Dryer and method for controlling same

Abstract

A dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise at least one processor for controlling a switch unit so that a first RF power supply unit and a second RF power supply unit apply a first RF signal to a drying electrode unit in order to execute a drying mode, and controlling the switch unit so that one of the first RF power supply unit or the second RF power supply unit applies a second RF signal to a condensation electrode unit or the other of the first RF power supply unit or the second RF power supply unit applies a third RF signal to a sterilization electrode unit in order to execute at least one of a condensation mode or a sterilization mode.

Description

Dryer and control method thereof

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a dryer capable of drying a material to be dried through dielectric heating and a method for controlling the same.

[0002] A dryer is a device capable of drying an object (e.g., clothing) by removing moisture contained within it. Various types of drying devices exist for drying objects. For example, there are dryers that supply hot air into a drum containing the object to be dried. In the case of this method, heat is transferred from air, which has a low specific heat, to water, which has a high specific heat; consequently, the heat transfer efficiency is low, resulting in low drying efficiency. Furthermore, the high-temperature air supplied into the drum can damage the object.

[0003] As another example, there are dryers capable of drying a material through dielectric heating using RF (Radio Frequency). Conventional dryers utilizing dielectric heating place the material to be dried between two parallel flat electrodes and heat the water contained in the material by generating an electric field between the two flat electrodes.

[0004] Conventional dryers utilizing dielectric heating employ a heat pump method that simultaneously performs air drying and moisture condensation by circulating refrigerant through a closed loop including a compressor, evaporator, condenser, and expander to remove water vapor inside the drum where the material to be dried is located; however, they do not provide the function of removing water vapor contained in the air flowing inside the drum using dielectric heating.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a dryer and a control method capable of performing drying, sterilization, and condensation operations by separately providing a drying electrode for drying a material to be dried contained in a drum, a sterilization electrode for sterilizing the material to be dried, and a condensation electrode for condensing water vapor contained in the air flowing inside the drum.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a dryer and a method for controlling the dryer, which reduces circuit costs by reducing the number of power amplifier circuits required to apply RF signals to electrodes to perform drying, sterilization, and condensation operations.

[0007] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below.

[0008] A dryer according to one embodiment may include a drying electrode, a sterilization electrode, a condensation electrode, an RF power supply including a first RF power supply and a second RF power supply that amplify an input signal to generate an RF signal, a switch that electrically connects or short-circuits the drying electrode, the sterilization electrode, or the condensation electrode and the RF power supply, and at least one processor that controls the switch to apply a first RF signal to the drying electrode and the second RF power supply to execute a drying mode, and controls the switch to apply a second RF signal to the condensation electrode or the other of the first RF power supply and the second RF power supply to execute at least one of a condensation mode or a sterilization mode.

[0009] A control method for a dryer according to one embodiment, comprising a drying electrode unit, a sterilization electrode unit, a condensation electrode unit, an RF power supply unit including a first RF power supply unit and a second RF power supply unit that output an RF signal, and a switch unit that electrically connects or short-circuits the drying electrode unit, the sterilization electrode unit or the condensation electrode unit and the RF power supply unit, wherein the switch unit is controlled such that the first RF power supply unit and the second RF power supply unit apply a first RF signal to the drying electrode unit to execute a drying mode, and the switch unit is controlled such that one of the first RF power supply unit or the second RF power supply unit applies a second RF signal to the condensation electrode unit to execute at least one of a condensation mode or a sterilization mode, or the other of the first RF power supply unit or the second RF power supply unit applies a third RF signal to the sterilization electrode unit.

[0010] According to the disclosed dryer and its control method, drying, sterilization, and condensation operations can all be performed using separately provided drying electrodes, sterilization electrodes, and condensation electrodes.

[0011] According to the disclosed dryer and its control method, circuit costs can be reduced by reducing the number of power amplifiers required to apply RF signals to each electrode to perform drying, sterilization, and condensation operations.

[0012] According to the disclosed dryer and its control method, when performing a drying operation, noise applied to the drying electrode is canceled out as two power amplifiers operate complementarily to each other, thereby improving drying efficiency.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the dielectric heating phenomenon occurring in a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate the arrangement structure of a drying electrode and a sterilization electrode according to various embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a condensation device and a condensation electrode arrangement structure according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a control block diagram of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10 are drawings illustrating the detailed circuit structure of a power amplifier circuit system according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates a circuit structure when a dryer according to one embodiment executes a drying mode.

[0021] FIG. 12 illustrates the process of generating a first RF signal when a dryer according to one embodiment executes a drying mode.

[0022] FIG. 13 illustrates a circuit structure when a dryer according to one embodiment executes a condensation mode.

[0023] FIG. 14 illustrates a circuit structure when a dryer according to one embodiment executes a sterilization mode.

[0024] FIG. 15 is a control flowchart of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 16 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a dryer according to a duty cycle according to one embodiment.

[0026] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0027] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0028] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0029] In this document, each of the phrases such as "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 the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0030] The term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0031] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0032] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0033] Terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0034] When it is said that one component is “connected,” “combined,” “supported,” or “in contact” with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0035] When it is said that a component is located “on” another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0036] A dryer (1) according to various embodiments is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 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 a roughly cuboidal shape. The cabinet (1a) may include an upper cover (1b) forming an upper surface, a front cover (1c) forming a front surface, a rear cover (1d) forming a rear surface, and a base forming a bottom surface.

[0040] For example, the front cover (1c), top cover (1b), and base forming the cabinet (1a) may each be provided separately and assembled. As another example, some components forming the cabinet (1a) (e.g., front cover, top cover, base) may be formed integrally.

[0041] An inlet (31) is provided on the front of the cabinet (1a) for inserting or withdrawing an item to be dried (not shown) into or out of the drum (20). At this time, the item to be dried may include clothing, fabric, or shoes, etc. The dryer (1) may include a door (50) provided to open and close the inlet (31) formed in the front cover (1c). After opening the door (50), the user can insert or discharge the item to be dried into or out of the drum (20) through the inlet (31). When the inlet (31) is closed and the dryer (1) starts operating, a door lock can lock the door (50).

[0042] A user interface (100) for interaction between the user and the dryer (1) may be provided on the upper front side of the cabinet (1a). The user interface (100) can receive 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 on the dryer (1).

[0043] The user interface (100) may include a display. Additionally, the user interface (100) may include an input section for obtaining user input regarding the operation of the dryer (1). The input section may include a rotatable dial and various buttons. Furthermore, the user interface (100) may include various types of input sections and displays.

[0044] The display may be provided as various types of 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.

[0045] The display can display information entered by the user or information provided to the user on various screens. The display can display information related to the operation of the dryer (1) as at least one of an image or text. In addition, the display can display a graphic user interface (GUI) that enables control of the dryer (1). That is, the display can display UI elements such as icons.

[0046] The input unit can transmit an electrical signal (voltage or current) corresponding to user input to the control unit (300). The input unit may include various buttons and / or a dial. For example, the input unit may include at least one of a power button for turning the power of the dryer (1) on or off, a start / stop button for starting or stopping the drying operation, a drying mode button for selecting a drying mode, a temperature button for setting the drying temperature, and a time button for setting the drying time. The various buttons may be provided as physical buttons or touch buttons.

[0047] A dial included in the input section may be rotatably provided. UI elements displayed on the display may move sequentially depending on the rotation of the dial. The dryer (1) may perform drying according to a selected drying mode. The drying mode may include drying parameters such as drying temperature and drying time. Different drying modes may be selected depending on the position of the object to be dried in the drum (20), the type of the object to be dried, and / or the amount of the object to be dried.

[0048] The dryer (1) may include a filter (40) that is detachably mounted on the front cover (1c). The filter (40) can filter out foreign substances, such as lint, that flow with the air circulating inside the drum (20).

[0049] Referring to FIG. 2, a cylindrical drum (20) may be provided inside the cabinet (1a). The drum (20) is provided to accommodate a material to be dried inside so that drying can take place. 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 approximately horizontal to the ground.

[0050] 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 rotational speed of the drum (20), the object to be dried may repeatedly rise and fall 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.

[0051] The drive unit may be positioned in the inner lower part of the cabinet (1a). The drive unit may be mounted on a base. The drive unit may include a motor (72), a pulley (74) and a belt (75) for transmitting power from the motor (72) to the drum (20).

[0052] The pulley (74) can be connected to a rotating shaft (73) connected to a motor (72). When the rotating shaft (73) is rotated by the motor (72), the pulley (74) can rotate together with the rotating shaft (73). A belt (75) can be installed 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.

[0053] 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 discharge passage (81) for discharging air from inside the drum (20) to outside the drum (20), and an air supply passage (82) for supplying air into the drum (20).

[0054] The dryer (1) may include an exhaust duct (60) that forms an air exhaust passage (81). A filter (40) may be placed at the inlet (61) of the exhaust duct (60). The exhaust duct (60) may pass through the cabinet (1a), and the outlet (63) of the exhaust duct (60) may be exposed to the outside of the cabinet (1a). Air entering through the inlet (61) of the exhaust duct (60) may be filtered as it passes through the filter (40). The filter (40) may filter out foreign substances, such as lint, contained in the air.

[0055] 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 drawn into the exhaust duct (60). Additionally, depending on the rotation of the fan (71), air may be supplied into the drum (20) through the air supply passage (82) 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.

[0056] 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 for driving the fan (71). Additionally, the motor (72) may be directly connected to the drum (20) to rotate the drum (20). When the motor (72) is directly connected to the drum (20), the pulley (74) and belt (75) may be omitted.

[0057] Multiple electrodes may be provided between the cabinet (1a) and the drum (20). For example, a drying electrode (90a) and a sterilization electrode (91c) may be provided between the cabinet (1a) and the drum (20). The drying electrode (90a) and the sterilization electrode (91c) may be provided in a plate shape and spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the outer surface of the drum (20). The drying electrode (90a) and the sterilization electrode (91c) may be arranged in an intersecting manner. The drying electrode (90a) and the sterilization electrode (91c) may also be spaced apart from the cabinet (1a) and the drum (20). However, the shape and arrangement relationship of the drying electrode (90a) and the sterilization electrode (91c) shown in FIG. 2 is merely an example, and the drying electrode (90a) and the sterilization electrode (91c) may be provided in various shapes and have various arrangement relationships. This will be explained in detail below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.

[0058] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the dielectric heating phenomenon occurring in a dryer (1) according to one embodiment.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the dryer (1) may include at least one configuration that causes dielectric heating.

[0060] A dryer (1) according to one embodiment may apply high-frequency power (hereinafter referred to as 'RF signal') to a plurality of electrodes (e.g., drying electrodes (90a, 90b)) based on power supplied from a commercial power source (AC). At this time, a high-frequency electric field (230) may be formed between a first electrode (e.g., first drying electrode (90a)) and a second electrode (e.g., second drying electrode (90b)) based on the RF signal provided to the plurality of electrodes (e.g., drying electrodes (90a, 90b)). At this time, the dryer (1) may include at least one configuration for generating and processing an RF signal between the commercial power source (AC) and the plurality of electrodes.

[0061] If an object located between the first electrode (90a) and the second electrode (90b) (hereinafter referred to as the "object to be dried") contains polar molecules (240) (e.g., water molecules), it may rotate and / or vibrate by the high-frequency electric field (230). Accordingly, the object to be dried may be heated by the movement of the polar molecules (240) within the object.

[0062] Polar molecules (240) within the object may be located on the surface and inside the object, and the part of the object that is heated may be determined according to the location where the polar molecules (240) are placed within the object.

[0063] According to a dielectric heating device according to one embodiment, an object can be uniformly heated due to the movement of polar molecules (240) within the object.

[0064] FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate the arrangement structure of a drying electrode part (90) and a sterilization electrode part (92) according to various embodiments.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the dryer (1) may include a drying electrode section (90) comprising a plurality of drying electrodes or a sterilization electrode section (92) comprising a plurality of sterilization electrodes. For example, the drying electrode section (90) may include a first drying electrode (90a), a second drying electrode (90b), or a third drying electrode (90c), and the sterilization electrode section (92) may include a first sterilization electrode (92a), a second sterilization electrode (92b), or a third sterilization electrode (92c).

