Dryer and method for controlling same

Abstract

This dryer comprises: a main body; a drum provided inside the main body; a first electrode provided outside the drum; a second electrode provided outside the drum; and a control unit, wherein a third electrode, for partitioning the inner space of the drum into a first receiving space adjacent to the first electrode and a second receiving space adjacent to the second electrode, may be attached to / detached from the main body, and the control unit, on the basis that the third electrode is attached to the main body, may control power supplied to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode so that an electric field is applied to at least one among the first receiving space and the second receiving space, and, on the basis that the third electrode is separated from the main body, may control the power supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode so that the electric field is applied to the inner space of the drum.

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 a material by removing moisture contained within it. Various types of drying devices exist for drying materials. For example, there is a hot-air drying type dryer that supplies hot air into a drum containing the material to be dried. In the case of hot-air drying, 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, and the drying efficiency is consequently low. Furthermore, the high-temperature air supplied into the drum may damage the material to be dried.

[0003] As another example, there is also a dryer capable of drying a material through dielectric heating using RF (Radio Frequency). The RF drying method utilizes frictional heat loss generated by the vibration of molecules inside the material by applying an electric field to the material. Compared to the hot air drying method, it has higher drying efficiency and is less damaged on the material because it is carried out at a low temperature.

[0004] Meanwhile, in the case of conventional dryers, there was a problem where the fabric of the items to be dried was damaged because users either performed multiple drying cycles separately for each material or performed the drying cycle all at once without distinguishing between the various materials when drying items of different materials.

[0005] The present disclosure may provide a dryer and a method for controlling the dryer, wherein the internal space of a drum is divided into a plurality of receiving spaces to accommodate different materials to be dried in each of the plurality of receiving spaces.

[0006] The present disclosure may provide a dryer and a method for controlling the dryer, wherein a plurality of receiving spaces in which a workpiece to be dried can be received can be determined as a drying space or a non-drying space.

[0007] The present disclosure may provide a dryer and a method for controlling the dryer that can provide information to a user regarding each of a plurality of receiving spaces in which a workpiece to be dried can be received.

[0008] The present disclosure can provide a dryer capable of performing a drying process based on the material of the object to be dried contained in a receiving space, and a method for controlling the dryer.

[0009] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below.

[0010] A dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a main body; a drum provided inside the main body; a first electrode provided outside the drum; a second electrode provided outside the drum; and a control unit; wherein a third electrode is detachably attached to the main body to divide the internal space of the drum into a first receiving space adjacent to the first electrode and a second receiving space adjacent to the second electrode, and the control unit controls power supplied to the first electrode, the second electrode and the third electrode so that an electric field is applied to at least one of the first receiving space and the second receiving space based on the third electrode being attached to the main body, and controls power supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode so that an electric field is applied to the internal space of the drum based on the third electrode being separated from the main body.

[0011] Additionally, based on the third electrode being attached to the main body, the control unit can determine the first receiving space and the second receiving space as a drying space or a non-drying space based on data regarding the object to be dried in each of the first receiving space and the second receiving space, and control the phase of the power supplied to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode so that an electric field is applied to the drying space and not to the non-drying space.

[0012] In addition, the control unit may determine the receiving space among the first receiving space and the second receiving space in which the object to be dried is not received as a non-drying space, and determine the receiving space in which the object to be dried is received as a drying space.

[0013] In addition, the control unit can control the phase of the power supplied to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode such that the polarity of a pair of electrodes forming a drying space among the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode becomes opposite to each other, and the polarity of a pair of electrodes forming a non-drying space becomes the same.

[0014] Additionally, based on the third electrode being attached to the main body, the control unit can control the magnitude of the power supplied to the first electrode based on the material of the first object to be dried contained in the first receiving space, and control the magnitude of the power supplied to the second electrode based on the material of the second object to be dried contained in the second receiving space.

[0015] In addition, the control unit can control the size of the power supplied to the first electrode based on the material requiring the smallest size of power among the multiple materials when the first material to be dried has multiple materials.

[0016] Additionally, based on the third electrode being attached to the main body, the control unit can control the supply time of power supplied to the first electrode based on the material of the first object to be dried contained in the first receiving space, and control the supply time of power supplied to the second electrode based on the material of the second object to be dried contained in the second receiving space.

[0017] In addition, based on the fact that the third electrode is attached to the main body, the control unit can provide information regarding each of the first receiving space and the second receiving space.

[0018] Information regarding each of the first receiving space and the second receiving space may include at least one of the material of the object to be dried contained in each of the first receiving space and the second receiving space, the drying course, the drying temperature, the drying time, and whether drying is completed.

[0019] In addition, based on the fact that the third electrode is separated from the main body, the control unit can provide information regarding the internal space of the drum.

[0020] Information regarding the internal space of the drum may include at least one of the material of the object to be dried contained in the internal space of the drum, the drying course, the drying temperature, the drying time, and whether drying is completed.

[0021] A fourth electrode is detachably attached to the main body, which divides a first receiving space into a third receiving space adjacent to the first electrode and a fourth receiving space adjacent to the third electrode while the third electrode is attached to the main body, and the control unit can control the power supplied to the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode so that an electric field is applied to at least one of the second receiving space, the third receiving space, and the fourth receiving space based on the fact that the third electrode and the fourth electrode are attached to the main body.

[0022] A control method for a dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a main body, a drum provided inside the main body, a first electrode provided outside the drum, and a second electrode provided outside the drum, wherein a third electrode is detachably attached to the main body to divide the internal space of the drum into a first receiving space adjacent to the first electrode and a second receiving space adjacent to the second electrode, and the control method for the dryer may include: controlling power supplied to the first electrode, the second electrode and the third electrode so that an electric field is applied to at least one of the first receiving space and the second receiving space based on the third electrode being attached to the main body; and controlling power supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode so that an electric field is applied to the internal space of the drum based on the third electrode being separated from the main body.

[0023] Controlling the power supplied to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode based on the third electrode being attached to the main body may include determining each of the first receiving space and the second receiving space as a drying space or a non-drying space based on data regarding the object to be dried received in each of the first receiving space and the second receiving space; and controlling the phase of the power supplied to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode so that an electric field is applied to the drying space and not to the non-drying space.

[0024] Determining each of the first and second receiving spaces as a dry space or a non-dry space may include determining the receiving space among the first and second receiving spaces in which the object to be dried is not received as a non-dry space, and determining the receiving space in which the object to be dried is received as a dry space.

[0025] Controlling the power supplied to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode based on the third electrode being attached to the main body may include controlling the phase of the power supplied to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode such that the polarity of a pair of electrodes forming a drying space among the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode becomes opposite to each other, and the polarity of a pair of electrodes forming a non-drying space becomes the same.

