Dryer and method for controlling same

Abstract

A dryer according to an aspect of the disclosed invention may comprise: a cabinet: a drum rotatably provided inside the cabinet and accommodating an object to be dried; a drying unit for drying the object to be dried; a motor for rotating the drum; a plurality of electrodes arranged sequentially in the axial direction on the inner surface of the drum to detect one or more electrode impedances of the object to be dried; and a control unit for determining dryness levels for respective regions of the object to be dried on the basis of the one or more electrode impedances detected by the plurality of electrodes, and controlling the drying unit and the motor on the basis of the determined dryness levels.

Description

Dryer and method of controlling the same

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a dryer and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a dryer having an improved structure and a control method thereof.

[0002] A dryer is a device that can dry an object by removing moisture contained in the object. Various types of drying devices exist that can dry an object. For example, there is a dryer that supplies hot air into a drum containing the object to be dried to dry it. Another example is a dryer that can dry an object through dielectric heating using RF (Radio Frequency). Conventional drying devices that utilize dielectric heating place the object to be dried between two parallel plate-type electrodes and generate an electric field between the two plate-type electrodes to heat the water contained in the object to be dried.

[0003] Furthermore, the dryness of the drying object can be measured in various ways to ensure proper drying. For example, the dryness of the drying object inside the drum can be measured using a humidity sensor installed inside the dryer. Alternatively, the dryness of the drying object can be measured by measuring the moisture content of the drying object at a specific temperature using a temperature sensor and a weight sensor. The dryness of the drying object can also be measured using a pair of electrodes and the impedance between the electrode pairs.

[0004] One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a dryer that can more accurately determine the dryness of an object to be dried by arranging a plurality of electrodes in various directions inside a drum to measure the dryness of each part (area) of the object to be dried, and provide an optimal drying course and drying time accordingly.

[0005] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0006] An air dryer according to one aspect of the disclosed invention may include a cabinet; a drying unit for drying an object to be dried; a drum rotatably provided inside the cabinet; a motor for rotating the drum; a plurality of electrodes sequentially arranged in an axial direction on an inner surface of the drum for detecting electrode impedance of the object to be dried; and a control unit for determining a dryness level for each region of the object to be dried based on the electrode impedance detected by the plurality of electrodes and controlling the drying unit and the motor based on the determined dryness level for each region of the object to be dried.

[0007] Figure 1 illustrates a network system implemented by various electronic devices.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional view of a dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a control block diagram of a dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the arrangement of electrodes inside a drum according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIGS. 6A to 6C are drawings showing the arrangement of a plurality of electrode rows inside a drum according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams showing electrodes used for measurement according to the amount of a dry object according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B are diagrams illustrating a method for measuring impedance between multiple electrodes according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of changing a drying time or drying course according to a dryness level according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are diagrams showing an operation of changing a drying course when the dryness of a specific area is relatively low according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are diagrams showing an operation of changing a drying course when the dryness of a specific area is relatively low according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are diagrams showing an operation of recommending drying stop according to dryness according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] 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.

[0020] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0024] The terms "part," "module," and "member" may be implemented in hardware or software. Depending on the embodiments, multiple "parts," "modules," or "members" may be implemented as a single component, or a single "part," "module," or "member" may include multiple components.

[0025] 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).

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Figure 1 illustrates a network system implemented by various electronic devices.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, a home appliance (10) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another home appliance, a user device (2), or a server (3), a user interface for receiving user input or outputting information to a user, at least one processor for controlling the operation of the home appliance (10), and at least one memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the home appliance (10) is stored.

[0032] The home appliance (10) may be at least one of various types of home appliances. For example, the home appliance (10) may include at least one of a refrigerator (11), a dishwasher (12), an electric range (13), an electric oven (14), an air conditioner (15), a clothes manager (16), a washing machine (17), a dryer (18), and a microwave oven (19), as illustrated.

[0033] The home appliance (10) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the home appliance (10) may include various home appliances, such as a cleaning robot, a vacuum cleaner, and a television, not illustrated in the drawing. Furthermore, the aforementioned home appliances are merely examples, and in addition to the aforementioned home appliances, other home appliances, user devices (2), or devices capable of performing the operations described below, connected to a server (3), may be included in the home appliance (10) according to one embodiment.

[0034] The server (3) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another server, a home appliance (10), or a user device (2), at least one processor capable of processing data received from another server, a home appliance (10), or a user device (2), and at least one memory capable of storing a program for processing data or processed data. The server (3) may be implemented as various computing devices such as a workstation, a cloud, a data drive, or a data station. The server (3) may be implemented as one or more servers that are physically or logically separated based on function, detailed configuration of function, or data, and may transmit and receive data through communication between each server and process the transmitted and received data.

[0035] The server (3) can perform functions such as managing user accounts, registering home appliances (10) by linking them to user accounts, and managing or controlling registered home appliances (10). For example, a user can access the server (3) through a user device (2) and create a user account. The user account can be identified by an ID and password set by the user. The server (3) can register home appliances (10) to the user account according to a set procedure. For example, the server (3) can link identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the home appliance (10) to the user account, thereby registering, managing, and controlling the home appliance (10). The user device (2) can include a communication module capable of communicating with the home appliance (10) or the server (3), a user interface for receiving user input or outputting information to the user, at least one processor for controlling the operation of the user device (2), and at least one memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the user device (2) is stored.

[0036] The user device (2) may be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office, etc. The user device (2) may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer, a terminal, a portable telephone, a smart phone, a handheld device, a wearable device, etc.

[0037] A program for controlling a home appliance (10), i.e., an application, may be stored in the memory of the user device (2). The application may be sold installed in the user device (2) or downloaded and installed from an external server.

[0038] A user can access a server (3) by executing an application installed on a user device (2), create a user account, and register a home appliance (10) by communicating with the server (3) based on the logged-in user account.

[0039] For example, when the home appliance (10) is operated so that the home appliance (10) can be connected to the server (3) according to the procedure guided by the application installed on the user device (2), the home appliance (10) can be registered in the user account by registering the identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the home appliance (10) in the corresponding user account on the server (3).