[0066] The electric field generated inside the drum (20) by the drying electrode part (90) according to one embodiment can cause the dielectric (e.g., water molecules) contained in the material to be dried to vibrate. When the dielectric vibrates, dipole friction heat is generated, and the dielectric can be heated. The material to be dried can be dried as the heated dielectric evaporates. The evaporated dielectric is discharged to the outside of the drum (20) along with the air supplied to the inside of the drum (20) and can be removed by passing through a condensation device (900).

[0067] The electric field generated inside the drum (20) by the sterilization electrode part (92) according to one embodiment can destroy the cell membrane of microorganisms such as bacteria and eliminate microorganisms. When a strong electric field is applied to microorganisms, the potential difference between the cell membranes increases, and since the charges generated on both surfaces of the cell membrane have opposite charges, an attractive force acts between the two charges. This attractive force compresses the cell membrane and reduces the thickness of the membrane. As the thickness of the cell membrane decreases, pores are formed in the cell membrane and the cell membrane is destroyed, so the microorganisms die. Even if the electric field is generated by the sterilization electrode part (92) for a short period of time, a sterilization effect on the object to be dried can be achieved.

[0068] The electric field generated inside the drum (20) by the sterilization electrode part (92) can also perform deodorization of the object to be dried. When a relatively high voltage is applied to the sterilization electrode part (92), corona discharge may occur. Corona discharge is a discharge phenomenon that occurs as gas particles on the electrode surface are excited and ionized due to the high voltage applied between two electrodes. That is, when the object to be dried containing odor particles is exposed to a high-voltage electric field, the odor particles can be separated from the object to be dried by the corona discharge phenomenon. Therefore, deodorization of the object to be dried is possible.

[0069] A plurality of drying electrodes (90a, 90b, 90c) and a plurality of sterilization electrodes (92a, 92b, 92c) can be fixed between the cabinet (1a) and the drum (20). The drum (20) is not connected to the plurality of drying electrodes (90a, 90b, 90c) and the plurality of sterilization electrodes (92a, 92b, 92c). Therefore, the plurality of drying electrodes (90a, 90b, 90c) and the plurality of sterilization electrodes (92a, 92b, 92c) do not restrict the rotation of the drum (20). Additionally, since the plurality of drying electrodes (90a, 90b, 90c) and the plurality of sterilization electrodes (92a, 92b, 92c) are arranged along the circumference of the outer surface of the drum (20), an electric field can be generated in various regions within the drum (20). Accordingly, the disclosed dryer (1) can generate an electric field inside the drum (20) through the drying electrode part (90) and the sterilization electrode part (92) even while the drum (20) is rotating, and can perform drying or sterilization of the object to be dried.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 4, a plurality of drying electrodes (90a, 90b, 90c) and a plurality of sterilization electrodes (92a, 92b, 92c) may be arranged alternately along the outer surface of the drum (20). The plurality of drying electrodes (90a, 90b, 90c) and the plurality of sterilization electrodes (92a, 92b, 92c) may be spaced apart from each other.

[0071] Each of the plurality of drying electrodes (90a, 90b, 90c) and the plurality of sterilization electrodes (92a, 92b, 92c) may be provided in a plate shape having curvature (i.e., a plate shape). The plurality of sterilization electrodes (92a, 92b, 92c) may be arranged along the outer surface of the drum (20) between each of the plurality of drying electrodes (90a, 90b, 90c).

[0072] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, three drying electrodes (90: 90a, 90b, 90c) and three sterilization electrodes (92: 92a, 92b, 92c) may be arranged along the circumference of the drum (20). The first drying electrode (90a) may be placed on the upper right side of the drum (20). The second drying electrode (90b) may be placed below the drum (20) adjacent to the first drying electrode (90a). The third drying electrode (90c) may be placed on the upper left side of the drum (20) adjacent to the first drying electrode (90a).

[0073] Additionally, the first sterilization electrode (92a) may be positioned between the first drying electrode (90a) and the second drying electrode (90b). The second sterilization electrode (92b) may be positioned between the second drying electrode (90b) and the third drying electrode (90c). The third sterilization electrode (92c) may be positioned between the first drying electrode (90a) and the third drying electrode (90c). Through this arrangement of the drying electrode (90) and the sterilization electrode section (92), drying and sterilization of the object to be dried are made possible over the entire area within the drum (20).

[0074] The area of ​​each of the plurality of drying electrodes (90a, 90b, 90c) can be made larger than the area of ​​each of the plurality of sterilization electrodes (92a, 92b, 92c). Additionally, the thickness of each of the plurality of drying electrodes (90) can be made larger than the thickness of each of the plurality of sterilization electrode parts (92). By making the thickness of the drying electrode (90) larger than the thickness of the sterilization electrode part (92), drying efficiency can be increased. Generally, more energy and time are required for drying the object to be dried than for sterilizing the object to be dried. By making the area of ​​the drying electrode (90) relatively larger, the region where the electric field is generated during the drying operation can be expanded. By making the thickness of the drying electrode (90) relatively larger, the strength of the electric field during the drying operation can be increased.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 5, a plurality of drying electrodes (90a, 90b, 90c) are implemented in a plate shape having curvature and are spaced apart along the outer surface of the drum (20) in the center of the drum (20), and a plurality of sterilization electrodes (92d, 92e) are implemented in a ring shape and can be placed on the front or rear part of the outer surface in a manner that wraps around the outer surface of the drum (20). At this time, the plurality of drying electrodes (90a, 90b, 90c) and the plurality of sterilization electrodes (92d, 92e) can be arranged so that there is no overlapping portion between them.

[0076] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, three drying electrodes (90: 90a, 90b, 90c) may be placed along the circumference of the drum (20) and in the center of the drum (20). The first drying electrode (90a) may be placed on the upper right side of the drum (20). The second drying electrode (90b) may be placed below the drum (20) adjacent to the first drying electrode (90a). The third drying electrode (90c) may be placed on the upper left side of the drum (20) adjacent to the first drying electrode (90a).

[0077] Additionally, the fourth sterilization electrode (92d) may be implemented in a ring shape and positioned between the front boundary of the outer surface of the drum (20) and the plurality of drying electrodes (90: 90a, 90b, 90c). The fifth sterilization electrode (92e) may also be implemented in a ring shape and positioned between the rear boundary of the outer surface of the drum (20) and the plurality of drying electrodes (90: 90a, 90b, 90c). At this time, the plurality of sterilization electrodes (92d, 92e) may be positioned spaced apart from the plurality of drying electrodes (90a, 90b, 90c).

[0078] At this time, since the plurality of sterilization electrodes (92d, 92e) are implemented in a ring shape, compared to when they are implemented in a plate shape, a stronger magnetic field for sterilization is generated in the area where the object to be dried is located within the drum (20), that is, in the part adjacent to the inner circumference of the drum (20), so that the sterilization power can be concentrated.

[0079] Additionally, a plurality of ring-shaped sterilization electrodes (92d, 92e) are positioned to surround the front or rear portion of the outer surface of the drum (20), thereby allowing the electric field for sterilization to be concentrated in the front or rear portion of the drum (20). The front portion of the drum (20) is the part where the most foreign substances, including bacteria, can enter due to the opening and closing of the door (50), and the rear portion of the drum (20) is the deepest part of the drum (20), where it is difficult to remove moisture or foreign substances during cleaning, making it easy for bacteria to multiply. By concentrating the electric field for sterilization in the front or rear portion of the drum (20), the sterilization efficiency can be increased.

[0080] That is, the sterilization efficiency can be improved by ensuring that an electric field is generated in a specific area within the drum (20) by a plurality of sterilization electrodes (92d, 92e).

[0081] Referring to FIG. 6, a plurality of drying electrodes (90d, 90e) may be implemented in a ring shape and positioned in the center of the outer surface of the drum (20) in a manner that surrounds the outer surface of the drum (20), and a plurality of sterilization electrodes (92d, 92e) may be implemented in a ring shape and positioned in the front or rear portion of the outer surface of the drum (20) in a manner that surrounds the outer surface of the drum (20).

[0082] For example, as shown in FIG. 6, two drying electrodes (90d, 90e) may be arranged along the circumference of the outer surface of the drum (20) and in the center of the drum (20). At this time, the fourth drying electrode (90d) and the fifth drying electrode (90e) may be spaced apart from each other.

[0083] Additionally, the fourth sterilization electrode (92d) may be implemented in a ring shape and positioned between the front boundary of the outer surface of the drum (20) and the plurality of drying electrodes (90d, 90e). The fifth sterilization electrode (92e) may also be implemented in a ring shape and positioned between the rear boundary of the outer surface of the drum (20) and the plurality of drying electrodes (90d, 90e). At this time, the plurality of sterilization electrodes (92d, 92e) may be positioned spaced apart from the plurality of drying electrodes (90d, 90e).

[0084] At this time, the plurality of drying electrodes (90d, 90e) and sterilization electrodes (92d, 92e) are implemented in a ring shape, so that compared to when they are implemented in a plate shape, an electric field for drying or sterilization can be generated more strongly in the area where the object to be dried is located within the drum (20), that is, in the part adjacent to the inner circumference of the drum (20).

[0085] That is, by generating an electric field by a plurality of drying electrodes (90d, 90e) or sterilization electrodes (92d, 92e) in a specific area within the drum (20), the drying efficiency or sterilization efficiency can be improved.

[0086] According to various embodiments, the number, shape, and arrangement relationship of the electrodes included in the drying electrode portion (90) and the sterilization electrode portion (92) are not limited to those exemplified in FIGS. 4 to 6.

[0087] FIG. 7 illustrates a condensation device and a condensation electrode arrangement structure according to one embodiment.

[0088] A dryer (1) according to one embodiment may include a condensation device (900) for condensing water vapor generated through dielectric heating inside a drum (20) to remove water vapor from the air discharged from the drum (20) and to discharge it outside the dryer (1). At this time, the condensation device (900) may be referred to as a drainage device or a dehumidification device.

[0089] A condensation device (900) included in a dryer (1) according to one embodiment can remove water vapor from the air discharged from the drum (20) using a substance that absorbs moisture in the air (i.e., a desiccant).

[0090] Referring to FIG. 7, the condensation device (900) may include a moisture absorption rotor (195), a rotor drive motor (191), a first fan (192), a regeneration device (193), a second fan (194) and / or a plurality of condensation electrodes (91a, 91b).

[0091] A moisture-absorbing material may be applied to at least one side of the moisture-absorbing rotor (195). For example, the moisture-absorbing material may be applied to one side of the moisture-absorbing rotor (195) in the direction adjacent to the air outlet (81a) from which air is discharged from the drum. The moisture-absorbing material may include porous materials such as zeolite, MOF (Metal-Organic Framework), and silica gel. Additionally, the moisture-absorbing material may include highly hygroscopic compounds such as lithium chloride (LiCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl).

[0092] The moisture-absorbing rotor (195) may be provided on the air passage for air discharged from the drum (20). The moisture-absorbing rotor (195) may be provided on the air discharge passage (81) for discharging air from inside the drum (20) to outside the drum (20). For example, the moisture-absorbing rotor (195) may be provided inside the discharge duct (60) that forms the air discharge passage (81). Accordingly, the water vapor-containing air discharged through the air discharge port (81a) from inside the drum (20) can have the water vapor removed as it passes through the moisture-absorbing material applied to the moisture-absorbing rotor (195).

[0093] The rotor drive motor (191) is connected to the moisture absorption rotor (195) and can rotate the moisture absorption rotor. The rotor drive motor (191) can rotate the moisture absorption rotor (195) at a constant speed so that all parts of one side of the moisture absorption rotor (195) come into uniform contact with the air passing through the moisture absorption rotor (195). The rotor drive motor (191) can control the rotation speed of the moisture absorption rotor (195). Accordingly, the degree to which water vapor in the air condenses, that is, the degree of dehumidification of the air, can be determined.