[0026] Controlling the power supplied to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode based on the third electrode being attached to the main body may include: controlling the magnitude of the power supplied to the first electrode based on the material of the first object to be dried contained in the first receiving space; and controlling the magnitude of the power supplied to the second electrode based on the material of the second object to be dried contained in the second receiving space.

[0027] Controlling the power supplied to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode based on the third electrode being attached to the main body may include controlling the size of the power supplied to the first electrode based on the material requiring the smallest size of power among the multiple materials when the material of the first object to be dried is multiple.

[0028] Controlling the power supplied to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode based on the third electrode being attached to the main body may include: controlling the supply time of the power supplied to the first electrode based on the material of the first object to be dried contained in the first receiving space; and controlling the supply time of the power supplied to the second electrode based on the material of the second object to be dried contained in the second receiving space.

[0029] A control method for a dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include disclosing information regarding each of a first receiving space and a second receiving space based on the fact that a third electrode is attached to the main body.

[0030] Information regarding each of the first receiving space and the second receiving space may include at least one of the material of the object to be dried contained in each of the first receiving space and the second receiving space, the drying course, the drying temperature, the drying time, and whether drying is completed.

[0031] A control method for a dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include disclosing information regarding the internal space of a drum based on the fact that a third electrode is separated from the main body.

[0032] Information regarding the internal space of the drum may include at least one of the material of the object to be dried contained in the internal space of the drum, the drying course, the drying temperature, the drying time, and whether drying is completed.

[0033] A fourth electrode is detachably attached to the main body, dividing a first receiving space into a third receiving space adjacent to the first electrode and a fourth receiving space adjacent to the third electrode while the third electrode is attached to the main body, and the control method of the dryer may further include controlling the power supplied to the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode and the fourth electrode so that an electric field is applied to at least one of the second receiving space, the third receiving space and the fourth receiving space based on the third electrode and the fourth electrode being attached to the main body.

[0034] According to the present disclosure, the internal space of a drum is divided into a plurality of receiving spaces, and drying is performed for each of the receiving spaces, thereby preventing damage to the fabric according to the various materials of each object to be dried.

[0035] According to the present disclosure, user convenience can be enhanced by providing information on each of the plurality of accommodation spaces to the user.

[0036] Figure 1 illustrates a network system implemented by various electronic devices.

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a dryer according to one embodiment, viewed from one side.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of electrodes according to one embodiment.

[0040] Figure 5 illustrates an example of power supplied to an electrode to form an electric field in the internal space of a drum.

[0041] FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7 illustrate an example in which an electrode is attached to a main body according to one embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 8 is a control block diagram of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing a drying process depending on whether an electrode is attached to the main body according to one embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a power supply provided to an electrode to apply an electric field to each of a plurality of receiving spaces when an electrode is attached to a main body according to one embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing a drying process of a plurality of receiving spaces when an electrode is attached to a main body according to one embodiment.

[0046] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a power supply provided to an electrode to apply an electric field to a drying space in which a material to be dried is contained among a plurality of receiving spaces when an electrode is attached to a main body according to one embodiment.

[0047] FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a method of performing a drying process according to the material of the object to be dried in each of a plurality of receiving spaces when an electrode is attached to a main body according to one embodiment.

[0048] Figure 14 is a table illustrating drying courses suitable for various materials of the object to be dried.

[0049] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing information regarding the operation of a dryer depending on whether an electrode is attached to the main body according to one embodiment.

[0050] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a user interface screen for providing information regarding each of a plurality of receiving spaces.

[0051] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a user interface screen for providing information regarding each of a plurality of receiving spaces.

[0052] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a user interface screen for notifying whether drying is complete for some of the multiple receiving spaces.

[0053] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a user interface screen for providing information regarding each of a plurality of receiving spaces.

[0054] FIG. 20 illustrates an example of a user interface screen provided upon completion of drying of a plurality of receiving spaces.

[0055] FIG. 21 illustrates an example of a user interface screen for providing information regarding some of the multiple reception spaces.

[0056] FIG. 22 illustrates an example of a user interface screen for providing information regarding the internal space of a drum.

[0057] FIG. 23 illustrates an example in which a plurality of electrodes are attached to a main body according to one embodiment.

[0058] FIG. 24 illustrates an example of a power supply provided to an electrode to form an electric field in a plurality of receiving spaces when an electrode is attached to a main body according to one embodiment.

[0059] 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.

[0060] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0061] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0062] 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.

[0063] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0064] The terms "part," "module," and "component" may be implemented in hardware or software. Depending on the embodiments, a plurality of "parts," "modules," and "components" may be implemented as a single component, or a single "part," "module," or "component" may include a plurality of components.

[0065] 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).

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] When it is said that a 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] Meanwhile, terms such as "front," "rear," "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" used in the following description are defined based on the drawings; however, the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, the front side may be defined as the +X side and the rear side as the -X side. For example, based on the drawings, the right side may be defined as the +Y side and the left side as the -Y side. For example, based on the drawings, the top side may be defined as the +Z side and the bottom side as the -Z side.

[0071] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0072] Figure 1 illustrates a network system implemented by various electronic devices.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 1, the home appliance (10) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another home appliance, a user device (2) or a server (3), a user interface that receives user input or outputs information to the user, at least one processor that controls the operation of the home appliance (10), and at least one memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the home appliance (10) is stored.

[0074] The home appliance (10) may be at least one of various types of home appliances. For example, the home appliance (10) may include at least one of a refrigerator (11), a dishwasher (12), an electric range (13), an electric oven (14), an air conditioner (15), a garment care machine (16), a washing machine (17), a dryer (18), and a microwave oven (19), as illustrated.

[0075] The home appliance (10) is not limited to that exemplified in FIG. 1. For example, the home appliance (10) may include various home appliances such as a cleaning robot, a vacuum cleaner, and a television that are not illustrated in the drawing. In addition, the aforementioned home appliances are merely examples, and in addition to the aforementioned home appliances, other home appliances, user devices (2), or devices that can be connected to a server (3) to perform the operations described below may be included in the home appliance (10) according to one embodiment.

[0076] The server (3) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another server, a home appliance (10), or a user device (2), at least one processor capable of processing data received from another server, a home appliance (10), or a user device (2), and at least one memory capable of storing a program for processing data or processed data. This server (3) may be implemented as various computing devices such as a workstation, a cloud, a data drive, or a data station. The server (3) may be implemented as one or more servers physically or logically separated based on functions, detailed configurations of functions, or data, and may transmit and receive data and process the transmitted and received data through communication between each server.