[0040] A user can control a home appliance (10) using an application installed on the user device (2). For example, when a user logs into a user account using an application installed on the user device (2), a home appliance (10) registered to the user account appears, and when a control command for the home appliance (10) is input, the control command can be transmitted to the home appliance (10) via the server (3).

[0041] A network can include both wired and wireless networks. Wired networks include cable networks or telephone networks, while wireless networks can include any network that transmits and receives signals via radio waves. Wired and wireless networks can be interconnected.

[0042] The network may include a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an Access Point (AP), and / or a short-range wireless network that does not pass through an Access Point (AP). Short-range wireless networks may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC), Z-Wave, etc., for example.

[0043] An access point (AP) can connect a home appliance (10) or a user device (2) to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server (3) is connected. The home appliance (10) or the user device (2) can be connected to the server (3) via the wide area network (WAN).

[0044] The access point (AP) can communicate with a home appliance (10) or user device (2) using wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), or Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), and can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, but is not limited thereto.

[0045] According to various embodiments, the home appliance (10) may be directly connected to the user device (2) or server (3) without going through an access point (AP).

[0046] The home appliance (10) can be connected to a user device (2) or a server (3) via a long-distance wireless network or a short-distance wireless network.

[0047] For example, the home appliance (10) can be connected to the user device (2) via a short-range wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct).

[0048] As another example, the home appliance (10) may be connected to a user device (2) or a server (3) via a wide area network (WAN) using a long-distance wireless network (e.g., a cellular communication module).

[0049] As another example, a home appliance (10) can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication and be connected to a user device (2) or a server (3) through the wide area network (WAN).

[0050] If the home appliance (10) can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, it can also function as an access relay. Accordingly, the home appliance (10) can connect other home appliances to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected. In addition, other home appliances can connect the home appliance (10) to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected.

[0051] A home appliance (10) can transmit information about its operation or status to another home appliance, a user device (2), or a server (3) via a network. For example, the home appliance (10) can transmit information about its operation or status to another home appliance, a user device (2), or a server (3) when a request is received from a server (3), when a specific event occurs in the home appliance (10), or periodically or in real time. When information about its operation or status is received from the home appliance (10), the server (3) can update the information about the operation or status of the home appliance (10) that has been stored therein, and transmit the updated information about the operation and status of the home appliance (10) to the user device (2) via a network. Here, updating information can include various operations that change existing information, such as an operation of adding new information to existing information, an operation of replacing existing information with new information, etc.

[0052] The home appliance (10) can obtain various information from other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3), and provide the obtained information to the user. For example, the home appliance (10) can obtain information related to the functions of the home appliance (10) (e.g., cooking methods, washing instructions, etc.) and various environmental information (e.g., weather, temperature, humidity, etc.) from the server (3), and output the obtained information through a user interface.

[0053] The home appliance (10) can operate according to a control command received from another home appliance, a user device (2), or a server (3). For example, if the home appliance (10) has obtained prior approval from the user to operate according to a control command from the server (3) even without user input, the home appliance (10) can operate according to a control command received from the server (3). Here, the control command received from the server (3) may include, but is not limited to, a control command input by the user through the user device (2) or a control command based on preset conditions.

[0054] The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the home appliance (10) or the server (3) via the communication module. For example, the user device (2) can transmit information about the user's location, the user's health status, the user's preferences, the user's schedule, etc. to the server (3). The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the server (3) with the user's prior consent.

[0055] The home appliance (10), user device (2), or server (3) may determine a control command using technology such as artificial intelligence. For example, the server (3) may receive information regarding the operation or status of the home appliance (10) or information regarding the user of the user device (2), process the information using technology such as artificial intelligence, and transmit the processing result or control command to the home appliance (10) or user device (2) based on the processing result.

[0056] The dryer (1) described below may correspond to the aforementioned home appliance (10).

[0057] Figure 2 illustrates a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 2, the dryer (1) may include a cabinet (1a) forming an exterior, and a drum (20) rotatably installed within the cabinet (1a). The cabinet (1a) may be provided in an approximately hexahedral shape. The cabinet (1a) may include a top cover (1b) forming an upper surface, a front cover (1c) forming a front surface, and a base forming a bottom surface.

[0059] For example, the front cover (1c), the top cover (1b), and the base forming the cabinet (1a) may be separately prepared and assembled. As another example, some components forming the cabinet (1a) (e.g., the front cover, the top cover, and the base) may be formed integrally.

[0060] An inlet (31) is provided on the front of the cabinet (1a) for loading or unloading clothes (not shown) as an object to be dried into or from the drum (20). The dryer (1) may include a door (50) provided to open and close the inlet (31) formed on the front cover (1c). After opening the door (50), a user can load or unload the object to be dried into or from the drum (20) through the inlet (31). When the inlet (31) is closed and the dryer (1) begins to operate, a door lock may lock the door (50).

[0061] A user interface (100) for interaction between a user and the dryer (1) may be provided on the upper front side of the cabinet (1a). The user interface (100) may obtain user input and display various information regarding the dryer (1). The location of the user interface (100) is not limited to the front. The user interface (100) may be provided at various locations of the dryer (1).

[0062] The user interface (100) may include a display. Furthermore, the user interface (100) may include an input unit for obtaining user input regarding the operation of the dryer (1). The input unit may include a rotatable dial and various buttons. Additionally, the user interface (100) may include various types of input units and displays.

[0063] The display may be provided in the form of various display panels. For example, the display may include a liquid crystal display panel (LCD panel), a light emitting diode panel (LED panel), an organic light emitting diode panel (OLED panel), or a micro LED panel. The display may also be used as an input device, including a touch screen.

[0064] The display can display user-entered information or information provided to the user on various screens. The display 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 can display a graphical user interface (GUI) that enables control of the dryer (1). That is, the display can display UI elements (User Interface Elements), such as icons.