[0094] The first fan (192) can expel relatively dry air, from the dryer (1) or transfer it back into the drum (20), as moisture is removed while passing through the moisture-absorbing rotor (195).

[0095] For example, the first fan (192) can form an airflow that causes dry air passing through the moisture-absorbing rotor (195) to be discharged outside the dryer (1). For example, the air passing through the moisture-absorbing rotor (195) can move to the outlet (63) of the discharge duct (60).

[0096] As another example, the first fan (192) can form an airflow that causes dry air passing through the moisture-absorbing rotor (195) to flow back into the drum (20). For example, the air passing through the moisture-absorbing rotor (195) can move to the air supply passage (82) or the air inlet (20b) of the drum (20).

[0097] In other words, the condensation device (900) can generate dry air by moving the air containing water vapor discharged from inside the drum (20) in the order of the first air outlet (81a) -> moisture absorption rotor (195) -> first fan (192) -> (i.e., d1 direction in FIG. 7), and can dry the object to be dried by discharging the dry air outside the dryer (1) or supplying it back into the drum (20).

[0098] The regeneration device (193) can generate heated air or dry air and supply it to the moisture absorption rotor (195).

[0099] For example, the regeneration device (193) may include an electric heater for heating air. Additionally, the regeneration device (193) may further include a fan that generates airflow to supply the generated high-temperature dry air to the moisture absorption rotor (195).

[0100] High-temperature dry air generated from the regeneration device (193) can be supplied toward the regeneration section of the moisture absorption rotor (195), and the regeneration section may include at least a portion of one side of the moisture absorption rotor (195).

[0101] The condensation electrode section (91) may include a plurality of condensation electrodes. The plurality of condensation electrodes (91a, 91b) may be spaced apart from the absorption rotor (195) at the front and rear of the regeneration section of the absorption rotor (195).

[0102] The electric field generated in the regeneration section of the moisture absorption rotor (195) by the condensation electrode section (91) according to one embodiment can cause the dielectric (e.g., water molecules) contained in the regeneration section of the moisture absorption rotor (195) to vibrate. When the dielectric vibrates, dipole friction heat is generated, and the dielectric can be heated. As the heated dielectric evaporates, the regeneration section of the moisture absorption rotor (195) can be dried.

[0103] In other words, the regeneration section of the moisture absorption rotor (195) can be dehumidified by removing moisture. Accordingly, the condensation electrode section (91) can be referred to as the dehumidification electrode section, and the condensation electrodes (91a, 91b) can be referred to as the dehumidification electrodes.

[0104] As the moisture absorption rotor (195) rotates by the rotor drive motor (191), the portion belonging to the electric field generated by the condensation electrode (91) changes, and as the moisture absorption rotor (195) rotates one full turn, the entire moisture absorption rotor (195) can be dehumidified and regenerated to a state where it can absorb moisture from the air again. Accordingly, the condensation electrode (91) can be referred to as the regeneration electrode, and the condensation electrodes (91a, 91b) can be referred to as the regeneration electrodes.

[0105] Moisture evaporated from the moisture absorption rotor (195) by the electric field generated by the condensation electrode part (91) is discharged outside the dryer (1) and can be removed through separate treatment. Accordingly, moisture contained in the air inside the drum (20) of the dryer (1) can be finally drained. Accordingly, the condensation electrode part (91) can be referred to as the drainage electrode part, and the condensation electrodes (91a, 91b) can be referred to as the drainage electrodes.

[0106] In FIG. 7, a pair of condensation electrodes (91a, 92b) are shown placed one each on the front and rear of the regeneration section of the moisture absorption rotor (195), but this is merely an example, and there are no limitations on the number of condensation electrodes (91a, 92b) or their arrangement relationship as long as they are effective in removing moisture contained in the moisture absorption rotor (195).

[0107] The second fan (194) can discharge humid air containing water vapor as it passes through the moisture absorption rotor (195) out of the dryer (1).

[0108] For example, the second fan (194) can form an airflow that causes the humid air passing through the moisture-absorbing rotor (195) to be discharged outside the dryer (1). For example, the air passing through the moisture-absorbing rotor (195) can move to the outlet (63) of the exhaust duct (60).

[0109] In other words, the condensation device (900) moves the air generated in the regeneration device (193) in the order of the condensation electrode section (91) and the regeneration section of the moisture absorption rotor (195) → the second fan (194) (i.e., the d2 direction in FIG. 7) to regenerate the moisture absorption rotor (195) and discharge the air containing water vapor evaporated from the moisture absorption rotor (195) to the outside of the dryer (1). At this time, the direction of d2 may be opposite to the direction of d1.

[0110] FIG. 8 is a control block diagram of a dryer (1) according to one embodiment.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 8, the dryer (1) may include a circuit system for executing a drying mode and a sterilization mode. For example, the dryer (1) may include an EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) filter (110), a power factor compensation circuit (120), a DC converter (130), an RF power supply unit (140), an impedance matching unit (150), a switch unit (160), an electrode unit (190), and / or a control unit (300). The electrode unit (190) may include a drying electrode unit (90) comprising a plurality of drying electrodes as described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7, a condensation electrode unit (91) comprising a plurality of condensation electrodes, and a sterilization electrode unit (92) comprising a plurality of sterilization electrodes.

[0112] Additionally, the dryer (1) may include a drum (20), a motor (72) that rotates the fan (71), a user interface (100), and a communication interface (200).

[0113] The user interface (100) can receive user input and display various information regarding the operation of the dryer (1). The user interface (100) may include an input section for receiving user input and a display for displaying information. Additionally, the user interface (100) may include a speaker for outputting sound.

[0114] The user interface (100) can display operation information of the dryer (1). The operation mode of the dryer (1) may include at least one of a drying mode, a sterilization mode, or a condensation mode.

[0115] For example, the user interface (100) may display the drying temperature, the estimated drying time, and / or the time remaining until the end of drying as the drying mode is executed. The drying mode may include predetermined drying settings (e.g., degree of drying, additional time for wrinkle prevention, drying time) depending on the type of item to be dried (e.g., shirt, duvet, underwear) and material (e.g., cotton, wool). For example, standard drying may include drying settings applicable to most items to be dried, and duvet drying may include drying settings optimized for drying duvets. The drying settings of the drying mode may also include sterilization time and sterilization intensity.

[0116] Additionally, the user interface (100) may display the sterilization temperature, the estimated sterilization time, and / or the time remaining until the end of sterilization as the sterilization mode is executed. The user may select the sterilization mode by operating the user interface (100). When the sterilization mode is selected, the dryer (1) may perform the sterilization operation independently or together with the condensation operation.

[0117] Additionally, the user interface (100) may display the condensation temperature, the estimated condensation time, and / or the time remaining until the end of condensation as the condensation mode is executed. In this case, the condensation temperature may include the temperature heated by the electric field formed between the condensation electrodes (91a, 92b) of the condensation device (900) for drainage. Additionally, the estimated condensation time and / or the time remaining until the end of condensation may include the estimated time until drainage is completed and / or the time remaining until the end of drainage.

[0118] The user can select a condensation mode by operating the user interface (100). When the condensation mode is selected, the dryer (1) can perform the condensation operation independently or together with the sterilization operation.

[0119] The communication interface (200) can establish a connection with at least one of the user device (2) or the server (3) via a network. The processor (310) can obtain various information, various signals, and / or various data from the user device (2) or the server (3) through the communication interface (200). For example, the communication interface (200) can receive a remote control signal from the user device (2). The processor (310) can obtain firmware and / or software for the operation of the dryer (1) from the server (3) through the communication interface (200).

[0120] The communication interface (200) may include various communication circuits. The communication interface (200) may include wireless communication circuits and / or wired communication circuits. For example, a communication circuit supporting wireless communication methods such as wireless local area network (LAN), home radio frequency (RF), infrared communication, ultra-wide band (UWB) communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee may be provided.

[0121] An EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) filter (110) can remove noise contained in AC power supplied from a commercial power source (AC). The EMI filter (110) can be provided as a circuit in which various electronic components, such as capacitors, inductors, and diodes, are connected in parallel and / or series. The EMI filter (110) can discharge noise contained in AC power through a ground wire. The EMI filter (110) can be provided as a passive filter or an active filter.

[0122] The power factor compensation circuit (120) can compensate the power factor of AC power. The power factor compensation circuit (120) can compensate the power factor by reducing or eliminating the reactive power among the active power and reactive power constituting the AC power. By compensating the power factor, power loss can be reduced. The power factor compensation circuit (120) can be provided as a circuit in which various electronic components, such as capacitors, inductors, and diodes, are connected in parallel and / or series. The power factor compensation circuit (120) can be controlled by a control unit (300).

[0123] The DC converter (130) can convert the power output from the power factor compensation circuit (120) into DC power suitable for the first RF power supply (140) and the second RF power supply (142). The DC converter (130) can deliver the converted DC power to the RF power supply (140). The DC converter (130) can be provided as a circuit in which various electronic components, such as transistors, inductors, and diodes, are connected in parallel and / or series.

[0124] The processor (310) can control the DC converter (130) to adjust the magnitude of the voltage applied to the drying electrode (90) and / or the sterilization electrode (92). When the power supplied to the RF power supply (140) increases, the amplitude of the RF signal increases, and the magnitude of the voltage applied to the drying electrode (90) and / or the sterilization electrode (92) can increase. The magnitude of the voltage can be expressed as an effective value.

[0125] The RF power supply unit (140) may include a first RF power supply unit (141) and a second RF power supply unit (142). The first RF power supply unit (141) and the second RF power supply unit (142) may be connected in parallel. The RF power supply unit (140) may generate an RF signal by amplifying an input signal applied to a switching element.

[0126] The first RF power supply unit (141) can generate an RF signal and apply the RF signal to the drying electrode unit (90) or the condensing electrode unit (91). The RF signal applied by the first RF power supply unit (141) to each of the drying electrode unit (90) or the condensing electrode unit (91) may be different. For example, the first RF power supply unit (141) may apply a first RF signal to the drying electrode unit (90) and a second RF signal to the condensing electrode unit (91). At this time, only the positive half-cycle of the first RF signal may be applied to the drying electrode unit (90). Sinusoidal power may be applied to the drying electrode unit (90) or the condensing electrode unit (91) by the RF signal. The processor (310) can control the first RF power supply unit (140) to adjust the RF signal applied to the drying electrode unit (90) or the condensing electrode unit (91).

[0127] When the first RF power supply unit (141) supplies a first RF signal to the drying electrode unit (90), an electric field can be generated to heat the dielectric material (e.g., water molecules) contained in the material to be dried within the drum (20). Additionally, when the first RF power supply unit (141) supplies a second RF signal to the condensation electrode unit (91), an electric field can be generated to heat the dielectric material (e.g., water molecules) absorbed by the moisture absorption rotor (195) within the condensation device (900).

[0128] The second RF power supply unit (142) can generate an RF signal and apply the RF signal to the drying electrode unit (90) or the sterilization electrode unit (92). The RF signal applied by the second RF power supply unit (142) to each of the drying electrode unit (90) or the sterilization electrode unit (92) may be different. For example, the second RF power supply unit (142) may apply a first RF signal to the drying electrode unit (90) and a third RF signal to the sterilization electrode unit (92). At this time, only the negative half-cycle of the first RF signal may be applied to the drying electrode unit (90). Sinusoidal power may be applied to the drying electrode unit (90) or the sterilization electrode unit (92) by the RF signal. The processor (310) can control the second RF power supply unit (142) to adjust the RF signal applied to the drying electrode unit (90) or the sterilization electrode unit (92).

[0129] When the second RF power supply unit (142) supplies a first RF signal to the drying electrode unit (90), an electric field can be generated to heat the dielectric (e.g., water molecules) contained in the material to be dried inside the drum (20). Additionally, when the second RF power supply unit (142) supplies a third RF signal to the sterilization electrode unit (92), an electric field can be generated to sterilize the inside of the drum (20).