[0077] The server (3) can perform functions such as managing user accounts, registering home appliances (10) associated with user accounts, and managing or controlling the registered home appliances (10). For example, a user can create a user account by accessing the server (3) through a user device (2). A user account can be identified by an ID and password set by the user. The server (3) can register home appliances (10) to the user account according to a set procedure. For example, the server (3) can register, manage, and control home appliances (10) by linking identification information of the home appliance (10) (e.g., serial number or MAC address, etc.) to the user account. The user device (2) may include a communication module capable of communicating with the home appliance (10) or the server (3), a user interface that receives user input or outputs information to the user, at least one processor that controls the operation of the user device (2), and at least one memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the user device (2) is stored.

[0078] The user device (2) may be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office, etc. The user device (2) may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer, terminal, portable telephone, smartphone, handheld device, wearable device, etc.

[0079] A program, i.e., an application, for controlling the home appliance (10) can be stored in the memory of the user device (2). The application may be sold with the user device (2) already installed, or it may be downloaded and installed from an external server.

[0080] By running an application installed on the user device (2), the user can connect to the server (3) to create a user account, and communicate with the server (3) based on the logged-in user account to register the home appliance device (10).

[0081] For example, if the home appliance (10) is operated in accordance with the procedure guided by the application installed on the user device (2) so that the home appliance (10) can be connected to the server (3), the home appliance (10) can be registered to the user account by registering the identification information of the home appliance (10) (e.g., serial number or MAC address, etc.) to the user account on the server (3).

[0082] The user can control the home appliance (10) using an application installed on the user device (2). For example, when the user logs into the user account using an application installed on the user device (2), the home appliance (10) registered to the user account appears, and when the user inputs a control command for the home appliance (10), the control command can be transmitted to the home appliance (10) through the server (3).

[0083] A network may include both wired and wireless networks. Wired networks include cable networks or telephone networks, etc., and wireless networks may include all networks that transmit and receive signals via radio waves. Wired and wireless networks may be connected to each other.

[0084] The network may include a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an access point (AP), and / or a short-range wireless network that does not pass through an access point (AP). The short-range wireless network may include, for example, Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC), Z-Wave, etc., but is not limited to those exemplified.

[0085] The access point (AP) can connect a home appliance (10) or a user device (2) to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server (3) is connected. The home appliance (10) or the user device (2) can be connected to the server (3) through the wide area network (WAN).

[0086] The access point (AP) can communicate with a home appliance (10) or user device (2) using wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), or Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), and can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, but is not limited thereto.

[0087] According to various embodiments, the home appliance (10) may be directly connected to the user device (2) or server (3) without going through the access relay (AP).

[0088] The home appliance (10) can be connected to a user device (2) or server (3) via a long-distance wireless network or a short-distance wireless network.

[0089] For example, the home appliance (10) can be connected to the user device (2) via a short-range wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct).

[0090] As another example, the home appliance (10) can be connected to a user device (2) or server (3) via a wide area network (WAN) using a long-distance wireless network (e.g., a cellular communication module).

[0091] As another example, a home appliance (10) can be connected to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication and connected to a user device (2) or server (3) through the wide area network (WAN).

[0092] If the home appliance (10) can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, it may operate as a connection relay. Accordingly, the home appliance (10) can connect other home appliances to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected. Additionally, other home appliances can connect the home appliance (10) to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected.

[0093] The home appliance (10) can transmit information regarding operation or status to other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3) via a network. For example, the home appliance (10) can transmit information regarding operation or status to other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3) when a request is received from the server (3), when a specific event occurs in the home appliance (10), or periodically or in real time. When the server (3) receives information regarding operation or status from the home appliance (10), it can update the stored information regarding operation or status of the home appliance (10) and transmit the updated information regarding operation and status of the home appliance (10) to the user devices (2) via a network. Here, updating information may include various operations that change existing information, such as adding new information to existing information or replacing existing information with new information.

[0094] The home appliance (10) can obtain various information from other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3) and provide the obtained information to the user. For example, the home appliance (10) can obtain information related to the functions of the home appliance (10) (e.g., recipes, laundry methods, etc.) and various environmental information (e.g., weather, temperature, humidity, etc.) from the server (3), and can output the obtained information through a user interface.

[0095] The home appliance (10) may operate according to control commands received from other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3). For example, if the home appliance (10) has obtained prior approval from a user to operate according to control commands from servers (3) even without user input, the home appliance (10) may operate according to control commands received from servers (3). Here, the control commands received from servers (3) may include, but are not limited to, control commands entered by the user through user devices (2) or control commands based on pre-set conditions.

[0096] The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the home appliance (10) or server (3) through a communication module. For example, the user device (2) can transmit information about the user's location, health status, preferences, schedule, etc. to the server (3). The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the server (3) upon the user's prior approval.

[0097] The home appliance (10), user device (2), or server (3) may determine control commands using technology such as artificial intelligence. For example, the server (3) may receive information regarding the operation or status of the home appliance (10) or information regarding the user of the user device (2), process it using technology such as artificial intelligence, and transmit the processing result or control command to the home appliance (10) or user device (2) based on the processing result.

[0098] The dryer (1) described below may correspond to the aforementioned home appliance (10).

[0099] FIG. 2 illustrates a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0100] The dryer (1) may include a main body (100) and a drum (20) rotatably installed within the main body (100).

[0101] The main body (100) may include an outer body (110) that forms the exterior.

[0102] The outer body (110) can be provided in a roughly cuboid shape.

[0103] The outer body (110) may be formed with a rear cover (111) forming the rear surface, an upper cover (112) forming the upper surface, a front cover (113) forming the front surface, and a base (not shown) forming the bottom surface.

[0104] For example, the rear cover (111), top cover (112), front cover (113), and base (not shown) forming the outer body (110) may each be provided separately and assembled. As another example, some components forming the outer body (110) (e.g., front cover (113), top cover (112), base (not shown)) may be formed integrally.

[0105] An input port (31) for inserting or withdrawing materials to be dried into or out of a drum (20) is provided on the front of the outer body (110). The dryer (1) may include a door (50) provided to open and close the input port (31) formed in the front cover (113). After opening the door (50), the user can insert or discharge materials to be dried into or out of the internal space of the drum (20) through the input port (31). When the input port (31) is closed and the operation of the dryer (1) begins, a door lock can lock the door (50).

[0106] A user interface (200) for interaction between the user and the dryer (1) may be provided on the upper front side of the external body (110). The user interface (200) can receive user input and output various information regarding the dryer (1). The location of the user interface (200) is not limited to the front. The user interface (200) may be provided at various locations on the dryer (1).

