. As a result, the voltage output through the drain terminal of the third switching element (SW_pal) of the power amplifier (184) is not output in a normal sine wave form.

[0316] As illustrated in Fig. 16b, the duty ratio of the driving signal applied to the gate terminal of the power amplifier (184) may change. Due to this, the magnitude of the voltage output through the drain terminal of the third switching element (SW_pal) of the power amplifier (184) also changes, so that a normal voltage cannot be applied to the first and second electrodes.

[0317] In the case where noise is included in the driving signal output from the gate driver (195) to the gate terminal of the third switching element (SW_pal) of the power amplifier (184) as in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the voltage output through the drain terminal of the third switching element (SW_pal) of the power amplifier (184) may be output as a normal sine wave, but the peak of the signal may be output at a constant size.

[0318] In addition, the duty ratio of the driving signal applied to the gate terminal of the power amplifier (184) is maintained at the reference duty ratio so that a normal alternating voltage can be applied to the first and second electrodes.

[0319] That is, the power amplifier (184) can output a driving signal of a preset frequency and a preset size to the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b).

[0320] The driving signal of preset frequency and preset size can include a signal of 13.56 MHz / 1 kW.

[0321] The power amplifier (184) can output a voltage signal of 13.56 MHz and 50% duty to the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b) based on a driving signal of 13.56 MHz and 50% duty.

[0322] The heating unit (180) may further include a first sensor (189a) that detects the current flowing to the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b) and / or detects the voltage applied to the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b).

[0323] The first sensor (189a) can be powered from a commercial power source.

[0324] The first sensor (189a) can transmit information about the detected current and / or voltage to the dryer control unit (220).

[0325] The dryer control unit (220) can determine the power output from each component of the heating unit (180) and the power supplied to each component based on information about the current and / or voltage received from the first sensor (189a). For example, the dryer control unit (220) can determine the power supplied to the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b) based on the current and voltage applied to the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b).

[0326] The dryer (2) may include a second sensor (189b) that detects information related to drying operation control.

[0327] Information related to drying operation control may include temperature and humidity within the drum, current of the motor (170), voltage of the motor (170), and rotational speed of the motor (170).

[0328] The second sensor (189b) may further include at least one of a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the drum (120), a humidity sensor for detecting the humidity inside the drum, a current sensor for detecting the current flowing in the motor connected to the drum (120), and a speed sensor for detecting the rotation speed of the motor connected to the drum (120).

[0329] The second sensor (189b) is connected to the second power controller (pc3) and receives power from the charging unit (183) of the second power controller (pc3), and can detect various types of information using the supplied power.

[0330] The second sensor (189b) can detect various types of information based on the standard sensing cycle.

[0331] The second sensor (189b) can be maintained in an off state and then switched to an on state based on a reference sensing cycle, and can detect information when in an on operation.

[0332] The second sensor (189b) is connected to the second power controller (pc3) and can receive power for operation from the second power controller (pc3). This simplifies the wiring connected to the second sensor (189b). Furthermore, the second sensor (189b) can be placed in a location safe from water leakage, thereby preventing malfunctions due to water leakage.

[0333] The dryer control unit (220) controls the charging unit (193) to supply power of the charging unit (193) to the second sensor (189b) based on the reference sensing cycle, receives information detected from the second sensor (189b) based on supplying power of the charging unit (193) to the second sensor (189b), and can control the drying operation based on the received information.

[0334] When controlling drying operation, the dryer control unit (220) can control the rotation speed of the motor (170), the rotation direction of the motor (170), or the operation of the heating unit (180).

[0335] As illustrated in FIG. 18, the dryer control unit (220) performs energy harvesting using the energy harvester (191), and controls the charging unit (193) to supply power from the charging unit (193) to the second sensor (189b) based on reaching a reference sensing cycle during the performance of energy harvesting.

[0336] The dryer control unit (220) can control the off of the second sensor (189b) based on the completion of information detection by the second sensor (189b) and control the performance of energy harvesting.

[0337] The dryer control unit (220) can also control the charging unit (193) to supply power from the charging unit (193) to the second sensor (189b) based on the recognition that the current point in time during the drying operation is a point in time when information from the second sensor (189b) is required.

[0338] The dryer control unit (220) can also control the charging unit (193) to perform energy harvesting using the energy harvester (191) while simultaneously supplying power from the charging unit (193) to the second sensor (189b).