[0130] The processor (310) can control at least one of the first RF power supply unit (141) or the second power supply unit (142) such that the power applied to the drying electrode unit (90) is greater than or equal to the power applied to the condensing electrode unit (91) or the sterilization electrode unit (92). For example, the processor (310) can control the first RF power supply unit (141) so that a relatively low voltage and a relatively large current are applied to the drying electrode unit (90). The processor (310) can control the first RF power supply unit (141) so that a relatively high voltage and a relatively small current are applied to the condensing electrode unit (91). The voltage applied to the drying electrode unit (90) may be referred to as the first voltage. At this time, the current applied to the drying electrode unit (90) may be referred to as the first current. The voltage applied to the condensing electrode unit (91) may be referred to as the third voltage. The current applied to the condensation electrode section (91) may be referred to as the third current. The first voltage may be lower than the third voltage. The magnitude of the first current may be greater than the magnitude of the third current. For example, the processor (310) may control the second RF power supply (142) so that a relatively low voltage and a relatively large current are applied to the drying electrode section (90). The processor (310) may control the second RF power supply (142) so that a relatively high voltage and a relatively small current are applied to the sterilization electrode section (92). At this time, the voltage applied to the drying electrode section (90) may be referred to as the second voltage. The current applied to the drying electrode section (90) may be referred to as the second current. The voltage applied to the sterilization electrode section (92) may be referred to as the fourth voltage. The current applied to the sterilization electrode section (92) may be referred to as the fourth current. The second voltage may be lower than the fourth voltage. The magnitude of the second current can be greater than the magnitude of the fourth current.

[0131] The impedance matching unit (150) may include a first impedance matching circuit (151) and a second impedance matching circuit (152). The impedance matching unit (150) may be provided between the RF power supply unit (140) and the electrode unit (190). An RF signal generated by the first RF power supply unit (141) may be transmitted to the drying electrode unit (90) or the condensation electrode unit (91) through the first impedance matching circuit (151). An RF signal generated by the second RF power supply unit (142) may be transmitted to the drying electrode unit (90) or the sterilization electrode unit (92) through the second impedance matching circuit (152).

[0132] The impedance matching unit (150) can match the output impedance of the RF power supply unit (140) with the electrode impedance of the electrode unit (190). For example, the first impedance matching circuit (151) can match the output impedance of the first RF power supply unit (141) with the electrode impedance of either the drying electrode unit (90) or the condensing electrode unit (91). Additionally, the first impedance matching circuit (151) can match the output impedance of the first RF power supply unit (141) with the electrode impedance of either the drying electrode unit (90) or the condensing electrode unit (91).

[0133] If there is a difference between the output impedance of the RF power supply unit (140) and the electrode impedance of the electrode unit (190), reflected power is generated from the electrode unit (190), and the power transmission efficiency may decrease. To minimize reflected power, it is necessary to perform matching between the output impedance of the RF power supply unit (140) and the electrode impedance of the electrode unit (190). The processor (310) can perform impedance matching by controlling the impedance matching unit (150).

[0134] The processor (310) can determine the electrode impedance of the drying electrode section (90), the electrode impedance of the condensing electrode section (91), or the electrode impedance of the sterilization electrode section (92) based on the magnitude of the voltage detected at the output terminal of the impedance matching section (150). Since the drying electrode section (90), the condensing electrode section (91), or the sterilization electrode section (92) have different sizes, the electrode impedance of the drying electrode section (90), the electrode impedance of the condensing electrode section (91), or the electrode impedance of the sterilization electrode section (92) may differ from each other. Therefore, it is necessary to perform impedance matching regarding the drying electrode section (90), impedance matching regarding the condensing electrode section (91), and impedance matching regarding the sterilization electrode section (92) separately.

[0135] The processor (310) can control the first impedance matching circuit (151) and the second impedance matching circuit (152) to perform a first impedance matching between the first RF power supply (141) and the drying electrode unit (90) (e.g., the first drying electrode (90a)) or a second impedance matching between the second RF power supply (142) and the drying electrode unit (90) (e.g., the second drying electrode (90b)). Additionally, the processor (310) can control the first impedance matching circuit (151) to perform a third impedance matching between the first RF power supply (141) and the condensation electrode unit (91). Additionally, the processor (310) can control the second impedance matching circuit (152) to perform a fourth impedance matching between the second RF power supply (142) and the sterilization electrode unit (92).

[0136] The electrode impedance of each drying electrode section (90) or sterilization electrode section (92) may vary depending on various factors such as the amount of material to be dried contained in the drum (20), the type of material to be dried, the size of the material to be dried, the amount of water contained in the material to be dried, and the distribution state of the material to be dried. For example, if a dielectric material having a high dielectric constant (e.g., water) is present between a plurality of electrodes (e.g., a first drying electrode (90a) and a second drying electrode (90b)), the strength of the electric field formed between the plurality of electrodes may decrease because charge accumulates in the dielectric material. When the strength of the electric field decreases, the magnitude of the voltage detected between the plurality of electrodes may decrease, and accordingly, the electrode impedance may decrease. As the drying of the material proceeds, the water contained in the material is removed, so the electrode impedance may be detected to gradually increase.

[0137] The electrode impedance of the condensation electrode section (91) may vary depending on various factors, including the amount of water contained in the material to be dried contained within the drum (20). For example, as the amount of moisture absorbed from the air discharged from inside the drum (20) by the moisture absorption rotor (195) located between the plurality of condensation electrodes (e.g., a pair of condensation electrodes (91a, 91b) in FIG. 7) increases, the electric field strength formed between the plurality of condensation electrodes may decrease because charge accumulates on the dielectric. As the electric field strength decreases, the magnitude of the voltage detected between the plurality of electrodes may decrease, and accordingly, the electrode impedance may decrease. As dehumidification of the moisture absorption rotor (195) proceeds, the water contained in the material to be dried is removed, so the electrode impedance may be detected to gradually increase.

[0138] The switch unit (160) may include a first switch (SE1) that electrically connects or short-circuits a first drying electrode (90a) among a plurality of drying electrodes included in the first RF power supply unit (141) and the drying electrode unit (90), a second switch (SE2) that electrically connects or short-circuits a second drying electrode (90b) among a plurality of drying electrodes included in the second RF power supply unit (142) and the drying electrode unit (90), a third switch (SE3) that electrically connects or short-circuits a first RF power supply unit (141) and the condensation electrode unit (91), and a fourth switch (SE4) that electrically connects or short-circuits a second RF power supply unit (142) and the sterilization electrode unit (92). At this time, electrically connecting or short-circuiting the first RF power supply unit (141) and the condensation electrode unit (91) may include electrically connecting or short-circuiting a plurality of condensation electrodes included in the first RF power supply unit (141) and the condensation electrode unit (91). Additionally, electrically connecting or short-circuiting the second RF power supply unit (142) and the sterilization electrode unit (92) may include electrically connecting or short-circuiting a plurality of sterilization electrodes included in the second RF power supply unit (142) and the sterilization electrode unit (92).

[0139] The first switch (SE1) can connect the first RF power supply (141) to the first drying electrode (90a) among the plurality of drying electrodes included in the drying electrode unit (90). Accordingly, the first RF power supply (141) can be connected to one end of the first impedance matching circuit (151), and the first drying electrode (90a) can be connected to the other end. The processor (310) is electrically connected to the first switch (SE1) and can control the first switch (SE1). Depending on the switching of the first switch (SE1), the first RF power supply (141) and the first drying electrode (90a) among the plurality of drying electrodes included in the drying electrode unit (90) can be connected or short-circuited.

[0140] The third switch (SE3) can connect the first RF power supply (141) to the condensing electrode (91). Accordingly, the first RF power supply (141) can be connected to one end of the first impedance matching circuit (151), and the condensing electrode (91) can be connected to the other end. The processor (310) is electrically connected to the third switch (SE3) and can control the third switch (SE3). Depending on the switching of the third switch (SE3), the first RF power supply (141) and the condensing electrode (91) can be connected or short-circuited.

[0141] The first switch (SE1) and the third switch (SE3) may be provided as a single switch. For example, the first switch (SE1) and the third switch (SE3) may be provided as a single electrode selection switch. When the first switch (SE1) and the third switch (SE3) are provided as a single switch, they may be referred to as the 'first mode switching switch'. Depending on the switching of the first mode switching switch, the first RF power supply unit (141) may be connected to one end of the first impedance matching circuit (151), and one of the first drying electrode (90a) or the condensation electrode unit (91) may be connected to the other end. The processor (310) is electrically connected to the first mode switching switch and can control the first mode switching switch. The processor (310) can control the first mode switching switch to change the operating mode of the dryer (1) to a drying mode or a condensation mode. Accordingly, the dryer (1) can perform a drying operation corresponding to the drying mode or the dryer (1) can perform a condensation operation corresponding to the condensation mode.

[0142] The second switch (SE2) can connect the second RF power supply (142) to the second drying electrode (90b) among the plurality of drying electrodes included in the drying electrode unit (90). Accordingly, the second RF power supply (142) can be connected to one end of the second impedance matching circuit (152), and the second drying electrode (90b) can be connected to the other end. The processor (310) is electrically connected to the second switch (SE2) and can control the second switch (SE2). Depending on the switching of the second switch (SE2), the second RF power supply (142) and the second drying electrode (90b) among the plurality of drying electrodes included in the drying electrode unit (90) can be connected or short-circuited.

[0143] The fourth switch (SE4) can connect the second RF power supply (142) to the sterilization electrode (92). Accordingly, the second RF power supply (142) can be connected to one end of the second impedance matching circuit (152), and the sterilization electrode (92) can be connected to the other end. The processor (310) is electrically connected to the fourth switch (SE4) and can control the fourth switch (SE4). Depending on the switching of the fourth switch (SE4), the second RF power supply (142) and the sterilization electrode (92) can be connected or short-circuited.

[0144] The second switch (SE2) and the fourth switch (SE4) may be provided as a single switch. For example, the second switch (SE2) and the fourth switch (SE4) may be provided as a single electrode selection switch. When the second switch (SE2) and the fourth switch (SE4) are provided as a single switch, they may be referred to as the 'second mode switching switch'. Depending on the switching of the second mode switching switch, the second RF power supply unit (142) may be connected to one end of the second impedance matching circuit (152), and one of the second drying electrode (90b) or the sterilization electrode unit (92) may be connected to the other end. The processor (310) is electrically connected to the second mode switching switch and can control the second mode switching switch. The processor (310) can control the second mode switching switch to change the operating mode of the dryer (1) to a drying mode or a sterilization mode. Accordingly, the dryer (1) can perform a drying operation corresponding to the drying mode or the dryer (1) can perform a sterilization operation corresponding to the sterilization mode.

[0145] The processor (310) can alternately perform a drying operation for drying the object to be dried in the drum (20) and a sterilization operation for sterilizing the object to be dried. Additionally, the processor (310) can alternately perform a drying operation for drying the object to be dried in the drum (20) and a condensation operation for removing moisture in the drum (20). Additionally, the processor (310) can alternately perform a drying operation for drying the object to be dried in the drum (20), a sterilization operation for sterilizing the object to be dried, and a condensation operation for removing moisture in the drum (20). For example, the processor (310) can perform a drying operation for a preset time (i.e., referred to as 'duty-on time') to perform a drying operation according to a preset duty ratio, and can perform at least one of a drying operation or a sterilization operation during a preset time (i.e., referred to as 'duty-off time') when the drying operation is not performed. The processor (310) can control the first switch (SE1), the second switch (SE2), and the third switch (SE3) or the fourth switch (SE3) to alternately perform a drying operation, a sterilization operation, or a condensation operation.

[0146] The processor (310) can be electrically connected to the components of the dryer (1) and can control the components of the dryer (1). For example, the processor (310) can control the motor (72) to rotate the drum (20) and the fan (71).

[0147] The processor (310) can control the EMI filter (110), power factor compensation circuit (120), DC converter (130), RF power supply unit (140), impedance matching unit (150) and / or switch unit (160) to supply high-frequency power (i.e., RF signal) to the electrode unit (190). Supplying high-frequency power (i.e., RF signal) to the electrode unit (190) by the control unit (300) may include supplying high-frequency power (i.e., RF signal) to at least one of the drying electrode unit (90), the condensing electrode unit (91), or the sterilization electrode unit (93).