[0107] The user interface (200) can receive various commands from the user. Additionally, the user interface (200) can output various information regarding the operation of the dryer (1). For example, the user can set an appropriate drying course for the object to be dried using the user interface (200). The user interface (200) may include an input interface (210, see FIG. 10) for receiving user input and an output interface (220, see FIG. 10) for outputting various information.

[0108] The input interface (210, see FIG. 10) may include various buttons and / or dials. For example, the input interface (210, see FIG. 10) 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 course button for selecting a drying course, a temperature button for setting the drying temperature, and a time button for setting the drying time. The various buttons may be provided as physical buttons or touch buttons.

[0109] The dryer (1) can perform drying according to a selected drying course. The drying course may include drying parameters such as drying temperature and drying time. Different drying courses may be selected depending on the position of the object to be dried in the drum (20), the material of the object to be dried, the size of the object to be dried and / or the amount of the object to be dried.

[0110] The output interface (220, see FIG. 10) may include a display. 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] The dryer (1) may include a filter (40) that is detachably mounted on the front cover (113). The filter (40) can filter out foreign substances, such as lint, that flow with the air circulating in the internal space of the drum (20).

[0113] The dryer (1) may include an image sensor (51) for acquiring image data of the internal space of the drum (20). For example, the image sensor (51) may be provided on the door (50) to have a field of view toward the internal space of the drum (20). The image sensor (51) may include various types of cameras.

[0114] The location of the image sensor (51) is not limited to this. For example, the image sensor (51) may be provided in front of the door (50) to have a view facing the outside of the dryer (1).

[0115] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a dryer according to one embodiment, viewed from one side.

[0116] The drum (20) is provided to accommodate the object to be dried inside so that drying can take place. The drum (20) may be provided to be rotatable by receiving power from the motor (72). The drum (20) may be provided inside the outer body (110) so as to be rotatable around a rotating axis that is provided approximately horizontal to the ground.

[0117] A roller (22) that supports the drum (20) to rotate smoothly may be provided on the outer surface of the drum (20).

[0118] The drive unit may be positioned on the inner lower side of the outer body (110). The drive unit may be mounted on a base (not shown). 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).

[0119] 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.

[0120] A passage (80) for circulating air may be formed inside the outer body (110) and the inner space of the drum (20). The passage (80) may include an air discharge passage (81) for discharging air from the inner space of the drum (20) to the outside of the drum (20), and an air supply passage (82) for supplying air into the inner space of the drum (20).

[0121] 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 (60a) of the exhaust duct (60). The exhaust duct (60) may penetrate the outer body (110), and the outlet (60b) of the exhaust duct (60) may be exposed to the outside of the outer body (110). Air entering through the inlet (60a) 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.

[0122] A fan (71) for circulating air may be provided inside the outer body (110). Air in the internal space of the drum (20) may be drawn into the exhaust duct (60) by the rotation of the fan (71). Additionally, air may be supplied into the internal space of the drum (20) through the air supply passage (82) and the air inlet (21) depending on the rotation of the fan (71). The air supplied into the internal space of the drum (20) may be used for drying the object to be dried.

[0123] 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 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).

[0124] The main body (100) may include an inner body (120) positioned between the outer body (110) and the drum (20).

[0125] An air inlet (21) may be formed on the rear side of the inner body (120) so that air supplied from the air supply channel (82) flows into the internal space of the drum (20).

[0126] At least one terminal (90) configured to fix an electrode may be provided on the front side of the inner body (120). The at least one terminal (90) may include a coupling hole configured to fix the electrode to the inner body (120).

[0127] The inner body (120) may not rotate even if the drum (20) rotates. For example, the inner body (120) and the drum (20) are not joined as a single unit, so the inner body (120) may not rotate even if the drum (20) rotates as the belt (75) rotates by the driving force of the motor (72).

[0128] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of electrodes according to one embodiment.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 4, a dryer (1) according to one embodiment may include a first electrode (61) and a second electrode (62) provided on the outside of a drum (20).

[0130] The first electrode (61) and the second electrode (62) can be placed between the outer body (110) and the drum (20).

[0131] The first electrode (61) and the second electrode (62) are positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the drum (20), and the first electrode (61) and the second electrode (62) may be positioned facing each other and spaced apart on the outside of the drum (20). The first electrode (61) and the second electrode (62) may also be positioned spaced apart from the outer body (110) and the drum (20).

[0132] The first electrode (61) and the second electrode (62) may each have a flat plate shape. However, the shapes of the first electrode (61) and the second electrode (62) according to the present disclosure are not limited to a flat plate shape and may have a curved shape along the outer surface of the drum (20).

[0133] At least one terminal (90) may be composed of multiple terminals. For example, at least one terminal (90) may include a first terminal (90a) and a second terminal (90b).

[0134] The first terminal (90a) may be provided approximately in the middle of the inner body (120). For example, the first terminal (90a) may be provided at a specific location in the inner body (120), and the specific location in the inner body (120) may be a location where the distance between the first terminal (90a) and the first electrode (61) and the distance between the first terminal (90a) and the second electrode (62) are the same.

[0135] The second terminal (90b) can be placed between the first electrode (61) and the first terminal (90a).

[0136] For example, the second terminal (90b) may be provided at a location in the inner body (120) where the distance between the second terminal (90b) and the first electrode (61) is closer than the distance between the first terminal (90a) and the first electrode (61).

[0137] The arrangement of electrodes according to the present disclosure is not limited to that shown in FIG. 4, and electrodes may be arranged according to various embodiments. For example, the first electrode (61) may be placed on the drum (20), and the second electrode (62) may be placed below the drum (20) facing the first electrode (61).

[0138] Figure 5 illustrates an example of a power supply supplied to an electrode to apply an electric field to the internal space of a drum.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 5, when power is supplied to each of the first electrode (61) and the second electrode (62), an electric field can be applied to the internal space (20a) of the drum (20). The electric field can cause the dielectric (e.g., water molecules) contained in the material to be dried to vibrate. When the dielectric (e.g., water molecules) 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 can be discharged to the outside of the dryer (1).

[0140] The polarity of the first electrode (61) and the second electrode (62) can be determined according to the phase of the power supplied to each of the first electrode (61) and the second electrode (62). For example, by adjusting the power supplied to each of the first electrode (61) and the second electrode (62), the polarity of the first electrode (61) can be negative (-) and the polarity of the second electrode (62) can be positive (+). In other words, the first electrode (61) can be positive and the second electrode (62) can be negative. As a result, the electric field formed between the first electrode (61) and the second electrode (62) can be applied to the internal space (20a) of the drum (20).

[0141] The magnitude of the electric field applied to the internal space (20a) of the drum (20) can be determined according to the magnitude of the power supplied to each of the first electrode (61) and the second electrode (62). For example, the greater the magnitude of the power supplied to each of the first electrode (61) and the second electrode (62), the greater the magnitude of the electric field formed between the first electrode (61) and the second electrode (62).