[0065] The input unit can transmit an electrical signal (voltage or current) corresponding to a user input to the control unit (200). The input unit can include various buttons and / or dials. For example, the input unit can include at least one of a power button for turning the dryer (1) on or off, a start / stop button for starting or stopping the drying operation, a drying course button for selecting a drying course, a temperature button for setting the drying temperature, and a time button for setting the drying time. The various buttons can be provided as physical buttons or touch buttons.

[0066] The dial included in the input unit may be configured to be rotatable. UI elements displayed on the display may move sequentially as the dial rotates. The dryer (1) may perform drying according to a selected drying course. The drying course may include drying parameters such as drying temperature and drying time. Different drying courses may be selected depending on the location of the object to be dried within the drum (20), the type of the object to be dried, and / or the amount of the object to be dried.

[0067] The dryer (1) may include a filter (40) detachably mounted on the front cover (1c). The filter (40) may filter out foreign substances such as lint that flow together with the air circulating inside the drum (20).

[0068] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0069] Referring to Fig. 3, a cylindrical drum (20) may be provided inside the cabinet (1a). The drum (20) is provided to accommodate a drying object therein so that drying can be performed. The drum (20) may be provided to be rotatable by receiving power from a motor (72). The drum (20) may be provided inside the cabinet (1a) so as to be rotatable around a rotating axis that is provided approximately horizontally with respect to the ground.

[0070] A lifter (21) may be provided on the inner surface of the drum (20) to lift the object to be dried when the drum (20) rotates. Depending on the rotation speed of the drum (20), the object to be dried may be repeatedly raised and lowered by the lifter (21). A roller (22) may be provided on the outer surface of the drum to support the drum (20) so that it rotates smoothly.

[0071] The driving device may be placed on the inner lower part of the cabinet (1a). The driving device may be mounted on the base. The driving device may include a motor (72), a pulley (74) and a belt (75) for transmitting the power of the motor (72) to the drum (20).

[0072] A pulley (74) can be connected to a rotary shaft (73) connected to a motor (72). When the rotary shaft (73) is rotated by the motor (72), the pulley (74) can rotate together with the rotary shaft (73). A belt (75) can be installed so as to be wound around the outer surface of the pulley (74) and the outer surface of the drum (20). When the belt (75) is rotated by the driving force of the motor (72), the drum (20) can rotate together with the belt (75). The drum (20) can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0073] A passage (80) for circulating air may be formed inside the cabinet (1a) and inside the drum (20). The passage (80) may include an air exhaust passage (81) for discharging air from inside the drum (20) to outside the drum (20), and an air supply passage (82) for supplying air to inside the drum (20).

[0074] The dryer (1) may include an exhaust duct (60) forming an air exhaust path (81). A filter (40) may be arranged at an inlet (61) of the exhaust duct (60). The exhaust duct (60) may pass through the cabinet (1a), and an outlet (63) of the exhaust duct (60) may be exposed to the outside of the cabinet (1a). Air flowing into the inlet (61) of the exhaust duct (60) may be filtered while passing through the filter (40). The filter (40) may filter out foreign substances such as lint contained in the air.

[0075] A fan (71) for circulating air may be provided inside the cabinet (1a). By the rotation of the fan (71), air inside the drum (20) may be introduced into the exhaust duct (60). In addition, by the rotation of the fan (71), air may be supplied into the drum (20) through the air supply path (83) and the air inlet (20b) of the drum (20). The air supplied into the drum (20) may be used for drying the object to be dried.

[0076] The motor (72) can rotate not only the drum (20) but also the fan (71). Although the drum (20) and the fan (71) are exemplified as being driven by a single motor (72), this is not limited thereto. A separate fan motor (not shown) may be provided to drive the fan (71). In addition, the motor (72) may be directly connected to the drum (20) to rotate the drum (20). If the motor (72) is directly connected to the drum (20), the pulley (74) and the belt (75) may be omitted.

[0077] A plurality of electrodes (90) may be provided inside the drum (20). The plurality of electrodes (90) are arranged in sequence in the axial direction on the inner surface of the drum (20) to detect the electrode impedance of the drying target. A detailed description of the plurality of electrodes (90) will be described later.

[0078] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a control block diagram of a dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] The dryer (1) may include a cabinet, a drum (20), and a motor (72) as described above, and may further include a drying unit (30), a plurality of electrodes (90), and a control unit (200).

[0080] The drying unit (30) can dry the object to be dried. The dryer (1) can dry the object to be dried in various ways. For example, there are a hot air drying method that can dry the object to be dried by convection of heat generated from the outside by an external force (fan, blower, etc.) that drives a fluid, a heat pump drying method that absorbs heat from a low-temperature heat source and releases the absorbed heat to a high-temperature location, and an electric field drying method that radiates RF (Radio Frequency) in the form of energy to the object to be dried and performs drying through interaction with water molecules existing in the object to be dried. At this time, according to the electric field drying method, the drying unit (30) may be configured to include a plurality of electrodes (90).

[0081] A plurality of electrodes (90) can be arranged in sequence in the axial direction on the inner surface of the drum (20), and can detect the electrode impedance of the drying target inside the drum (20).

[0082] The specific details regarding the arrangement of these multiple electrodes (90) and the detection of electrode impedance will be described later.

[0083] The control unit (200) may include a memory (202) that stores a control program and control data for controlling the drying unit (30) and the motor (72), and at least one processor (201) that generates a control signal according to the control program and control data stored in the memory (202). The memory (202) and the processor (201) may be provided integrally or separately.

[0084] The memory (202) can store electrode impedance values ​​detected by a plurality of electrodes (90) and can store programs and data for controlling the drying unit (30) and the motor (72).

[0085] The memory (202) may include volatile memory (202) such as Static Random Access Memory (S-RAM) and Dynamic Random Access Memory (D-RAP) for temporarily storing data. In addition, the memory (202) may include non-volatile memory (202) such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), and Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) for long-term storage of data.

[0086] The processor (201) may include various logic circuits and operation circuits, process data according to a program provided from memory (202), and generate a control signal according to the processing result.