[0148] The processor (310) may include the processor (310) and memory (320). The memory (320) may include volatile memory (e.g., S-RAM, D-RAM) and non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, EEPROM). The processor (310) and memory (320) may be implemented as separate chips or as a single chip. Additionally, multiple processors and multiple memories may be provided. The processor (310) can process various data and various signals using instructions, data, programs and / or software stored in the memory (320). The processor (310) can generate control signals for controlling the components of the dryer (1). The processor (310) may include one core or multiple cores. Accordingly, the processor (310) may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors (310). For example, the term “processor (310)” as used in this disclosure may include various processing circuits comprising at least one processor, and one or more thereof may be configured to perform various functions described herein individually or in a distributed manner. When “one processor,” “at least one processor,” or “one or more processors” are described in this disclosure as being configured to perform multiple functions, these terms are exemplary and, without limitation, include the following situations (e.g., one processor performing some functions and other processor(s) performing the remaining functions, or a single processor performing all functions, etc.). Additionally, at least one processor (310) may be a combination of multiple processors (310) performing various functions in a distributed manner, etc. At least one processor (310) may execute program instructions to perform various functions.

[0149] A processor (310) according to one embodiment may control a switch unit (160) so that a first RF power supply unit (141) and a second RF power supply unit (142) apply a first RF signal to a drying electrode unit (90) to execute a drying mode, and control the switch unit (160) so that one of the first RF power supply unit (141) or the second RF power supply unit (142) applies a second RF signal to a condensing electrode unit (91) or the other of the first RF power supply unit (141) or the second RF power supply unit (142) applies a third RF signal to a sterilization electrode unit (92) to execute at least one of a condensation mode or a sterilization mode.

[0150] The drying electrode unit (90) includes a first drying electrode (90a) and a second drying electrode (90b), and the processor (310) can control the switch unit (160) so that the first RF power supply unit (141) applies a positive half-cycle of the first RF signal to the first drying electrode (90a) and the second RF power supply unit (142) applies a negative half-cycle of the first RF signal to the second drying electrode (90b) in order to execute a drying mode.

[0151] The condensation electrode unit (91) includes a plurality of condensation electrodes, and the processor (310) can control the switch unit (160) so that the first RF power supply unit (141) applies a second RF signal to the plurality of condensation electrodes to perform a condensation operation.

[0152] The sterilization electrode unit (92) includes a plurality of sterilization electrodes, and the processor (310) can control the switch unit (160) so that the second RF power supply unit (142) applies a third RF signal to the plurality of sterilization electrodes to perform a sterilization operation.

[0153] The switch unit (160) may include a first switch (SE1) that electrically connects or short-circuits the first RF power supply unit (141) and the first drying electrode (90a), a second switch (SE2) that electrically connects or short-circuits the second RF power supply unit (142) and the second drying electrode (90b), a third switch (SE3) that electrically connects or short-circuits the first RF power supply unit (141) and the condensation electrode unit (91), and a fourth switch (SE4) that electrically connects or short-circuits the second RF power supply unit (142) and the sterilization electrode unit (92).

[0154] The processor (310) can selectively turn on one of the first switch (SE1) or the second switch (SE2) and turn off the third switch (SE3) and the fourth switch (SE4) to execute a drying mode.

[0155] The processor (310) can turn on the first switch (SE1) and turn off the second switch (SE2) during the positive half-cycle of the first RF signal to execute a drying mode, and turn off the first switch (SE1) and turn on the second switch (SE2) during the negative half-cycle of the first RF signal.

[0156] The processor (310) can turn on the third switch (SE3) and turn off the first switch (SE1), the second switch (SE2), and the fourth switch (SE4) to execute the condensation mode.

[0157] The processor (310) can turn on the fourth switch (SE4) and turn off the first switch (SE1) to the third switch (SE3) to execute a sterilization mode.

[0158] The dryer (1) further includes an impedance matching unit (150) connected to an RF power supply unit (140) at one end and a switch unit (160) at the other end, and the impedance matching unit (150) may include a first impedance matching circuit (151) that performs impedance matching between a first RF power supply unit (141) and one of a first drying electrode (90a) or a sterilization electrode unit (92), and a second impedance matching circuit (152) that performs impedance matching between a second RF power supply unit (142) and one of a second drying electrode (90b) or a condensation electrode unit (91).

[0159] The processor (310) can control a first impedance matching circuit (151) to perform a first impedance matching between a first RF power supply (141) and a first drying electrode (90a) to execute a drying mode, and control a second impedance matching circuit (152) to perform a second impedance matching between a second RF power supply (142) and a second drying electrode (90b).

[0160] The processor (310) can control the first impedance matching circuit (151) to perform third impedance matching between the first RF power supply (141) and the condensation electrode (91) to execute the condensation mode.

[0161] The processor (310) can control the second impedance matching circuit (152) to perform a fourth impedance matching between the second RF power supply (142) and the sterilization electrode (92) to execute a sterilization mode.

[0162] The processor (310) can control the switch unit (160) to execute a drying mode during the duty-on time based on a preset duty ratio, and to execute at least one of a sterilization mode or a condensation mode during the duty-off time.

[0163] The dryer (1) further includes a moisture absorption rotor (195) provided on an air discharge path (81), which is a path for air discharged from the drum (20), and a drying electrode part (90) provided in a ring shape along the central part of the outer surface of the drum (20), a sterilization electrode part (92) provided in a ring shape along the front and rear parts of the outer surface of the drum (20), and a condensation electrode part (91) provided in a plate shape on the front and rear parts of the moisture absorption rotor (195).

[0164] FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10 are drawings illustrating the detailed circuit structure of a power amplifier circuit system according to one embodiment.

[0165] A power amplifier circuit according to one embodiment may include an EMI filter (110), a power factor compensation circuit (120), a DC converter (130), an RF power supply unit (140) including a first RF power supply unit (141) and a second RF power supply unit (142), an impedance matching unit (150) including a first impedance matching circuit (151) and a second impedance matching circuit (152), a switch unit (160) including a first switch (SE1), a second switch (SE2), a third switch (SE3) and a fourth switch (SE4), and / or an electrode unit (190) including a drying electrode unit (90), a condensation electrode unit (91), and a sterilization electrode unit (92).

[0166] Referring to FIG. 9, the EMI filter (110) is connected to a commercial power supply (AC) and can remove noise from the AC power supplied from the commercial power supply (AC). The EMI filter (110) can provide the AC power with noise removed to a power factor compensation circuit (120). The EMI filter (110) can be provided as a circuit in which various components are connected in parallel and / or in series. For example, the EMI filter (110) may include a plurality of capacitors (C1, C2) connected in parallel, a plurality of inductors (L1, L2) implementing a transformer, and a plurality of diodes (D1, D2, D3, D4) forming a bridge. The circuit structure of the EMI filter (110) is not limited to that illustrated. The circuit structure of the EMI filter (110) can be provided in various ways depending on the design.

[0167] The power factor compensation circuit (120) can compensate the power factor of AC power provided from the EMI filter (110). The power factor compensation circuit (120) can provide power with the power factor compensated to the DC converter (130). The power factor compensation circuit (120) can be provided as a circuit in which various components are connected in parallel and / or series. For example, the power factor compensation circuit (120) may include a plurality of electrolytic capacitors (Cpf1, Cpf2), an inductor (Lpf), a diode (Dpf), and a switching element (SW_pf). The switching element (SW_pf) may correspond to a transistor. A transistor can allow or block the flow of current depending on the application of voltage. The circuit structure of the power factor compensation circuit (120) is not limited to the examples provided. The circuit structure of the power factor compensation circuit (120) can be provided in various ways depending on the design.

[0168] The DC converter (130) can convert power output from the power factor compensation circuit (120) into DC power. The DC converter (130) can deliver the converted DC power to the first RF power supply (140) and the second RF power supply (142). The DC converter (130) can be provided as a circuit in which various components are connected in parallel and / or series. For example, the DC converter (130) may include a switching element (SW_dc), an inductor (Ldc), and a diode (Ddc). The switching element (SW_dc) may correspond to a transistor. The circuit structure of the DC converter (130) is not limited to the examples provided. The circuit structure of the DC converter (130) can be provided in various ways depending on the design.

[0169] Referring to FIG. 10, the RF power supply unit (140) may include a first RF power supply unit (141) and a second RF power supply unit (141).

[0170] The first RF power supply (141) may be provided as a circuit including various elements for generating an RF signal. For example, the first RF power supply (141) may include an electrolytic capacitor (C_pa), a capacitor (Cpa_11), a plurality of inductors (L_pa11, Lpa_12), and a switching element (SW_pa1). The electrolytic capacitor (Cpa_11) may be connected to the Vpa node and ground (GND). The switching element (SW_pa1) and the inductor (Lpa_11) may be connected in series between the Vpa node and ground (GND). Additionally, the inductor (Lpa_12) and the capacitor (Cpa12) connected in series may be placed between the node (N1) connecting the switching element (SW_pa1) and the inductor (Lpa11) and the first impedance matching circuit (151).

[0171] The switching element (SW_pa1) of the first RF power supply (141) corresponds to a transistor and may be referred to as the 'first switching element'. The processor (310) can control the switching element (SW_pa1) to enable or disable the first RF power supply (141). The processor (310) can control the operation of the first RF power supply (141) by adjusting the voltage applied to the switching element (SW_pa1). For example, the processor (310) can enable the first RF power supply (141) to generate an RF signal by amplifying an input signal applied to the switching element (SW_pa1) in the form of voltage. When the switching element (SW_pa1) is turned on, the operation of the first RF power supply (141) can be enabled. When the switching element (SW_pa1) is turned off, the operation of the first RF power supply (141) can be disabled.

[0172] The circuit structure of the second RF power supply (142) may be identical to the circuit structure of the first RF power supply (141). For example, the second RF power supply (142) may include an electrolytic capacitor (C_pa), a capacitor (C_pa22), a plurality of inductors (L_pa21, L_pa22), and a switching element (SW_pa2). The electrolytic capacitor (C_pa) may be connected to the Vpa node and ground (GND). The switching element (SW_pa2) and the inductor (L_pa21) may be connected in series between the Vpa node and ground (GND). Additionally, the inductor (L_pa22) and the capacitor (C_pa22) connected in series may be placed between the N2 node connecting the switching element (SW_pa2) and the inductor (L_pa21) and the second impedance matching circuit (151).

[0173] The switching element (SW_pa2) of the second RF power supply (142) corresponds to a transistor and may be referred to as the 'second switching element'. The processor (310) can control the switching element (SW_pa2) to enable or disable the second RF power supply (142). The processor (310) can control the operation of the second RF power supply (142) by adjusting the voltage applied to the switching element (SW_pa2). For example, the processor (310) can enable the second RF power supply (142) to generate an RF signal by amplifying an input signal applied to the switching element (SW_pa2) in the form of voltage. When the switching element (SW_pa2) is turned on, the operation of the second RF power supply (142) can be enabled. When the switching element (SW_pa2) is turned off, the operation of the second RF power supply (142) can be disabled.

[0174] The processor (310) can activate the first RF power supply (141) and the second RF power supply (142) when running the drying mode. The processor (310) can activate the first RF power supply (141) and deactivate the second RF power supply (142) when running the condensation mode. The processor (310) can deactivate the first RF power supply (141) and activate the second RF power supply (142) when running the sterilization mode.

[0175] The impedance matching section (150) may include a first impedance matching circuit (151) and a second impedance matching circuit (152).

[0176] The first impedance matching circuit (151) 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. The plurality of switches included in the first impedance matching circuit (151) may be opened or closed under the control of the processor (310). Impedance matching may be performed as the plurality of switches are controlled. In FIG. 10, the first impedance matching circuit (151) is illustrated as including three inductors (L) connected in parallel, three capacitors (C) connected in parallel, and nine switches, but is not limited thereto. The structure of the first impedance matching circuit (151) may be varied according to the design.