[0142] FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7 illustrate an example in which an electrode is attached to a main body according to one embodiment.

[0143] As described above, the main body (110, 120; 100) may include an outer body (110) that forms the exterior of the dryer (1) and an inner body (120) that is disposed within the outer body (110) and disposed between the drum (20) and the outer body (120).

[0144] Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, a third electrode (63) may be detachably attached to the main body (110, 120) to divide the internal space (20a, see FIG. 4) of the drum (20) into a first receiving space (20b) adjacent to the first electrode (61) and a second receiving space (20c) adjacent to the second electrode (62).

[0145] For example, the third electrode (63) can be attached to the inner body (120) by being coupled with the first terminal (90a) provided in the inner body (120). The third electrode (63) may include a coupling pin for coupling with the first terminal (90a), and the first terminal (90a) may include a coupling hole configured to receive the coupling pin of the third electrode (63). In other words, the third electrode (63) can be attached to the inner body (120) through the first terminal (90a) by inserting the coupling pin formed in the third electrode (63) into the coupling hole formed in the first terminal (90a).

[0146] The size of the first receiving space (20b) and the size of the second receiving space (20c) may be the same. For example, the internal space (20a, see FIG. 4) of the drum (20) may be divided into a first receiving space (20b) and a second receiving space (20c) having the same size by attaching the third electrode (63) to the internal body (120) through a first terminal (90a) positioned in the middle of the internal body (120).

[0147] Additionally, the third electrode (63) can be detached from the inner body (120) by separating the coupling pin formed on the third electrode (63) from the coupling hole formed on the first terminal (90a).

[0148] Referring to FIG. 7, a fourth electrode (64) can be attached to the inner body (120).

[0149] For example, the fourth electrode (64) can be attached to the inner body (120) by being coupled with the second terminal (90b) provided in the inner body (120). The fourth electrode (64) may include a coupling pin for coupling with the second terminal (90b), and the second terminal (90b) may include a coupling hole configured to receive the coupling pin of the fourth electrode (64). In other words, the fourth electrode (64) can be attached to the inner body (120) through the second terminal (90b) by inserting the coupling pin formed in the fourth electrode (64) into the coupling hole formed in the second terminal (90b).

[0150] Additionally, the fourth electrode (64) can be detached from the inner body (120) by separating the coupling pin formed on the fourth electrode (64) from the coupling hole formed on the second terminal (90b).

[0151] The size of the third electrode (63) and the size of the fourth electrode (64) are not limited to those shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 and can be implemented in various ways. For example, the diameter of the inlet (31, see FIG. 3) may be smaller than the diameter of the drum (20), and the size of the third electrode (63) and the size of the fourth electrode (64) may be smaller than the diameter of the inlet (31, see FIG. 3).

[0152] FIG. 8 is a control block diagram of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0153] The dryer (1) may include a control unit (300) that controls various components (e.g., sensor (500), user interface (200), communication interface (250), DC converter (130), RF power supply (140), matching circuit (160)).

[0154] The control unit (300) can be electrically connected to the components of the dryer (1) and can control the components of the dryer (1). The control unit (300) may include a processor (310) and a 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 the memory (320) may be implemented as separate chips or as a single chip. Additionally, multiple processors and multiple memories may be provided.

[0155] The processor (310) can process various data and various signals using instructions, data, algorithms, programs and / or software stored in 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.

[0156] The processor (310) may be configured to perform various operations of the dryer (1). The processor (310) may perform operations of the dryer (1) according to various embodiments by executing at least one instruction, algorithm, program and / or software stored in memory (320). The processor (310) may control one or any combination of the components of the dryer (1). The processor (310) may include various types of circuits. For example, the processor (310) may include one or more of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), MIC (Many Integrated Core), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), NPU (Neural Processing Unit), hardware accelerator, or machine learning accelerator.

[0157] The dryer (1) may include a sensor (500) for acquiring data regarding at least one object to be dried placed within a drum (20). For example, the sensor (500) may include an image sensor (51) and / or a weight sensor (52).

[0158] The image sensor (51) can acquire internal image data of the drum (20). The image sensor (51) may include various types of cameras. The image sensor (51) may have a field of view facing the interior of the drum (20). The image sensor (51) can transmit the acquired image data to the control unit (300).

[0159] The control unit (300) can process image data to obtain various information regarding the characteristics of the object to be dried.

[0160] For example, the control unit (300) can process image data to obtain information regarding the type, material, color, size, volume, shape, number and / or location of the objects to be dried contained in each of the first receiving space (20b) and the second receiving space (20c).

[0161] Additionally, when the third electrode (63) is separated from the main body (110, 120), the control unit (300) can process image data to obtain information regarding the type, material, color, size, volume, shape, number and / or location of the object to be dried contained in the internal space (20a) of the drum (20).

[0162] The weight sensor (52) can acquire weight data of the material to be dried contained inside the drum (20) at various locations of the dryer (1). For example, the weight sensor (52) can acquire the current value supplied to the motor (72) for a predetermined time before starting the drying operation.

[0163] The weight sensor (52) can transmit the acquired weight data to the control unit (300).

[0164] The control unit (300) can process weight data to identify the weight of the object to be dried.

[0165] For example, the control unit (300) can process weight data to identify the weight of the object to be dried contained in each of the first receiving space (20b) and the second receiving space (20c).

[0166] Additionally, when the third electrode (63) is separated from the main body (110, 120), the control unit (300) can process weight data to identify the weight of the object to be dried contained in the internal space (20a) of the drum (20).

[0167] The sensor (500) may include various additional sensors in addition to the image sensor (51) and weight sensor (52) shown in FIG. 8. For example, the sensor (500) may further include a door sensor for detecting the opening and closing of the door (50) and a humidity sensor for acquiring humidity data of the object to be dried.

[0168] The dryer (1) may include a user interface (200) and a communication interface (250).

[0169] The dryer (1) may include a user interface (200) and a communication interface (250). The user interface (200) may receive user input and display various information regarding the operation of the dryer (1). The user interface (200) may include an input interface (210) for receiving user input and an output interface (220) for outputting information.

[0170] The input interface (210) may include at least one of various buttons and dials. For example, the input interface (210) 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 course button for selecting a drying course, a temperature button for setting the drying temperature, and a time button for setting the drying time. The various buttons may be provided as physical buttons or touch buttons.

[0171] The output interface (220) may include a display for outputting various visual information. Additionally, the output interface (220) may include a speaker for outputting various sounds.