[0339] The dryer control unit (220) can be electrically connected to components of the dryer (1) and can control the components of the dryer (1). For example, the dryer control unit (220) can control the motor (170). The control unit (220) can control the electrode drive unit to apply power to the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b).

[0340] The dryer control unit (220) may be implemented with a memory (222) that stores data on an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the dryer (1) or a program that reproduces the algorithm, and a processor (221) that performs the aforementioned operation using the data stored in the memory (222). In this case, the memory (221) and the processor (222) may each be implemented as separate chips. Alternatively, the memory (221) and the processor (222) may be implemented as a single chip. In addition, a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories may be provided.

[0341] The processor (221) can process various data and various signals using instructions, data, programs and / or software stored in the memory (222).

[0342] The processor (221) may include one core or multiple cores. The processor (221) may include a separate NPU that performs the operation of an artificial intelligence model, and may include a graphics processor (GPU), etc.

[0343] The memory (222) may be implemented as at least one of a non-volatile memory element such as a cache, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable ROM), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and a flash memory, a volatile memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), or a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a CD-ROM, but is not limited thereto.

[0344] The memory (222) may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks.

[0345] The processor (221) and memory (222) will be described in more detail.

[0346] The processor (221) can control the drying operation based on at least one of the target dryness, drying course, received drying time information, and drying temperature information received through the user interface (150).

[0347] When controlling the drying operation, the processor (221) can control the motor (170) to rotate the drum (120) and the fan (160), and cause the object to tumble within the drum (120) by the rotation of the drum (120), and cause the air within the drum (120) to circulate by the rotation of the fan (160).

[0348] The processor (221) can control the electrode driving unit (180d) so that the amount of power applied to the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b) is controlled.

[0349] When the heating unit has three electrodes, the processor (221) can select two electrodes to apply power to and control the electrode driving unit (180d) to apply power to the two selected electrodes.

[0350] The processor (221) can determine the electrode impedance of the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b) based on the magnitude of the voltage detected at the input terminals of the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b).

[0351] The processor (221) can determine the dryness of the object based on the change in the magnitude of the voltage detected at the first and second electrodes (180a, 180b) and / or the change in electrode impedance, and control the completion of the drying operation based on the determined dryness.

[0352] The processor (221) can determine the completion of the drying operation based on the dryness of the target object and a predetermined reference dryness.

[0353] The processor (221) controls the charging unit (193) to supply power of the charging unit (193) to the second sensor (189b) based on a preset reference sensing cycle, receives information detected from the second sensor (189b) based on supplying power of the charging unit (193) to the second sensor (189b), and controls the drying operation based on the received information.

[0354] The processor (221) can control the turning off of the second sensor (189b) based on the completion of information detection of the second sensor (189b) and control the performance of energy harvesting.

[0355] When controlling drying operation, the processor (221) can control the rotation speed of the motor (170), the rotation direction of the motor (170), or the operation of the heating unit (180).

[0356] The processor (221) can also control the charging unit (193) to simultaneously supply power from the charging unit (193) to the second sensor (189b) while performing energy harvesting using the energy harvester (191).

[0357] The processor (221) can also control the turn-off of the switch so that charging of the charging unit is stopped based on the amount of power charged in the charging unit (193).

[0358] This switch may be provided between the energy harvester (191) and the second power converter (192), or may be provided between the second power converter (192) and the charging unit (193).

[0359] At least one component may be added or deleted to correspond to the performance of the components of the dryer illustrated in FIG. 8. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the relative positions of the components may be altered to correspond to the performance or structure of the dryer.

[0360] Meanwhile, each component illustrated in FIG. 8 represents software and / or hardware components such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

[0361] In another embodiment, the dryer may further include a plurality of sterilizing electrodes arranged alternately with the plurality of electrodes. In this case, a power amplifier for applying power of a preset frequency and a preset magnitude to the plurality of sterilizing electrodes, and a gate driver for transmitting a driving signal to the power amplifier may be additionally provided.

[0362] The electric field generated inside the drum (120) by the multiple sterilizing electrodes can destroy the cell membranes of microorganisms such as bacteria, thereby eliminating the microorganisms. When a strong electric field is applied to the microorganisms, the potential difference between the cell membranes increases, and since the charges generated on both surfaces of the cell membranes have opposite charges, an attractive force acts between the two charges. This attractive force compresses the cell membrane and reduces its thickness. As the thickness of the cell membrane decreases, pores are formed in the cell membrane, and the cell membrane is destroyed, thereby killing the microorganisms. Even when the electric field is generated for a short time by the multiple sterilizing electrodes, a sterilizing effect can be achieved on the target object.