[0177] The circuit structure of the second impedance matching circuit (152) may be identical to the circuit structure of the first impedance matching circuit (151). For example, the second impedance matching circuit (152) 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. The plurality of switches included in the second impedance matching circuit (152) may be opened or closed under the control of the processor (310). Impedance matching may be performed as the plurality of switches are controlled. In FIG. 10, the second impedance matching circuit (152) is illustrated as including three inductors (L) connected in parallel, three capacitors (C) connected in parallel, and nine switches, but is not limited thereto. The structure of the second impedance matching circuit (152) may be varied according to the design.

[0178] A first switch (SE1) and a third switch (SE3) may be connected to the output terminal of the first impedance matching circuit (152). The first switch (SE1) may connect the first impedance matching circuit (152) and the first drying electrode (90a). The third switch (SE3) may connect the first impedance matching circuit (152) and the condensation electrode section (91). A separate inductor may be provided between the first switch (SE1) and the first drying electrode (90a). The inductor provided between the first switch (SE1) and the first drying electrode (90a) can prevent sparks from occurring when the first switch (SE1) is closed. A separate inductor may also be provided between the third switch (SE1) and the condensation electrode section (91). An inductor provided between the third switch (SE3) and the condensing electrode (91) can prevent sparks from occurring when the third switch (SE3) is closed.

[0179] Although FIG. 10 is illustrated as having one first switch (SE1) and one third switch (SE3), in order to connect a plurality of first drying electrodes (90a) included in the drying electrode section (90) or a plurality of condensing electrodes included in the condensing electrode section (91) to the first impedance matching circuit (151), a plurality of first switches (SE1) and a plurality of third switches (SE3) may be connected to the output terminal of the first impedance matching circuit (151).

[0180] Corresponding to the provision of multiple first drying electrodes (90a) and multiple condensation electrodes, it is also possible to provide multiple first impedance matching circuits (151). For example, one first drying electrode (90a), one condensation electrode, and one first impedance matching circuit (151) may be provided as a set.

[0181] The processor (310) can control the first impedance matching circuit (151) to match the output impedance of the first RF power supply (141) with the electrode impedance of the first drying electrode (90a) in order to execute a drying mode. The impedance matching between the first RF power supply (141) and the first drying electrode (90a) for executing a drying mode may be referred to as 'first impedance matching'.

[0182] The processor (310) can control the first impedance matching circuit (151) to match the output impedance of the first RF power supply (141) with the electrode impedance of the condensation electrode unit (91) in order to execute a condensation mode. At this time, matching the output impedance of the first RF power supply (141) with the electrode impedance of the condensation electrode unit (91) may include matching the output impedance of the first RF power supply (141) with the electrode impedances of a plurality of condensation electrodes included in the condensation electrode unit (91). The impedance matching between the first RF power supply (141) and the condensation electrode unit (91) for executing a condensation mode may be referred to as 'third impedance matching'.

[0183] The dryer (1) can alternately execute a drying mode and a condensation mode. To this end, the processor (310) can control the first impedance matching circuit (151) to perform a third impedance matching after the drying mode is executed and before the condensation mode is executed. The processor (310) can control the first impedance matching circuit (151) to perform a first impedance matching after the condensation mode is executed and before the drying mode is executed.

[0184] A second switch (SE2) and a fourth switch (SE4) may be connected to the output terminal of the second impedance matching circuit (152). The second switch (SE2) may connect the second impedance matching circuit (152) and the second drying electrode (90b). The fourth switch (SE4) may connect the second impedance matching circuit (152) and the sterilization electrode section (92). A separate inductor may be provided between the second switch (SE2) and the second drying electrode (90b). The inductor provided between the second switch (SE2) and the second drying electrode (90b) can prevent sparks from occurring when the second switch (SE2) is closed. A separate inductor may also be provided between the fourth switch (SE4) and the sterilization electrode section (92). An inductor provided between the fourth switch (SE4) and the sterilization electrode part (92) can prevent sparks from occurring when the fourth switch (SE4) is closed.

[0185] Although FIG. 10 is illustrated as having one second switch (SE2) and one fourth switch (SE4), in order to connect a plurality of second drying electrodes (90b) included in the drying electrode section (90) or a plurality of sterilization electrodes included in the sterilization electrode section (92) to the second impedance matching circuit (152), a plurality of second switches (SE2) and a plurality of fourth switches (SE4) may be connected to the output terminal of the second impedance matching circuit (152).

[0186] Corresponding to the provision of multiple second drying electrodes (90b) and multiple sterilization electrodes, it is also possible to provide multiple second impedance matching circuits (152). For example, one second drying electrode (90b), one sterilization electrode, and one second impedance matching circuit (152) may be provided as a set.

[0187] The processor (310) can control the second impedance matching circuit (152) to match the output impedance of the second RF power supply (142) with the electrode impedance of the second drying electrode (90b) in order to execute a drying mode. The impedance matching between the second RF power supply (142) and the second drying electrode (90b) for executing a drying mode may be referred to as 'second impedance matching'.

[0188] The processor (310) can control the second impedance matching circuit (152) to match the output impedance of the second RF power supply (142) with the electrode impedance of the sterilization electrode unit (92) in order to execute a sterilization mode. At this time, matching the output impedance of the second RF power supply (142) with the electrode impedance of the sterilization electrode unit (92) may include matching the output impedance of the second RF power supply (142) with the electrode impedance of a plurality of sterilization electrodes included in the sterilization electrode unit (92). The impedance matching between the second RF power supply (142) and the sterilization electrode unit (92) for executing a sterilization mode may be referred to as 'fourth impedance matching'.

[0189] The dryer (1) can alternately execute a drying mode and a sterilization mode. To this end, the processor (310) can control the second impedance matching circuit (152) to perform a fourth impedance matching after the drying mode is executed and before the sterilization mode is executed. The processor (310) can control the second impedance matching circuit (152) to perform a second impedance matching after the sterilization mode is executed and before the drying mode is executed.

[0190] FIG. 11 illustrates the circuit structure when a dryer (1) according to one embodiment executes a drying mode.

[0191] FIG. 12 illustrates the process of generating a first RF signal when a dryer (1) according to one embodiment executes a drying mode.

[0192] Referring to FIG. 11, a power amplifier circuit system for executing a dryer's operating mode (e.g., drying mode, condensation mode, sterilization mode, etc.) may include two channels. In this case, the channels constituting the power amplifier circuit system are independent paths for processing separate signals, each channel having a unique input, amplification, and output path, and two output signals may be amplified through separate paths. Specifically, the power amplifier circuit system may include a first RF power supply (141), a first impedance matching circuit (151), a first switch (SE1), a third switch (SE3), a first drying electrode (90a) and / or a condensation electrode (91) among a plurality of electrodes of the drying electrode unit (90), and a second channel (CH2) including a second RF power supply (142), a second impedance matching circuit (152), a second switch (SE2), a fourth switch (SE4), and a second drying electrode (90b) and / or a sterilization electrode (92) among a plurality of electrodes of the drying electrode unit (90). In executing the operation mode of the dryer, the two channels of the power amplifier circuit system may generate RF signals and apply them to each electrode unit. At this time, the RF signal applied to the drying electrode part (90) when executing the drying mode may be referred to as the first RF signal, the RF signal applied to the condensing electrode part (91) when executing the condensation mode may be referred to as the second RF signal, and the RF signal applied to the sterilization electrode part (92) when executing the sterilization mode may be referred to as the third RF signal.

[0193] The processor (310) can control the switch unit (160) to execute a drying mode. According to one embodiment, the processor (310) can selectively turn on one of the first switch (SE1) or the second switch (SE2) and turn off the third switch (SE3) and the fourth switch (SE4) to execute a drying mode.

[0194] At this time, the processor (310) of the dryer (1) can control the first switch (SE1) and the third switch (SE3) to connect the first RF power supply (141), the first impedance matching circuit (151), and the first drying electrode (90a) in order to execute the drying mode. Specifically, the processor (310) can turn on the first switch (SE1) so that the first RF power supply (141) and the first drying electrode (90a) are connected in order to execute the drying mode, and turn off the third switch (SE3) so that the first RF power supply (141) and the condensation electrode (91) are closed. That is, in signal processing in the first channel (CH1), the first switch (SE1) and the third switch (SE3) can be controlled so that the first RF signal amplified by the first RF power supply (141) is applied to the first drying electrode (90a).

[0195] Additionally, the processor (310) of the dryer (1) can control the second switch (SE2) and the fourth switch (SE4) to connect the second RF power supply (142), the second impedance matching circuit (152), and the second drying electrode (90b) to execute the drying mode. Specifically, the processor (310) can turn on the second switch (SE2) so that the second RF power supply (142) and the second drying electrode (90b) are connected to execute the drying mode, and turn off the fourth switch (SE4) so ​​that the second RF power supply (142) and the sterilization electrode (92) are closed. That is, in signal processing in the second channel (CH2), the second switch (SE2) and the fourth switch (SE4) can be controlled so that the first RF signal amplified by the second RF power supply (142) is applied to the second drying electrode (90b).

[0196] The processor (310) can control the switch unit (160) to alternately apply at least a portion of the first RF signal to the drying electrode unit (90) in the first channel (CH1) or the second channel (CH2) by selectively turning on one of the first switch (SE1) or the second switch (SE2) and turning off the third switch (SE3) and the fourth switch (SE4).

[0197] Additionally, the processor (310) can activate the first RF power supply (141) and the second RF power supply (142) to execute a drying mode. The processor (310) can control the first RF power supply (141) to apply a first voltage and a corresponding first current to the first drying electrode (90a) to execute a drying mode, and control the second RF power supply (142) to apply a third voltage and a corresponding third current to the second drying electrode (90b). In other words, the first voltage and the first current can be alternately applied to the first drying electrode (90a) among the plurality of electrodes included in the drying electrode unit (90), and the third voltage and the third current can be alternately applied to the second drying electrode (90b) among the plurality of electrodes. Accordingly, an electric field for drying the object to be dried can be generated within the drum (20).

[0198] Referring to FIG. 12, the processor (310) can apply a positive half-cycle of the first RF signal to the drying electrode (90) through the first channel (CH1) and apply a negative half-cycle of the first RF signal to the drying electrode (90) through the second channel (CH2) to execute a drying mode.

[0199] Specifically, the processor (310) may turn on the first switch (SE1) and turn off the second switch (SE2) during the positive half-cycle of the first RF signal to execute a drying mode, and turn off the first switch (SE1) and turn on the second switch (SE2) during the negative half-cycle of the first RF signal. At this time, while the first switch (SE1) and the second switch (SE2) are turned on and off, the third switch (SE3) and the fourth switch (SE4) may remain in an off state.

[0200] Accordingly, when an input signal input to the input terminal (Vin) of the power amplifier circuit system is amplified, it can be amplified through the first channel (CH1) during the positive half-cycle of the input signal and amplified through the second channel (CH2) during the negative half-cycle of the input signal and applied to the output terminal (Vout). At this time, the input terminal (Vin) of the power amplifier circuit system corresponds to the switching element of each channel (e.g., the first switching element (SW_pa1), the second switching element (SW_pa2)), and the output terminal (Vout) corresponds to the pre-induction electrode part (90).

[0201] Specifically, the processor (310) can turn on the first switch (SE1) during the positive half-cycle of the input signal and turn off the second switch (SE2), the third switch (SE3), and the fourth switch (SE4) to amplify the input signal through the first channel (CH1) and apply the positive half-cycle of the first RF signal generated accordingly to the first drying electrode (90a). Additionally, the processor (310) can turn on the third switch (SE3) during the negative half-cycle of the input signal and turn off the first switch (SE1), the second switch (SE2), and the fourth switch (SE4) to amplify the input signal through the second channel (CH2) and apply the negative half-cycle of the first RF signal generated accordingly to the second drying electrode (90b).