[0172] The user interface (200) can provide various information regarding the operation of the dryer (1). Providing various information regarding the operation of the dryer (1) may include displaying various information regarding the operation of the dryer (1) through a display and outputting various information regarding the operation of the dryer (1) as sound.

[0173] For example, the control unit (300) may control the user interface (200) to notify information regarding each of the first receiving space (20b) and the second receiving space (20c). When the third electrode (63) is attached to the main body (110, 120), the information regarding each of the first receiving space (20b) and the second receiving space (20c) may include at least one of the type of object to be dried, the material of the object to be dried, the number of objects to be dried, the drying course, the drying temperature, the drying time, and whether drying is completed.

[0174] Additionally, based on the third electrode (63) being separated from the main body (110, 120), the control unit (300) can control the user interface (200) to notify information regarding the internal space (20a) of the drum (20). The information regarding the internal space (20a) of the drum (20) may include at least one of the type of object to be dried contained in the internal space (20a) of the drum (20), the material of the object to be dried, the number of objects to be dried, the drying course, the drying temperature, the drying time, and whether drying is completed.

[0175] A drying course 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, etc.) and material (e.g., cotton, wool, etc.). For example, a standard drying course may include drying settings applicable to most items to be dried, and a duvet drying course may include drying settings optimized for drying duvets. Various drying courses may be stored in memory (320).

[0176] The communication interface (250) can establish a connection with at least one of the user device (2) or the server (3) via a network. The control unit (300) can obtain various information, various signals, and / or various data from the user device (2) or the server (3) through the communication interface (250). For example, the communication interface (250) can receive a remote control signal from the user device (2). The control unit (300) can obtain firmware and / or software for the operation of the dryer (1) from the server (3) through the communication interface (250).

[0177] The communication interface (250) may include various communication circuits. The communication interface (250) 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 (WLAN), home radio frequency (RF), infrared communication, ultra-wide band (UWB) communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee may be provided.

[0178] The dryer (1) may include a circuit system for performing drying of a material to be dried. For example, the circuit system may include a DC converter (130), an RF power supply (140), a matching circuit (160), a first electrode (61), a second electrode (62), and a third electrode (63).

[0179] In FIG. 6, it is described that a third electrode (63) is attached to the main body (110, 120) and in FIG. 7, a fourth electrode (64) is attached to the main body (110, 120); however, in FIG. 8, for convenience of explanation, it is described that a third electrode (63) is attached to the main body (110, 120). Even when a fourth electrode (64) is attached to the main body (110, 120), power can be supplied to the fourth electrode (64) in the same way.

[0180] The DC converter (130) can convert AC power supplied from a commercial power source into DC power suitable for the RF power supply unit (140). The DC converter (130) can deliver the converted DC power to the RF power supply unit (140).

[0181] 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.

[0182] The DC converter (130) may include an EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) filter and a power factor compensation circuit.

[0183] An EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) filter can remove noise contained in AC power supplied from commercial power sources. An EMI filter can be implemented as a circuit in which various electronic components, such as capacitors, inductors, and diodes, are connected in parallel and / or series. The EMI filter can discharge noise contained in the AC power through a ground wire. The EMI filter can be implemented as a passive filter or an active filter. The EMI filter can provide AC power with noise removed to a power factor correction circuit.

[0184] A power factor compensation circuit can compensate for the power factor of the AC power supplied by an EMI filter. The power factor compensation circuit can compensate for the power factor by reducing or eliminating the reactive power among the active and reactive power constituting the AC power. By compensating for the power factor, power loss can be reduced. The power factor compensation circuit can be implemented as a circuit in which various electronic components, such as capacitors, inductors, and diodes, are connected in parallel and / or series.

[0185] The DC converter (130) can convert AC power compensated by the power factor compensation circuit into DC power.

[0186] The RF power supply unit (140) can generate an RF signal. The RF signal can be transmitted to each of the plurality of electrodes (61, 62, 63). A sinusoidal power supply can be supplied to each of the plurality of electrodes (61, 62, 63) by the RF signal. When power is supplied to each of the plurality of electrodes (61, 62, 63), an electric field for dielectric heating of the object to be dried can be applied to each of the first receiving space (20b) and the second receiving space (20c).

[0187] The phase of the power supplied to the plurality of electrodes (61, 62, 63) may be different. As power having different phases is supplied to each of the plurality of electrodes (61, 62, 63), an electric field may be selectively applied to the first receiving space (20b) and the second receiving space (20c).

[0188] When the phase of the power supplied to the plurality of electrodes (61, 62, 63) changes, the polarity of each of the plurality of electrodes (61, 62, 63) may change. If the polarities of each of the two electrodes forming a single receiving space are opposite to each other, an electric field may be applied to the receiving space. Conversely, if the polarities of each of the two electrodes forming a single receiving space are the same, an electric field may not be applied to the receiving space.

[0189] The control unit (300) can control the RF power supply unit (140) to adjust the amount of power supplied to each of the plurality of electrodes (61, 62, 63).

[0190] If the magnitude of the power supplied to each of the multiple electrodes (61, 62, 63) increases, the strength of the electric field generated in the receiving space may increase. If the strength of the electric field increases, the drying temperature of the object to be dried may increase. Conversely, if the magnitude of the power decreases, the strength of the electric field applied to the receiving space may decrease.

[0191] The RF signal generated by the RF power supply unit (140) can be transmitted to each of the plurality of electrodes (61, 62, 63) through the matching circuit (160). The matching circuit (160) can match the output impedance of the RF power supply unit (140) with the electrode impedance of each of the plurality of electrodes (61, 62, 63).

[0192] A circuit system for performing drying of a material to be dried may further include a switching element for adjusting the phase or supply time of the power supplied to each of the plurality of electrodes (61, 62, 63).

[0193] For example, the circuit system may further include a switching element capable of adjusting the phase of the power supplied to a plurality of electrodes (61, 62, 63) by switching, and a switching element capable of adjusting the supply time of the power supplied to a plurality of electrodes (61, 62, 63) by switching.

[0194] The control unit (300) can control the phase or supply time of the power supplied to the plurality of electrodes (61, 62, 63) by controlling the switching element.

[0195] The polarity of each of the plurality of electrodes (61, 62, 63) can be changed according to the control of the phase of the power supplied to the plurality of electrodes (61, 62, 63).

[0196] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing a drying process depending on whether an electrode is attached to the main body according to one embodiment.

[0197] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a power supply provided to an electrode to apply an electric field to each of a plurality of receiving spaces when an electrode is attached to a main body according to one embodiment.

[0198] Referring to FIG. 9, the control unit (300) can identify whether an electrode is attached to the main body (110, 120) (2000).