[0087] The control unit (200) can determine the dryness level of each area of ​​the drying target based on the electrode impedance detected by the plurality of electrodes (90). The specific details of determining the dryness level based on the electrode impedance will be described later.

[0088] The control unit (200) can control the drying unit (30) and the motor (72) based on the determined dryness of the drying target. That is, the drying unit (30) and the motor (72) can be controlled to provide an optimized drying course and drying time according to the dryness of the drying target.

[0089] Below, the operation of determining the dryness of each area of ​​the drying target object in order to provide an optimal drying course and drying time is described in detail.

[0090] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the arrangement of electrodes inside a drum according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] As described above, a plurality of electrodes (90) can be arranged axially and sequentially on the inner surface of the drum (20). The plurality of electrodes (90) arranged axially on the inner surface of the drum (20) in this way can form one electrode row. Although Fig. 2 illustrates a state in which the plurality of electrodes (90) are arranged in the same row, the plurality of electrodes (90) need only be arranged axially, i.e., in the depth direction, on the inner surface of the drum (20), and may not be arranged in the same row.

[0092] As described above, the control unit (200) can determine the dryness level of the object to be dried contained in the drum (20) based on the electrode impedance detected at each of the plurality of electrodes (90). That is, if water as a dielectric exists between the plurality of electrodes (90), the strength of the electric field formed between the plurality of electrodes (90) may decrease, the magnitude of the voltage detected at the electrodes (90) may decrease, and the electrode impedance may decrease. As the drying of the object to be dried progresses, the water contained in the object to be dried may be removed. As the drying progresses, the magnitude of the voltage detected at the electrodes (90) may gradually increase, and the electrode impedance may gradually be detected to be large. In other words, as the drying progresses, the difference between the magnitude of the voltage detected at the electrodes (90) and the magnitude of the reference voltage may gradually decrease. The control unit (200) can determine the dryness level of the object to be dried based on a change in the magnitude of the voltage detected at the electrodes (90) and / or a change in the electrode impedance.

[0093] As these multiple electrodes (90) are arranged axially on the inner surface of the drum (20), the dryness of the object to be dried can be accurately determined for each area by determining the dryness of the object to be dried in the axial direction within the drum (20).

[0094] FIGS. 6A to 6C are drawings showing the arrangement of a plurality of electrode rows inside a drum according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] Figure 5 illustrates one electrode row arranged axially within a drum (20), and Figures 6a to 6c illustrate a state in which multiple such electrode rows are included.

[0096] That is, the plurality of electrodes (90) may include at least two electrode rows arranged in sequence in the axial direction.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 6a, the dryer (1) may include a first electrode row (90'a) and a second electrode row (90'b) axially arranged within a drum (20).

[0098] The drying target object accommodated in the drum (20) comes into contact with the plurality of electrodes (90) included in the first electrode row (90'a) and the second electrode row (90'b), so that the dryness of the drying target object can be determined based on the electrode impedance of each of the plurality of electrodes (90) included in the first electrode row (90'a) and the second electrode row (90'b).

[0099] The electrode rows may be arranged as shown in Fig. 6b.

[0100] A lifter (21) may be provided on the inner surface of the drum (20) to lift the object to be dried when the drum (20) rotates. Depending on the rotation speed of the drum (20), the object to be dried may be repeatedly raised and lowered by the lifter (21). A plurality of electrodes (90) may form an electrode row on the lifter.

[0101] That is, as shown in Fig. 6b, a third electrode row (90'c) may be provided on one lifter (21), and a fourth electrode row (90'd) may be provided on another lifter (21).

[0102] The drying target object accommodated in the drum (20) comes into contact with the plurality of electrodes (90) included in the third electrode row (90'c) and the fourth electrode row (90'd), so that the dryness of the drying target object can be determined based on the electrode impedance of each of the plurality of electrodes (90) included in the third electrode row (90'c) and the fourth electrode row (90'd).

[0103] Referring to FIG. 6c, the dryer (1) may include a first electrode row (90'a) and a second electrode row (90'b) provided on the inner surface of the drum (20) as in FIG. 3a, and a third electrode row (90'c) and a fourth electrode row (90'd) provided on the lifter (21).

[0104] The plurality of electrode rows (90') illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6C may be arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the drum (20). That is, the plurality of electrode rows (90') may be arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the drum (20), or may be arranged at different intervals.

[0105] The arrangement of the plurality of electrodes (90) shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C is merely an example, and the plurality of electrodes (90) may be arranged in various forms.

[0106] As described above, in the case of a dryer (1) using an electric field drying method, a plurality of electrodes (90) for radiating RF (Radio Frequency) in the form of energy to a drying target may be included. In this case, a plurality of electrodes (90) for radiating RF may be arranged as shown in FIG. 3, and the plurality of electrodes (90) may also be used for electrode impedance detection to measure the dryness of the drying target.

[0107] FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams showing electrodes used for measurement according to the amount of a dry object according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b explain assuming that the first electrode row (90'a) to the fourth electrode row (90'd) are all provided in the drum (20) as in FIG. 6c.

[0109] As described above, when a drying object (11) is accommodated inside the drum (20) and the drying object comes into contact with each of the plurality of electrodes (90), the degree of dryness is determined based on the electrode impedance measured according to the moisture contained in the drying object (11).

[0110] When the amount of the drying object (11) accommodated inside the drum (20) is relatively small, as shown in Fig. 7a, the drying object (11) may only come into contact with the first electrode row (90'a) and the second electrode row (90'b) and may not come into contact with the third electrode row (90'c) and the fourth electrode row (90'd).

[0111] In this case, the dryness of the drying target (11) can be determined based on the electrode impedance between each of the plurality of electrodes (90) included in the first electrode row (90'a) and the second electrode row (90'b).

[0112] In addition, when the amount of the drying object (11) accommodated inside the drum (20) is relatively large, as in Fig. 7b, the drying object (11) can reach not only the first electrode row (90'a) and the second electrode row (90'b), but also the third electrode row (90'c) and the fourth electrode row (90'd).