[0202] That is, when the dryer (1) executes a drying mode, the first channel (CH1) and the second channel (CH2) can operate as push-pull circuits. At this time, the first channel (CH1) processes the positive half-cycle of the input signal to generate the positive half-cycle of the first RF signal, so it can function as a positive channel, and the second channel (CH2) processes the negative half-cycle of the input signal to generate the negative half-cycle of the first RF signal, so it can function as a negative channel. At this time, the first channel (CH1) that performs the function of the positive channel can be called a pull circuit, and the second channel (CH2) that performs the function of the negative channel can be called a push circuit.

[0203] When the dryer (1) executes a drying mode, the first channel (CH1) acts as a positive channel and the second channel (CH2) acts as a negative channel, operating as a push-pull circuit. This reduces non-linear distortion that may occur when amplifying the entire signal with a single-channel power amplifier circuit system. This is because the two channels operate complementarily to cancel out distortion, thereby reducing distortion in the output signal. Additionally, since the push-pull circuit performs signal processing in a mutually complementary manner, common-mode noise can be canceled out. As a result, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is improved, allowing for a cleaner output signal, which can improve the reliability of the dryer (1).

[0204] Additionally, when the dryer (1) executes a drying mode, a first drying electrode (90a) is connected to the end of the first channel (CH1) which acts as an anode channel, and a second drying electrode (90b) is connected to the end of the second channel (CH2) which acts as a cathode channel. Accordingly, the ground electrode (GND) is not connected, and AC voltage can be applied to each electrode while the first drying electrode (90a) and the second drying electrode (90b) are in a floating state. At this time, high-frequency noise can be canceled out by the complementary principle, and since the ground electrode (GND) is not connected, high-frequency noise generated from other electrical components of the dryer (1) does not travel through the ground electrode (GND) to the first channel (CH1) and the second channel (CH2), so stable operation is possible.

[0205] Due to the nature of the push-pull circuit, the push circuit (i.e., positive channel) and the pull circuit (i.e., negative channel) must perform symmetrical operations, so the components constituting the push circuit and the pull circuit must be symmetrical. A power amplifier circuit system according to one embodiment can compensate for the imbalance caused by different component values ​​constituting the first RF power supply (141) included in the first channel (CH1) and the second RF power supply (142) included in the second channel (CH2) by the first impedance matching circuit (151) and the second impedance matching circuit (152) included in the impedance matching unit (150).

[0206] FIG. 13 illustrates the circuit structure when a dryer (1) according to one embodiment executes a condensation mode.

[0207] When a dryer (1) according to one embodiment executes a condensation mode, the second RF signal applied to the condensation electrode (91) can execute the condensation mode even if the power is lower than that of the first RF signal. Therefore, when the second RF signal is processed and applied to the condensation electrode (91), the possibility of noise generation is low, so signal processing through a single channel is possible, unlike when executing a drying mode.

[0208] Referring to FIG. 13, the processor (310) can control the switch unit (160) to execute a condensation mode. According to one embodiment, the processor (310) can turn on the third switch (SE3) and turn off the first switch (SE1), the second switch (SE2), and the fourth switch (SE4) to execute a condensation mode.

[0209] At this time, the processor (310) of the dryer (1) can control the first switch (SE1) and the third switch (SE3) to connect the first RF power supply (141), the first impedance matching circuit (151), and the condensation electrode (91) in order to execute the condensation mode. Specifically, the processor (310) can turn on the third switch (SE3) so that the first RF power supply (141) and the condensation electrode (91) are connected in order to execute the condensation mode, and turn off the first switch (SE1) so that the first RF power supply (141) and the first drying electrode (90a) are closed. That is, the first switch (SE1) and the third switch (SE3) can be controlled so that the second RF signal amplified by the first RF power supply (141) is applied to the condensation electrode (91) in signal processing in the first channel (CH1).

[0210] Additionally, the processor (310) of the dryer (1) can turn off the second switch (SE2) and the fourth switch (SE4) to execute the condensation mode so that signal processing by the second channel (CH2) is not performed. In other words, when the dryer (1) executes the condensation mode, a second RF signal applied to the condensation electrode (91) by a single channel (i.e., the first channel (CH1)) can be generated.

[0211] Additionally, the processor (310) can activate the first RF power supply (141) and deactivate the second RF power supply (142) to execute the condensation mode. The processor (310) can control the first RF power supply (141) to apply a third voltage and a corresponding third current to the condensation electrode (91) to execute the condensation mode. Accordingly, an electric field can be generated to condense the water vapor inside the drum (20) and discharge it to the outside of the dryer (1). That is, an electric field can be generated to drain the moisture contained in the moisture absorption rotor (195). In other words, an electric field can be generated to regenerate the moisture absorption rotor (195) containing the water vapor discharged from inside the drum (20).

[0212] FIG. 14 illustrates the circuit structure when a dryer (1) according to one embodiment executes a sterilization mode.

[0213] When the dryer (1) according to one embodiment executes the sterilization mode, the third RF signal applied to the sterilization electrode (92) can execute the condensation mode even if the power is lower than that of the first RF signal. Therefore, when the third RF signal is processed and applied to the sterilization electrode (92), the possibility of noise generation is low, so signal processing through a single channel is possible, unlike when executing the drying mode. At this time, when executing the sterilization mode, the condensation mode and the sterilization mode can be executed simultaneously by performing processing of the third RF signal through the second channel (CH2).

[0214] Referring to FIG. 14, the processor (310) can control the switch unit (160) to execute a sterilization mode. According to one embodiment, the processor (310) can turn on the fourth switch (SE4) and turn off the first switch (SE1), the second switch (SE2), and the third switch (SE3) to execute a sterilization mode.

[0215] At this time, the processor (310) of the dryer (1) can control the second switch (SE2) and the fourth switch (SE4) to connect the second RF power supply (142), the second impedance matching circuit (152), and the sterilization electrode (92) in order to execute the sterilization mode. Specifically, the processor (310) can turn on the fourth switch (SE4) so ​​that the second RF power supply (142) and the sterilization electrode (92) are connected in order to execute the sterilization mode, and turn off the second switch (SE2) so that the second RF power supply (142) and the second drying electrode (90b) are closed. That is, in signal processing in the second channel (CH2), the second switch (SE2) and the fourth switch (SE4) can be controlled so that the third RF signal amplified by the second RF power supply (142) is applied to the sterilization electrode (92).

[0216] Additionally, the processor (310) of the dryer (1) can turn off the first switch (SE1) and the third switch (SE3) to execute the sterilization mode so that signal processing by the first channel (CH1) is not performed. In other words, when the dryer (1) executes the condensation mode, a third signal applied to the sterilization electrode (92) by a single channel (i.e., the second channel (CH2)) can be generated.

[0217] Additionally, the processor (310) may disable the first RF power supply (141) and enable the second RF power supply (142) to execute the sterilization mode. The processor (310) may control the second RF power supply (142) to apply a fourth voltage and a corresponding fourth current to the sterilization electrode (92) to execute the sterilization mode. Accordingly, an electric field for sterilization inside the drum (20) may be generated.

[0218] FIG. 15 is a control flowchart of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0219] FIG. 16 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a dryer according to a duty cycle according to one embodiment.

[0220] A processor (311) according to one embodiment can execute a drying mode during a duty on time (ton_dry) based on a preset duty ratio, and execute at least one of a sterilization mode or a condensation mode during a duty off time (toff_dry).

[0221] A dryer (1) according to one embodiment may execute a drying mode by a preset duty cycle. The preset duty cycle may correspond to the ratio of the duty on time (e.g., ton_dry in FIG. 16) during which the drying mode is executed to the total cycle (e.g., Tdry in FIG. 16). At this time, the duty on time may include the time for generating a first RF signal through the first channel (CH1) and the second channel (CH2) and applying it to the drying electrode part (90). The total cycle (Tdry) may include the duty on time (ton_dry) during which the drying mode is executed and the duty off time (toff_dry) during which the drying mode is not executed.

[0222] According to one embodiment, the processor (311) can control the switch unit (160) to execute a drying mode during the duty on time (ton_dry) based on a preset duty ratio (1401).

[0223] For example, the processor (310) may selectively turn on one of the first switch (SE1) or the second switch (SE2) and turn off the third switch (SE3) and the fourth switch (SE4) to execute a drying mode. Specifically, the processor (310) may apply a positive half-cycle of the first RF signal to the drying electrode part (90) through the first channel (CH1) and apply a negative half-cycle of the first RF signal to the drying electrode part (90) through the second channel (CH2) to execute a drying mode.

[0224] Additionally, the processor (310) can activate the first RF power supply (141) and the second RF power supply (142) to execute a drying mode.

[0225] The processor (310) can control the switch unit (160) to execute at least one of a condensation mode or a sterilization mode during the duty off time (toff_dry) after the duty on time (ton_dry) has elapsed (1402).

[0226] For example, when the processor (310) executes only the condensation mode during the duty off time (toff_dry), it may turn on the third switch (SE3) and turn off the first switch (SE1), the second switch (SE2), and the fourth switch (SE4). Additionally, the processor (310) may activate the first RF power supply (141) and deactivate the second RF power supply (142) to execute only the condensation mode. Accordingly, the first channel (CH1) can process the input signal to generate a second RF signal and transmit the generated signal to the condensation electrode (91).

[0227] As another example, when the processor (311) executes only the sterilization mode during the duty off time (toff_dry), it can turn on the fourth switch (SE4) and turn off the first switch (SE1), the second switch (SE2), and the third switch (SE3). Additionally, the processor (310) can disable the first RF power supply (141) and enable the second RF power supply (142) to execute only the sterilization mode. Accordingly, the second channel (CH2) can process the input signal to generate a third RF signal and transmit the generated signal to the sterilization electrode (92).

[0228] As another example, when the processor (311) executes both the condensation mode and the sterilization during the duty off time (toff_dry), it may turn on the third switch (SE3) and the fourth switch (SE4) and turn off the first switch (SE1) and the second switch (SE2). Additionally, the processor (310) may activate the first RF power supply (141) and the second RF power supply (142) to execute both the condensation mode and the sterilization mode. Accordingly, the first channel (CH1) may process the input signal to generate a second RF signal and transmit the generated signal to the condensation electrode (91), and the second channel (CH2) may process the input signal to generate a third RF signal and transmit the generated signal to the sterilization electrode (92).

[0229] The processor (310) can determine whether the drying of the object to be dried is complete when the duty off time (toff_dry) has elapsed (1403).

[0230] For example, the processor (310) may determine whether the drying of the object to be dried is complete based on a change in electrode impedance detected by the impedance matching unit (150). As another example, the processor (310) may determine whether the drying is complete based on whether a preset time has elapsed. However, the above-described method for determining whether the drying is complete is merely an example, and the processor (311) may determine whether the drying of the object to be dried is complete in various ways.

[0231] When the processor (310) determines that the drying of the object to be dried is complete (e.g., 1403), the operation of the dryer (1) may be terminated. On the other hand, when the processor (310) determines that the drying of the object to be dried is not complete, the switch unit (160) may be controlled to execute the drying mode during the duty-on time (ton_dry) based on a preset duty ratio. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 16, at least one of the drying operation and the sterilization operation or the condensation operation may be performed alternately.

[0232] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (310) can control a switch unit (160) so that a first RF power supply unit (141) and a second RF power supply unit (142) apply a first RF signal to a drying electrode unit (90) to execute a drying mode, and can control the switch unit (160) so that one of the first RF power supply unit (141) or the second RF power supply unit (142) applies a second RF signal to a condensing electrode unit (91) or the other of the first RF power supply unit (141) or the second RF power supply unit (142) applies a third RF signal to a sterilization electrode unit (92) to execute at least one of a condensation mode or a sterilization mode.

[0233] The drying electrode unit (90) includes a first drying electrode (90a) and a second drying electrode (90b), and the processor (310) can control the switch unit (160) so that the first RF power supply unit (141) applies a positive half-cycle of the first RF signal to the first drying electrode (90a) and the second RF power supply unit (142) applies a negative half-cycle of the first RF signal to the second drying electrode (90b) in order to execute a drying mode.

[0234] The condensation electrode unit (91) includes a plurality of condensation electrodes, and the processor (310) can control the switch unit (160) so that the first RF power supply unit (141) applies a second RF signal to the plurality of condensation electrodes to perform a condensation operation.