[0199] For example, when the third electrode (63) is coupled with the first terminal (90a) provided in the inner body (120), an electrical signal corresponding to the arrangement of the third electrode (63) is transmitted to the control unit (300), and the control unit (300) can identify the arrangement of the electrode based on the electrical signal generated by the coupling of the third electrode (63) and the first terminal (90a).

[0200] In various embodiments, the control unit (300) can control the power supplied to the electrodes so that an electric field is applied to at least one of a plurality of receiving spaces (20b, 20c) partitioned by the electrodes based on the electrodes being attached to the main body (110, 120) (example of 2100 and 2200).

[0201] Referring to FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the control unit (300) can control the phase of the power supplied to the first electrode (61), the second electrode (62) and the third electrode (63) so that an electric field is applied to at least one of the first receiving space (20b) and the second receiving space (20c) partitioned by the third electrode (63), based on the fact that the third electrode (63) is attached to the main body (110, 120).

[0202] For example, based on the third electrode (63) being attached to the main body (110, 120), the control unit (300) can control the phase of the power supplied to the first electrode (61), the second electrode (62) and the third electrode (63) so that the polarity of the first electrode (61) and the second electrode (62) becomes the same polarity (e.g., plus (+)) and the polarity of the third electrode (63) becomes the opposite polarity (e.g., minus (-)).

[0203] In this case, the first electrode (61) and the third electrode (63) have opposite polarities, so an electric field is formed between the first electrode (61) and the third electrode (63), and the formed electric field can be applied to the first receiving space (20b). As a result, the first object to be dried (O1) contained in the first receiving space (20b) can be dried. Additionally, since the third electrode (63) and the second electrode (62) have opposite polarities, an electric field is formed between the third electrode (63) and the second electrode (62), and the formed electric field can be applied to the second receiving space (20c). As a result, the second object to be dried (O1) contained in the second receiving space (20b) can be dried.

[0204] In one embodiment, based on the third electrode (63) being attached to the main body (110, 120), the control unit (300) can control the amount of power supplied to the first electrode (61), the second electrode (62), and the third electrode (63).

[0205] For example, if the first electrode (61) and the third electrode (63) have different polarities, the control unit (300) can control the magnitude of the power supplied to the first electrode (61) and the third electrode (63) to adjust the magnitude of the electric field applied to the first receiving space (20b).

[0206] In another example, when the third electrode (63) and the second electrode (62) have different polarities, the control unit (300) can control the magnitude of the power supplied to the third electrode (63) and the second electrode (62) to adjust the magnitude of the electric field applied to the second receiving space (20c).

[0207] In one embodiment, based on the third electrode (63) being attached to the main body (110, 120), the control unit (300) can control the supply time of power supplied to the first electrode (61), the second electrode (62), and the third electrode (63).

[0208] For example, if the first electrode (61) and the third electrode (63) have different polarities, the control unit (300) can control the supply time of the power supplied to the first electrode (61) and the third electrode (63) to adjust the application time of the electric field applied to the first receiving space (20b).

[0209] Also, for example, when the third electrode (63) and the second electrode (62) have different polarities, the control unit (300) can control the supply time of the power supplied to the third electrode (63) and the second electrode (62) to adjust the application time of the electric field applied to the second receiving space (20c).

[0210] Referring again to FIG. 9, when electrodes are attached to the main body (110, 120), the control unit (300) can terminate the drying process based on the fact that the drying of the objects to be dried (O1, O2) contained in each of the plurality of receiving spaces (20b, 20c) is completed (example of 2300).

[0211] In various embodiments, the control unit (300) may control the power supplied to the electrodes so that an electric field is applied to the internal space (20a) of the drum (20) based on the fact that the electrodes are not attached to the main body (110, 120) (No to 2100 and 2400). The fact that the electrodes are not attached to the main body (110, 120) may include the electrodes being separated from the main body (110, 120).

[0212] Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, based on the third electrode (63) being separated from the main body (110, 120), the control unit (300) can control the phase of the power supplied to the first electrode (61) and the second electrode (62) so that an electric field is applied to the internal space (20a) of the drum (20).

[0213] For example, based on the third electrode (63) being separated from the main body (110, 120), the control unit (300) can control the phase of the power supplied to the first electrode (61) and the second electrode (62) so that the polarities of the first electrode (61) and the second electrode (62) become opposite to each other.

[0214] In this case, the first electrode (61) and the second electrode (62) have opposite polarities to each other, so an electric field is formed between the first electrode (61) and the second electrode (62), and the formed electric field can be applied to the internal space (20a) of the drum (20). As a result, the material to be dried contained in the internal space (20a) of the drum (20) can be dried.

[0215] In one embodiment, based on the third electrode (63) being separated from the main body (110, 120), the control unit (300) can control the amount of power supplied to the first electrode (61) and the second electrode (62).

[0216] For example, when the first electrode (61) and the second electrode (62) have different polarities, the control unit (300) can control the magnitude of the power supplied to the first electrode (61) and the second electrode (62) to adjust the magnitude of the electric field applied to the internal space (20a) of the drum (20).

[0217] In one embodiment, based on the third electrode (63) being separated from the main body (110, 120), the control unit (300) can control the supply time of power supplied to the first electrode (61) and the second electrode (62).

[0218] For example, when the first electrode (61) and the second electrode (62) have different polarities, the control unit (300) can control the supply time of the power supplied to the first electrode (61) and the second electrode (62) to control the application time of the electric field applied to the internal space (20a) of the drum (20).

[0219] Referring again to FIG. 9, when the electrode is separated from the main body (110, 120), the control unit (300) can terminate the drying process based on the fact that the drying of the object to be dried contained in the internal space (20a) of the drum (20) is completed (example of 2500).

[0220] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing a drying process of a plurality of receiving spaces when an electrode is attached to a main body according to one embodiment.

[0221] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a power supply provided to an electrode to apply an electric field to a drying space in which a material to be dried is contained among a plurality of receiving spaces when an electrode is attached to a main body according to one embodiment.

[0222] Referring to FIG. 11, various embodiments of performing a drying process based on electrodes attached to the main body (110, 120) are described.

[0223] Referring to FIG. 11, based on the fact that electrodes are attached to the main body (110, 120), the control unit (300) can obtain data regarding the object to be dried contained in each of the plurality of receiving spaces partitioned by the electrodes (2210).

[0224] For example, data regarding the object to be dried may include at least one of image data obtained by an image sensor (51) and weight data obtained by a weight sensor (52).

[0225] In various embodiments, the control unit (300) can determine each of the plurality of receiving spaces as a drying space or a non-drying space based on data regarding the acquired object to be dried.

[0226] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can identify whether the object to be dried is received in each of the plurality of receiving spaces partitioned by the electrodes based on the acquired data regarding the object to be dried (2211).