[0113] In this case, the dryness of the object to be dried (11) can be determined based on the electrode impedance between each of the plurality of electrodes (90) included in the third electrode row (90'c) and the fourth electrode row (90'd), or the dryness of the object to be dried can be determined based on the electrode impedance between each of the plurality of electrodes (90) included in the first electrode row (90'a) to the fourth electrode row (90'd).

[0114] Below, the process of determining the dryness by measuring the impedance between each electrode (90) included in a plurality of electrode rows (90') is described.

[0115] FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B are diagrams illustrating a method for measuring impedance between multiple electrodes according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] As described above, the plurality of electrodes (90) may include a plurality of electrode rows (90') arranged in axial order inside the drum (20), and these plurality of electrode rows (90') may be arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the drum (20).

[0117] The control unit (200) can determine the dryness of the object to be dried based on the electrode impedance between the plurality of electrode rows (90') and the electrode impedance between the electrodes arranged axially on the inner surface of the drum (20).

[0118] That is, the dryness of the object to be dried can be determined based on the electrode impedance between each of the plurality of electrodes (90) included in one electrode row and the electrode impedance between each of the plurality of electrodes (90) included in different electrode rows.

[0119] For example, when determining the dryness of a drying target using the first electrode row (90'a) and the second electrode row (90'b) as in FIG. 8a, the dryness of the drying target can be determined based on the electrode impedance between each of the plurality of electrodes (90) included in the first electrode row (90'a), the electrode impedance between each of the plurality of electrodes (90) included in the second electrode row (90'b), and the electrode impedance between the first electrode row (90'a) and the second electrode row (90'b).

[0120] Specifically, the impedance between the first electrode (90'a-1) of the first electrode row (90'a) and the first electrode (90'b-1) of the second electrode row (90'b), the impedance between the second electrode (90'a-2) of the first electrode row (90'a) and the second electrode (90'b-2) of the second electrode row (90'b), and the electrode impedance between the third electrode (90'a-3) of the first electrode row (90'a) and the third electrode (90'b-3) of the second electrode row (90'b) can be determined, and the dryness of the drying target can be determined based on the electrode impedance. In other words, the dryness of the drying target can be determined based on the electrode impedance between electrodes at opposite positions between different electrode rows.

[0121] Next, the impedance between the first electrode (90'a-1) of the first electrode column (90'a) and the second electrode (90'b-2) of the second electrode column (90'b), the impedance between the first electrode (90'a-1) of the first electrode column (90'a) and the third electrode (90'b-3) of the second electrode column (90'b), the electrode impedance between the second electrode (90'a-2) of the first electrode column (90'a) and the first electrode (90'b-1) of the second electrode column (90'b), the impedance between the second electrode (90'a-2) of the first electrode column (90'a) and the third electrode (90'b-3) of the second electrode column (90'b), and the impedance between the third electrode (90'a-3) of the first electrode column (90'a) and the first electrode (90'b) of the second electrode column (90'b) The impedance between the electrodes (90'b-1), the electrode impedance between the third electrode (90'a-3) of the first electrode row (90'a) and the second electrode (90'b-2) of the second electrode row (90'b) can be determined, and the dryness of the drying target can be determined based on the electrode impedance.

[0122] That is, the dryness of a drying target can be determined based on the electrode impedance between electrodes located at non-facing positions between different electrode rows.

[0123] Finally, the impedance between the first electrode (90'a-1) of the first electrode row (90'a) and the second electrode (90'a-2) of the first electrode row (90'a), the impedance between the second electrode (90'a-2) of the first electrode row (90'a) and the third electrode (90'a-3) of the first electrode row (90'a), the electrode impedance between the first electrode (90'b-1) of the second electrode row (90'b) and the second electrode (90'b-2) of the second electrode row (90'b), and the impedance between the second electrode (90'b-2) of the second electrode row (90'b) and the third electrode (90'b-3) of the second electrode row (90'b) can be determined, and the dryness of the drying target can be determined based on the corresponding electrode impedances.

[0124] That is, the dryness of the drying target can be determined based on the electrode impedance between each electrode in the same electrode row.

[0125] In this way, the dryness for each region can be determined based on the electrode impedance between each of the plurality of electrodes (90), and the final dryness can be determined using the average value of each determined dryness.

[0126] In addition, when the dryness of the object to be dried is determined using the third electrode row (90'c) and the fourth electrode row (90'd) provided on the lifter as in FIG. 8b, the dryness of the object to be dried can be determined based on the electrode impedance between each of the plurality of electrodes (90) included in the third electrode row (90'c), the electrode impedance between each of the plurality of electrodes (90) included in the fourth electrode row (90'd), and the electrode impedance between the third electrode row (90'c) and the fourth electrode row (90'd).

[0127] Specifically, the impedance between the first electrode (90'c-1) of the third electrode row (90'c) and the first electrode (90'd-1) of the fourth electrode row (90'd), the impedance between the second electrode (90'c-2) of the third electrode row (90'c) and the second electrode (90'd-2) of the fourth electrode row (90'd), and the electrode impedance between the third electrode (90'c-3) of the third electrode row (90'c) and the third electrode (90'd-3) of the fourth electrode row (90'd) can be determined, and the dryness of the drying target can be determined based on the electrode impedance. In other words, the dryness of the drying target can be determined based on the electrode impedance between electrodes at opposite positions between different electrode rows.

[0128] Next, the impedance between the first electrode (90'c-1) of the third electrode row (90'c) and the second electrode (90'd-2) of the fourth electrode row (90'd), the impedance between the first electrode (90'c-1) of the third electrode row (90'c) and the third electrode (90'd-3) of the fourth electrode row (90'd), the electrode impedance between the second electrode (90'c-2) of the third electrode row (90'c) and the first electrode (90'd-1) of the fourth electrode row (90'd), the impedance between the second electrode (90'c-2) of the third electrode row (90'c) and the third electrode (90'd-3) of the fourth electrode row (90'd), and the impedance between the third electrode (90'c-3) of the third electrode row (90'c) and the first electrode (90'd) of the fourth electrode row (90'd) The impedance between the electrodes (90'd-1), the electrode impedance between the third electrode (90'c-3) of the third electrode row (90'c) and the second electrode (90'd-2) of the fourth electrode row (90'd) can be determined, and the dryness of the drying target can be determined based on the electrode impedance.