[0235] The sterilization electrode unit (92) includes a plurality of sterilization electrodes, and the processor (310) can control the switch unit (160) so that the second RF power supply unit (142) applies a third RF signal to the plurality of sterilization electrodes to perform a sterilization operation.

[0236] The switch unit (160) may include a first switch (SE1) that electrically connects or short-circuits the first RF power supply unit (141) and the first drying electrode (90a), a second switch (SE2) that electrically connects or short-circuits the second RF power supply unit (142) and the second drying electrode (90b), a third switch (SE3) that electrically connects or short-circuits the first RF power supply unit (141) and the condensation electrode unit (91), and a fourth switch (SE4) that electrically connects or short-circuits the second RF power supply unit (142) and the sterilization electrode unit (92).

[0237] At least one processor (310) can selectively turn on one of the first switch (SE1) or the second switch (SE2) and turn off the third switch (SE3) and the fourth switch (SE4) to execute a drying mode.

[0238] At least one processor (310) can turn on the first switch (SE1) and turn off the second switch (SE2) during the positive half-cycle of the first RF signal to execute a drying mode, and turn off the first switch (SE1) and turn on the second switch (SE2) during the negative half-cycle of the first RF signal.

[0239] At least one processor (310) can turn on the third switch (SE3) and turn off the first switch (SE1), the second switch (SE2), and the fourth switch (SE4) to execute a condensation mode.

[0240] At least one processor (310) can turn on the fourth switch (SE4) and turn off the first switch (SE1) to the third switch (SE3) to execute a sterilization mode.

[0241] The dryer (1) further includes an impedance matching unit (150) connected to an RF power supply unit (140) at one end and a switch unit (160) at the other end, and the impedance matching unit (150) may include a first impedance matching circuit (151) that performs impedance matching between a first RF power supply unit (141) and one of a first drying electrode (90a) or a sterilization electrode unit (92), and a second impedance matching circuit (152) that performs impedance matching between a second RF power supply unit (142) and one of a second drying electrode (90b) or a condensation electrode unit (91).

[0242] At least one processor (310) can control a first impedance matching circuit (151) to perform a first impedance matching between a first RF power supply (141) and a first drying electrode (90a) to execute a drying mode, and control a second impedance matching circuit (152) to perform a second impedance matching between a second RF power supply (142) and a second drying electrode (90b).

[0243] At least one processor (310) can control the first impedance matching circuit (151) to perform third impedance matching between the first RF power supply (141) and the condensation electrode (91) to execute the condensation mode.

[0244] At least one processor (310) can control a second impedance matching circuit (152) to perform a fourth impedance matching between a second RF power supply (142) and a sterilization electrode (92) to execute a sterilization mode.

[0245] At least one processor (310) can control the switch unit (160) to execute a drying mode during the duty-on time based on a preset duty ratio, and to execute at least one of a sterilization mode or a condensation mode during the duty-off time.

[0246] The dryer (1) further includes a moisture absorption rotor (195) provided on an air discharge path (81), which is a path for air discharged from the drum (20), and a drying electrode part (90) provided in a ring shape along the central part of the outer surface of the drum (20), a sterilization electrode part (92) provided in a ring shape along the front and rear parts of the outer surface of the drum (20), and a condensation electrode part (91) provided in a plate shape on the front and rear parts of the moisture absorption rotor (195).

[0247] A control method for a dryer (1) comprising a drying electrode unit (90), a sterilization electrode unit (92), a condensation electrode unit (91), an RF power supply unit (140) including a first RF power supply unit (141) and a second RF power supply unit (142) that output an RF signal, and a switch unit (160) that electrically connects or short-circuits the drying electrode unit (90), the sterilization electrode unit (92), or the condensation electrode unit (91) with the RF power supply unit (140), wherein the switch unit (160) is controlled so that the first RF power supply unit (141) and the second RF power supply unit (142) apply a first RF signal to the drying electrode unit (90) to execute a drying mode, and one of the first RF power supply unit (141) or the second RF power supply unit (142) applies a second RF signal to the condensation electrode unit (91) to execute at least one of a condensation mode or a sterilization mode, or the first RF power supply unit (141) or the second RF power supply unit The remaining one of the supply units (142) may include controlling the switch unit (160) to apply a third RF signal to the sterilization electrode unit (92).

[0248] Controlling the switch unit (160) so that the first RF power supply unit (141) and the second RF power supply unit (142) apply a first RF signal to the drying electrode unit (90) to execute the drying mode may include controlling the switch unit (160) so that the first RF power supply unit (141) applies a positive half-cycle of the first RF signal to the first drying electrode (90a) included in the drying electrode unit (90) to execute the drying mode, and controlling the switch unit (160) so that the second RF power supply unit (142) applies a negative half-cycle of the first RF signal to the second drying electrode (90b) included in the drying electrode unit (90).

[0249] Controlling the switch unit (160) to apply a second RF signal to the sterilization electrode unit (92) or to apply a third RF signal to the condensation electrode unit (91) by one of the first RF power supply unit (141) or the second RF power supply unit (142) in order to execute at least one of a condensation mode or a sterilization mode may include controlling the switch unit (160) so that the first RF power supply unit (141) applies a second RF signal to a plurality of condensation electrodes in order to execute a condensation mode, or controlling the switch unit (160) so that the second RF power supply unit (142) applies a third RF signal to a plurality of sterilization electrodes in order to execute a sterilization mode.

[0250] A dryer (1) further comprises an impedance matching unit (150) comprising a first RF power supply unit (141), a first impedance matching circuit that performs impedance matching between one of a first drying electrode (90a) or a sterilization electrode unit (92) included in a drying electrode unit (90), a second RF power supply unit (142), and a second impedance matching circuit (152) that performs impedance matching between one of a second drying electrode (90b) or a condensation electrode unit (91) included in a drying electrode unit (90), and a control method of the dryer (1) controls the first impedance matching circuit (151) to perform first impedance matching between the first RF power supply unit (141) and the first drying electrode (90a) to perform a drying operation, and controls the second impedance matching circuit (151) to perform second impedance matching between the second RF power supply unit (142) and the second drying electrode (90b). It may further include controlling the circuit (152).

[0251] The control method of the dryer (1) may further include controlling the first impedance matching circuit (151) to perform a third impedance matching between the first RF power supply (141) and the condensation electrode (91) to perform a condensation operation, or controlling the second impedance matching circuit (152) to perform a fourth impedance matching between the second RF power supply (142) and the sterilization electrode (92) to perform a sterilization operation.

[0252] According to a dryer (1) and a control method thereof according to one embodiment, drying, sterilization, and condensation operations can all be performed using separately provided drying electrodes, sterilization electrodes, and condensation electrodes.

[0253] According to a dryer and a control method according to one embodiment, circuit costs can be reduced by reducing the number of power amplifiers required to apply RF signals to each electrode to perform drying, sterilization, and condensation operations.

[0254] According to a dryer and a control method according to one embodiment, in performing a drying operation, noise applied to the drying electrode is canceled out as two power amplifiers operate complementarily to each other, thereby improving drying efficiency.

[0255] Specific embodiments have been illustrated and described above. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications without departing from the essence of the technical concept of the invention as described in the following claims.

[0256] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a storage medium that stores instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, they may generate a program module to perform the operation of the disclosed embodiments.

[0257] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory storage medium' simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily. For example, a 'non-transitory storage medium' may include a buffer in which data is stored temporarily.

[0258] Methods according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as part of a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0259] As described above, the disclosed embodiments have been explained with reference to the attached drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be practiced in forms different from the disclosed embodiments without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be interpreted restrictively.

Claims

1. Drying electrode part; Sterilization electrode part; Condensation electrode part; An RF power supply unit comprising a first RF power supply and a second RF power supply that amplify an input signal to generate an RF signal; A switch portion that electrically connects or short-circuits the drying electrode portion, the sterilization electrode portion, or the condensation electrode portion and the RF power supply portion; and A dryer comprising at least one processor that controls the switch unit so that the first RF power supply and the second RF power supply apply a first RF signal to the drying electrode unit to execute a drying mode, and controls the switch unit so that one of the first RF power supply or the second RF power supply applies a second RF signal to the condensing electrode unit or the other of the first RF power supply or the second RF power supply applies a third RF signal to the sterilization electrode unit to execute at least one of a condensation mode or a sterilization mode.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above drying electrode part; is, It includes a first drying electrode and a second drying electrode, The above at least one processor; is, A dryer that controls the switch unit to apply a positive half-cycle of the first RF signal to the first drying electrode and to apply a negative half-cycle of the first RF signal to the second drying electrode in order to execute the above drying mode.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above condensation electrode part; is, It includes a plurality of condensation electrodes, The above at least one processor; is, A dryer that controls the switch unit so that the first RF power supply unit applies the second RF signal to the plurality of condensation electrodes in order to execute the above condensation mode.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above sterilization electrode part; is, It includes a plurality of sterilization electrodes, The above-mentioned at least one processor is, A dryer that controls the switch unit so that the second RF power supply unit applies the third RF signal to the plurality of sterilization electrodes in order to execute the above sterilization mode.

5. In Paragraph 2, The above switch unit; is, A dryer comprising: a first switch for electrically connecting or short-circuiting the first RF power supply and the first electrode; a second switch for electrically connecting or short-circuiting the second RF power supply and the second electrode; a third switch for electrically connecting or short-circuiting the first RF power supply and the condensation electrode; and a fourth switch for electrically connecting or short-circuiting the second RF power supply and the sterilization electrode.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above at least one processor; is, A dryer that selectively turns on one of the first switch or the second switch and turns off the third switch and the fourth switch to execute the above drying mode.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above at least one processor; is, A dryer that turns on the first switch and turns off the second switch during the positive half-cycle of the first RF signal to execute the above drying mode, and turns off the first switch and turns on the second switch during the negative half-cycle of the first RF signal.

8. In Paragraph 5, The above at least one processor; is, A dryer that turns on the third switch and turns off the first switch, the second switch, and the fourth switch to execute the above condensation mode.

9. In Paragraph 5, The above at least one processor; is, A dryer that turns on the fourth switch and turns off the first switch, the second switch, and the third switch to execute the above sterilization mode.

10. In Paragraph 2, The above dryer is, It further includes an impedance matching unit, one end of which is connected to the RF power supply unit and the other end of which is connected to the switch unit. The above impedance matching section; is, A first impedance matching circuit that performs impedance matching between the first RF power supply unit and one of the first drying electrode or the sterilization electrode unit, and A dryer comprising a second impedance matching circuit that performs impedance matching between the second RF power supply and one of the second drying electrode or the condensation electrode.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above at least one processor; is, To execute the above drying mode, the first impedance matching circuit is controlled to perform a first impedance matching between the first RF power supply and the first drying electrode, and A dryer that controls the second impedance matching circuit to perform second impedance matching between the second RF power supply and the second drying electrode.

12. In Paragraph 10, The above at least one processor; is, A dryer that controls the first impedance matching circuit to perform a third impedance matching between the first RF power supply and the condensation electrode to execute the above condensation mode.

13. In Paragraph 10, The above at least one processor; is, A dryer that controls the second impedance matching circuit to perform a fourth impedance matching between the second RF power supply and the sterilization electrode to execute the above sterilization mode.

14. In Paragraph 1, The above at least one processor; is, A dryer that controls the switch unit to execute the drying mode during the duty-on time based on a preset duty ratio, and to execute at least one of the sterilization mode or the condensation mode during the duty-off time.

15. In Paragraph 1, The above dryer is, drum; and It further includes a moisture absorption rotor provided on an air discharge path corresponding to the air path of the air discharged from the drum, and The above drying electrode portion is provided in a ring shape along the central part of the outer surface of the drum, and The above sterilization electrode portion is provided in a ring shape along the front and rear portions of the outer surface of the drum, and The above-mentioned condensation electrode portion is a dryer provided in a plate shape on the front and rear surfaces of the above-mentioned moisture absorption rotor.

Images