[0363] The electric field generated inside the drum (120) by the plurality of sterilizing electrodes can also deodorize the target object. When a relatively high voltage is applied to the plurality of sterilizing electrodes, corona discharge can occur. The discharge phenomenon that occurs when gas particles on the electrode surface are excited and ionized due to the high voltage applied between the two sterilizing electrodes is called corona discharge. That is, when an object containing odor particles (e.g., clothing) is exposed to a high-voltage electric field, the odor particles can be separated from the object due to the corona discharge phenomenon. Therefore, the object can be deodorized.

[0364] As another example of a dryer, a drum-type dryer is described.

[0365] When the dryer is a flat-panel dryer, the flat-panel dryer may include a main body forming an exterior, a drying room provided inside the main body and accommodating an object, a door provided on the outside of the main body, a fan for circulating air in the drying room, and a heating unit for generating heat to dry the object accommodated in the drying room.

[0366] The main body may be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The drying chamber is a space formed within the main body and may be formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0367] The fan can supply air to the drying room and exhaust the air from the drying room to the outside.

[0368] The heating element may be a device that generates heat by causing a dielectric to vibrate using radio frequencies. The heating element may include a plurality of electrodes provided on the main body. The plurality of electrodes may be two or more.

[0369] The flat-panel dryer may include first and second power controllers (pc1, pc3).

[0370] The energy harvester of the second power controller may include at least one of a magnetic energy harvester provided around a motor that rotates a fan, a thermal energy harvester provided in the drying room and the main body to collect thermal energy and generate electrical energy, and a wind energy harvester that generates electrical energy by wind energy generated by the flow of air circulated within the drying room.

[0371] In addition, the remaining configurations of the first and second power controllers (pc1, pc3) are the same as the first and second power controllers (pc1, pc3) of other embodiments, and thus, description thereof is omitted.

[0372] 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.

[0373] 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.

[0374] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. Main body; A drum provided inside the main body and accommodating an object; A fan for circulating air in the drum; A motor for rotating at least one of the drum and the fan; An energy harvester that collects magnetic energy from a magnetic field formed in the above motor; A plurality of electrodes spaced apart from each other inside the main body and forming an electric field in the drum; a first power controller connected to a commercial power source and the plurality of electrodes; and A second power controller is included that generates a driving signal using power supplied from the energy harvester and transmits the generated driving signal to the first power controller. A dryer in which the first power controller converts power supplied from the commercial power source into power having a preset frequency and preset magnitude based on a driving signal received from the second power controller and applies the converted power to the plurality of electrodes.

2. In the first paragraph, the first power controller, A dryer comprising a switching element that is turned on or off based on the driving signal.

3. In paragraph 2, The second power controller includes a transformer whose primary side is connected to the energy harvester and whose secondary side is connected to the switching element of the first power controller, A dryer having a structure in which the energy harvester and the switching element are insulated by the transformer.

4. In the third paragraph, the second power controller, A power converter that converts a component of power generated from the energy harvester or converts a voltage of power generated from the energy harvester; A charging unit that stores power converted from the above power converter; A signal generator that receives power stored in the charging unit and generates a source signal; and A dryer comprising a gate driver that is provided with the transformer and supplies power stored in the charging unit and generates the driving signal based on a source signal received from the signal generator.

5. In paragraph 4, The above power converter, the charging unit and the signal generator are not connected to the ground of the first power controller and are floating.

6. In paragraph 4, A dryer in which the power converter, the charging unit, and the signal generator are provided on the primary side of the transformer and are insulated from the first power controller to block noise from entering the first power controller.

7. In the 6th paragraph, the switching element, A dryer in which noise from the power converter, the charging unit, and the signal generator is blocked by the transformer.

8. In paragraph 4, A dryer further comprising at least one sensor that is supplied with power stored in the charging unit.

9. In paragraph 8, A dryer further comprising a processor that controls the charging unit to apply power stored in the charging unit to the at least one sensor based on a reference sensing cycle, and controls drying operation based on information detected by the at least one sensor.

10. In the first paragraph, the energy harvester, A dryer comprising a core and a coil wound around the core.

11. In paragraph 1, The above motor includes a plurality of slots and a coil wound around each of the plurality of slots, The above energy harvester comprises a plurality of magnetic energy harvesters, A dryer in which each of the plurality of magnetic energy harvesters is provided adjacent to at least two of the plurality of coils.

Images