[0129] That is, the dryness of a drying target can be determined based on the electrode impedance between electrodes located at non-facing positions between different electrode rows.

[0130] Finally, the impedance between the first electrode (90'c-1) of the third electrode row (90'c) and the second electrode (90'c-2) of the third electrode row (90'c), the impedance between the second electrode (90'c-2) of the third electrode row (90'c) and the third electrode (90'c-3) of the third electrode row (90'c), the electrode impedance between the first electrode (90'd-1) of the fourth electrode row (90'd) and the second electrode (90'd-2) of the fourth electrode row (90'd), and the impedance between the second electrode (90'd-2) of the fourth electrode row (90'd) and the third electrode (90'd-3) of the fourth electrode row (90'd) can be determined, and the dryness of the drying target can be determined based on the corresponding electrode impedances.

[0131] That is, the dryness of the drying target can be determined based on the electrode impedance between each electrode in the same electrode row.

[0132] In this way, the dryness for each region can be determined based on the electrode impedance between each of the plurality of electrodes (90), and the final dryness can be determined using the average value of each determined dryness.

[0133] By using the electrode impedance between the plurality of electrodes (90) included in the plurality of electrode rows (90') to determine the dryness of the object to be dried, the dryness of various directions and various parts of the object to be dried can be determined, thereby increasing the accuracy of dryness determination, and accordingly, providing an optimized drying course and drying time.

[0134] A plurality of electrodes (90) can detect electrode impedance at preset intervals. That is, the aforementioned dryness can be determined by detecting electrode impedance at regular intervals.

[0135] The order of measuring electrode impedance between the electrodes described above is only an example, and electrode impedance can be measured according to various orders.

[0136] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of changing a drying time or drying course according to a dryness level according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0137] As described above, the dryer (1) according to the present disclosure can determine the dryness of the object to be dried based on the electrode impedance detected by the plurality of electrodes (90).

[0138] Below, the operation of controlling the drying unit (30) and the motor (72) based on the dryness of the detected drying target is described.

[0139] When the dryer (1) operates the drying course by an operation command or the like (901), the dryness of the object to be dried can be determined based on the electrode impedance detected by the plurality of electrodes (90) (903).

[0140] The control unit (200) can control the drying unit (30) or the motor (72) to change the drying time or drying course based on the dryness of the drying target (905).

[0141] Here, the drying course of the dryer (1) can be performed based on the user's input of an operation command for a specific drying course.

[0142] At this time, when the drying time or drying course is changed based on the dryness of the object to be dried, a notification for the change in the drying time or drying course can be provided to inform the user that the drying time or drying course has been changed (907).

[0143] These notifications may be provided in visual form by a display included in the dryer (1) or may be provided in auditory form by a speaker.

[0144] For example, when extending the drying time based on the determined dryness of the target object, a visual or audible notification may be provided to the user informing them of the extended drying time. These notifications are merely examples, and various notification forms may be provided to the user.

[0145] Alternatively, the drying time or drying course may be changed depending on the material of the drying target.

[0146] That is, the control unit (200) can determine the material of the drying object based on the final dryness of the drying object, and control the drying unit (30) and the motor (72) to change the drying time or the course based on the determined material.

[0147] For example, if it is determined that the material of the drying target is a material that dries well, control can be performed to shorten the drying time.

[0148] Even in these cases, a visual or audible notification may be provided to indicate that the drying time has been shortened, depending on the material of the drying target.

[0149] In addition, when the user sets the operation mode of the dryer (1) to an automatic mode, etc., that is, when the dryer (1) is operated in an automatic mode, etc. for automatically performing optimized drying without setting a specific drying course, after performing the above-described dryness determination operation, the drying unit (30) and the motor (72) can be controlled by the control unit (200) so that appropriate drying of the drying target is performed.

[0150] In such cases, there may be no need to provide the user with a separate notification that the drying course or drying time has changed, as the drying course or drying time may be determined automatically.

[0151] In this way, the dryer (1) according to the present disclosure can change the drying course or drying time in various ways based on the determined dryness level of the drying target. Below, specific examples of changing the drying course or drying time will be described.

[0152] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are diagrams showing an operation of changing a drying course when the dryness of a specific area is relatively low according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0153] As described above, the dryness of the drying target can be determined based on the electrode impedance detected by the plurality of electrodes (90) (1001).

[0154] During the drying process, a phenomenon may occur in which a drying object located in the rear region of the drum (20), where the mechanical force is relatively less effective, is less dried. In other words, a phenomenon may occur in which a drying object located in the rear region of the drum (20) is less dried than a drying object located in the front region of the drum (20).

[0155] Here, the rear area of ​​the drum (20) may be an area facing the rear of the drum (20) based on the center of the drum (20). That is, as shown in Fig. 11, it may be an area up to the rear of the drum (20) based on a line (L1) drawn from the center of the drum (20).

[0156] Conversely, the front area may be an area facing the door based on the center of the drum (20). That is, as illustrated in Fig. 11, it may be an area up to the front of the drum (20) based on a line (L1) drawn from the center of the drum (20).

[0157] These criteria for the front and rear areas are examples, and various areas representing the front area of ​​the drum (20) can be the front area, and various areas representing the rear area of ​​the drum (20) can be the rear area.

[0158] The control unit (200) can control the motor (72) to increase the rotation speed of the drum (20) when the dryness of the drying object located in the rear area inside the drum (20) is lower than the dryness of the drying object located in the front area as a result of the dryness determination for the drying object (example of 1003) (1005).

[0159] That is, by increasing the rotation speed of the drum (20), the drying objects located in the rear area can be moved to the front area through centrifugal force, thereby ensuring that the drying objects are evenly mixed throughout.

[0160] The control unit (200) can maintain the existing control (1007) if the dryness of the drying object located in the rear area inside the drum (20) is higher than the dryness of the drying object located in the front area as a result of the dryness determination for the drying object (No of 1003).

[0161] According to this control, the phenomenon of the drying object located in the rear area of ​​the drum (20) being relatively underdried can be prevented, so that the drying object can be evenly and appropriately dried.

[0162] FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are diagrams showing an operation of changing a drying course when the dryness of a specific area is relatively low according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0163] As described above, the dryness of the drying target can be determined based on the electrode impedance detected by the plurality of electrodes (90) (1201).

[0164] During the drying process, a phenomenon may occur in which a drying object located close to the inner surface of the drum (20) is relatively less dried. That is, a phenomenon may occur in which a drying object located in a lower region inside the drum (20) is less dried than a drying object located in an upper region inside the drum (20).

[0165] Here, the lower region of the drum (20) may be a region facing downward of the drum (20) based on a specific reference line of the drum (20). That is, as illustrated in FIG. 13, it may be a region from a specific reference line (L2) of the drum (20) to the lower region of the drum (20).

[0166] Conversely, the upper region may be a region facing upward of the drum (20) based on a specific reference line of the drum (20). That is, as illustrated in FIG. 13, it may be a region extending upward of the drum (20) based on a specific reference line (L2) of the drum (20).

[0167] These criteria for the lower and upper regions are examples, and various regions representing the lower region of the drum (20) can be the lower region, and various regions representing the upper region of the drum (20) can be the upper region.

[0168] The control unit (200) can control the motor (72) so that the drum (20) rotates alternately in the forward and reverse directions (1205) when the dryness of the drying object located in the lower region inside the drum (20) is lower than the dryness of the drying object located in the upper region as a result of the dryness determination for the drying object (example of 1203).

[0169] That is, by alternately rotating the drum (20) in the forward and reverse directions, the drying object can be mixed up and down so that the drying object is evenly mixed throughout. Here, the forward direction can be clockwise, and depending on the setting, it can also be counterclockwise.

[0170] The control unit (200) can maintain the existing control (1207) if the dryness of the drying object located in the lower area inside the drum (20) is higher than the dryness of the drying object located in the upper area as a result of the dryness determination for the drying object (No of 1203).

[0171] According to this control, the phenomenon of the drying object located in the lower region of the drum (20) being relatively underdried can be prevented, so that the drying object can be evenly and appropriately dried.

[0172] FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are diagrams showing an operation of recommending drying stop according to dryness according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0173] As described above, the dryness of the drying target can be determined based on the electrode impedance detected by the plurality of electrodes (90) (1401).

[0174] If the dryness of the determined drying target is low, the control unit (200) can extend the drying time to ensure proper drying of the drying target.

[0175] However, if the drying target is excessively accommodated in the drum (20), the rated capacity may be excessively exceeded, resulting in abnormal drying.

[0176] That is, as shown in Fig. 15, if an excessive amount of objects to be dried are accommodated inside the drum (20), even if the drying time is extended, there may be cases where proper drying is not performed.

[0177] Accordingly, the control unit (200) can provide a notification recommending stopping the drying operation if the final dryness of the drying target is higher than the reference value even after the reference time.

[0178] Here, the reference time and reference value can be set to appropriate values ​​for optimized drying of the drying target.

[0179] That is, if the drying operation is performed and the dryness level continues to be measured high even after a certain period of time has passed, an alarm may be provided to the user to advise them to stop the drying course by notifying them that abnormal drying is in progress due to the weight or volume of the object to be dried exceeding the rated capacity of the drum (20).

[0180] Additionally, in some cases, the drying course operation may be automatically stopped and a notification may be provided to notify that the drying course has been stopped.

[0181] This action can prevent the drying object from being excessively accommodated and abnormal drying from occurring.

[0182] According to one embodiment, a dryer may include a cabinet; a drying unit for drying an object to be dried; a drum rotatably provided inside the cabinet; a motor for rotating the drum; a plurality of electrodes sequentially arranged in an axial direction on an inner surface of the drum for detecting electrode impedance of the object to be dried; and a control unit for determining a dryness level for each region of the object to be dried based on the electrode impedance detected by the plurality of electrodes and controlling the drying unit and the motor based on the determined dryness level for each region of the object to be dried.

[0183] According to the present disclosure, by arranging a plurality of electrodes in various directions inside the drum to measure the dryness of each area of ​​the object to be dried, the dryness of the object to be dried can be determined more accurately, and an optimal drying course and drying time can be provided accordingly.

[0184] The control unit can control the motor to increase the rotation speed of the drum when the dryness of the drying object located in the rear area inside the drum is lower than the dryness of the drying object located in the front area.

[0185] The control unit can control the motor so that the drum alternately rotates in the forward and reverse directions when the dryness of the drying object located in the lower region inside the drum is lower than the dryness of the drying object located in the upper region.

[0186] The above plurality of electrodes include at least two electrode rows (90') arranged in sequence in the axial direction, and the control unit can determine the first dryness level of the drying object based on the electrode impedance between electrodes at positions facing each other among the plurality of electrode rows.

[0187] The above control unit can determine the second dryness level of the drying target based on the electrode impedance between electrodes located at non-facing positions among the plurality of electrode rows.

[0188] The control unit can determine the final dryness of the drying object based on an average value of the first dryness and the second dryness.

[0189] The above control unit can control the plurality of electrodes to detect the electrode impedance of the drying target object at preset cycles.

[0190] The above control unit may provide a notification recommending stopping the drying operation if the final dryness level of the drying object is higher than a reference value even after a reference time.

[0191] The control unit can determine the material of the drying object based on the final dryness level of the drying object, and control the drying unit and the motor to change the drying time or the drying course based on the determined material.

[0192] The above control unit can provide a notification of a change in the drying time or drying course when the drying time or drying course is changed.

[0193] A control method of a dryer according to one embodiment is provided, comprising: a cabinet; a drying unit for drying an object to be dried; a drum rotatably provided inside the cabinet; a motor for rotating the drum; and a plurality of electrodes sequentially arranged in an axial direction on an inner surface of the drum for detecting electrode impedance of the object to be dried; wherein the control method may include determining a dryness level of each region of the object to be dried based on the electrode impedance detected by the plurality of electrodes; and controlling the drying unit and the motor based on the determined dryness level of each region of the object to be dried.

[0194] Controlling the motor may include controlling the motor to increase the rotation speed of the drum when the dryness of the drying object located in the rear region inside the drum is lower than the dryness of the drying object located in the front region.

[0195] Controlling the motor may include controlling the motor so that the drum alternately rotates in the forward and reverse directions when the dryness of the drying object located in the lower region inside the drum is lower than the dryness of the drying object located in the upper region.

[0196] The plurality of electrodes may include at least two electrode rows (90') arranged in sequence in the axial direction, and determining the dryness of the drying object may include determining the first dryness of the drying object based on electrode impedance between electrodes at positions facing each other among the plurality of electrode rows.

[0197] Determining the dryness of the drying object may include determining a second dryness of the drying object based on electrode impedance between electrodes located at non-facing positions among a plurality of electrode rows.

[0198] Determining the dryness of the drying object may include determining the final dryness of the drying object based on an average value of the first dryness and the second dryness.

[0199] Detecting the electrode impedance of the above-described drying object may include detecting the electrode impedance of the above-described drying object at preset intervals.

[0200] It may further include providing a notification recommending stopping the drying operation if the final dryness of the above-mentioned drying object is higher than the reference value even after the reference time.

[0201] Controlling the drying unit and the motor may include determining the material of the drying object based on the final dryness level of the drying object, and controlling the drying unit and the motor to change the drying time or the drying course based on the determined material.

[0202] In case of changing the drying time or drying course, it may further include providing a notification of the change in the drying time or drying course.

[0203] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, by arranging a plurality of electrodes in various directions inside a drum to measure the dryness of each part (area) of an object to be dried, the dryness of the object to be dried can be determined more accurately and an optimal drying course and drying time can be provided accordingly.

[0204] 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.

[0205] 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.

[0206] 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. Cabinet; A drum rotatably provided inside the cabinet and configured to accommodate a drying object; A drying unit for drying the above-mentioned drying target object; A motor that rotates the drum; A plurality of electrodes arranged in axial order on the inner surface of the drum to detect at least one electrode impedance of the drying object; and A dryer comprising a control unit that determines the dryness of each region of the drying object based on the at least one electrode impedance detected by the plurality of electrodes, and controls the drying unit and the motor based on the determined dryness of each region of the drying object.

2. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A dryer that controls the motor to increase the rotation speed of the drum when the first dryness of the drying object located in the rear area inside the drum is lower than the second dryness of the drying object located in the front area.

3. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A dryer that controls the motor so that the drum alternately rotates in the forward and reverse directions when the first dryness of the drying object located in the lower region inside the drum is lower than the second dryness of the drying object located in the upper region.

4. In paragraph 1, The above plurality of electrodes are, Contains at least two electrode rows arranged in sequence in the axial direction, The above control unit, A dryer that determines the first dryness level of the drying object based on at least one electrode impedance between electrodes positioned opposite each other among a plurality of electrode rows.

5. In paragraph 4, The above control unit, A dryer that determines a second dryness level of the drying object based on at least one electrode impedance between electrodes located at non-facing positions among a plurality of electrode rows.

6. In paragraph 5, The above control unit, A dryer that determines the final dryness of the object to be dried based on the average value of the first dryness and the second dryness.

7. In paragraph 6, The above control unit, A dryer that controls the plurality of electrodes to detect the impedance of at least one electrode of the drying target at preset intervals.

8. In paragraph 6, The above control unit, A dryer that provides a notification recommending stopping drying operation when the final dryness of the above-mentioned drying target is higher than a standard value even after a standard time.

9. In paragraph 6, The above control unit, A dryer that determines the material of the drying object based on the final dryness of the drying object, and controls the drying unit and the motor to change the drying time or the drying course based on the determined material.

10. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A dryer that provides a notification of a change in the drying time or drying course when the drying time or drying course is changed.

11. A control method for a dryer comprising: a cabinet; a drum rotatably provided inside the cabinet and accommodating a drying object; a drying unit for drying the drying object; a motor for rotating the drum; and a plurality of electrodes sequentially arranged in an axial direction on the inner surface of the drum for detecting at least one electrode impedance of the drying object; Determine the dryness of each area of ​​the drying object based on the at least one electrode impedance detected by the plurality of electrodes; A control method of a dryer, comprising: controlling the drying unit and the motor based on the dryness level of each area of ​​the determined drying target object.

12. In paragraph 11, Controlling the above motor is: A control method for a dryer, comprising controlling the motor to increase the rotation speed of the drum when the first dryness of the drying object located in the rear area inside the drum is lower than the second dryness of the drying object located in the front area.

13. In paragraph 11, Controlling the above motor is: A control method for a dryer, comprising controlling the motor so that the drum alternately rotates in the forward and reverse directions when the first dryness of the drying object located in the lower region inside the drum is lower than the second dryness of the drying object located in the upper region.

14. In paragraph 11, The above plurality of electrodes are, It comprises at least two electrode rows (90') arranged in sequence in the above axial direction, Determining the dryness of the above-mentioned drying target object is as follows: A control method for a dryer, comprising determining a first dryness level of the drying object based on at least one electrode impedance between electrodes positioned opposite to each other among a plurality of electrode rows.

15. In paragraph 14, Determining the dryness of the above-mentioned drying target object is as follows: A control method for a dryer, comprising determining a second dryness level of the drying object based on at least one electrode impedance between electrodes located at non-facing positions among a plurality of electrode rows.

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