[0227] For example, the control unit (300) can identify whether the object to be dried is accommodated in each of the first receiving space (20b) and the second receiving space (20c) partitioned by the third electrode (63) based on data regarding the object to be dried obtained. Specifically, the control unit (300) can identify whether the object to be dried is accommodated in each of the first receiving space (20b) and the second receiving space (20c) by processing image data and / or weight data regarding the object to be dried obtained obtained.

[0228] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) may determine the receiving space to be a drying space or a non-drying space based on whether the receiving space accommodates the object to be dried. That is, the control unit (300) may determine the receiving space to be a drying space based on whether the receiving space accommodates the object to be dried (Example of 2212 and 2213). Additionally, the control unit (300) may determine the receiving space to be a non-drying space based on whether the receiving space accommodates the object to be dried (No of 2212 and 2214).

[0229] For example, referring to FIG. 12, the control unit (300) can determine the first receiving space (20b) in which the object to be dried (O1) is received among the first receiving space (20b) and the second receiving space (20c) partitioned by the third electrode (63) as the drying space.

[0230] As another example, the control unit (300) can determine the second receiving space (20b), in which the object to be dried is not received, as a non-drying space.

[0231] Determining a receiving space according to the present disclosure as a drying space or a non-drying space is not limited to determining whether the object to be dried is received. For example, the control unit (300) can determine whether the drying of the object to be dried received in the receiving space is completed by processing weight data of the object to be dried received in the receiving space, and can determine the receiving space as a non-drying space based on whether the drying of the object to be dried received in the receiving space is completed.

[0232] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, in various embodiments, the control unit (300) can control the phase of the power supplied to the electrodes so that an electric field is applied to the drying space and not to the non-drying space (2215).

[0233] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can control the phase of the power supplied to the first electrode (61), the second electrode (62), and the third electrode (63) so that the polarities of a pair of electrodes forming a drying space are opposite to each other and the polarities of a pair of electrodes forming a non-drying space are the same.

[0234] For example, when the control unit (300) determines the first receiving space (20b) as a drying space, it can control the phase of the power supplied to the first electrode (61) and the third electrode (63) so that the polarities of the first electrode (61) and the third electrode (63) forming the first receiving space (20b) have opposite polarities to each other.

[0235] In another example, when the control unit (300) determines the second receiving space (20c) as a non-drying space, it can control the phase of the power supplied to the third electrode (63) and the second electrode (62) so that the polarities of the third electrode (63) and the second electrode (62) forming the second receiving space (20b) have the same polarity.

[0236] Controlling the phase of the power supplied to the electrodes so that an electric field is applied to the drying space and not to the non-drying space according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the control unit (300) may control the phase of the power supplied to the first electrode (61) and the third electrode (63) so that the polarities of the first electrode (61) and the third electrode (63) forming the first receiving space (20b) which is the drying space have opposite polarities to each other, and may stop supplying power to the second electrode (62).

[0237] FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a method of performing a drying process according to the material of the object to be dried in each of a plurality of receiving spaces when an electrode is attached to a main body according to one embodiment.

[0238] Figure 14 is a table illustrating drying courses suitable for various materials of the object to be dried.

[0239] Referring to FIG. 13, various embodiments of performing a drying process based on electrodes attached to the main body (110, 120) are described.

[0240] Referring to FIG. 13, based on the fact that electrodes are attached to the main body (110, 120), the control unit (300) can obtain data regarding the object to be dried contained in each of the plurality of receiving spaces partitioned by the electrodes (2221). Step 2221 of FIG. 13 corresponds to step 2210 of FIG. 11.

[0241] In various embodiments, the control unit (300) can identify the material of the object to be dried contained in the receiving space partitioned by the electrode (2222).

[0242] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can identify the material of the object to be dried (e.g., the first object to be dried (O1)) contained in the first receiving space (20b).

[0243] For example, the control unit (300) can process image data acquired by the image sensor (51) to identify the material of the object to be dried (e.g., the first object to be dried (O1)) contained in the first receiving space (20b).

[0244] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can identify the material of the object to be dried (e.g., the second object to be dried (O2)) contained in the second receiving space (20c).

[0245] For example, the control unit (300) can process image data acquired by the image sensor (51) to identify the material of the object to be dried (e.g., the second object to be dried (O2)) contained in the second receiving space (20c).

[0246] In various embodiments, the control unit (300) can control the power supplied to the electrode based on the material requiring the smallest amount of power among the materials of the material to be dried when there are multiple materials (Example of 2223 and 2224).

[0247] In various embodiments, the control unit (300) can control the power supplied to the electrode based on the material of the one material to be dried when there is not a plurality of materials of the material to be dried (No to 2223 and 2225).

[0248] Hereinafter, with reference to the table (1100) of FIG. 14, various embodiments of controlling power supplied to an electrode based on the material of the object to be dried according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0249] Referring to the table (1100) in FIG. 14, the dryer (1) can provide various drying courses including various drying settings depending on the material of the object to be dried. For example, the dryer (1) can provide a cotton course, a wool course, a linen course, a thick fabric course, and a leather course. The drying courses may include drying settings optimized for the material of the object to be dried. The drying settings may include a drying temperature and a drying time. In addition, the drying courses may include precautions related to the material of the object to be dried.

[0250] The cotton course can be configured to automatically set the drying temperature (e.g., 60°C) and drying time (e.g., 55 minutes) of the material to be dried, which is formed of cotton or synthetic fiber.

[0251] The wool course can be configured to automatically set the drying temperature (e.g., 30°C) and drying time (e.g., 29 minutes) of the material to be dried, which is formed of wool or silk.

[0252] The linen course can be configured to automatically set the drying temperature (e.g., 40℃) and drying time (e.g., 20 minutes) of the item to be dried formed from linen.

[0253] The thick fabric course can be configured to automatically set the drying temperature (e.g., 50°C) and drying time (e.g., 60 minutes) for a workpiece formed from thick fabrics such as jeans.

[0254] The leather course can be configured to automatically set the drying temperature (e.g., 22℃) and drying time (e.g., 30 minutes) of the material to be dried formed from denim leather.

[0255] Drying temperature information including a drying temperature corresponding to various materials of the object to be dried, drying time information including a drying time corresponding to various materials of the object to be dried, and precaution information related to the material of the object to be dried can be stored in memory (320).

[0256] The processor (310) can set a drying temperature corresponding to the material of the object to be dried from the drying temperature information stored in the memory (320).

[0257] The processor (310) can set a drying time corresponding to the material of the object to be dried from the drying time information stored in the memory (320).

[0258] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can control the amount of power supplied to the first electrode (61) based on the material of the first object to be dried (O1) contained in the first receiving space (20b).

[0259] For example, if the control unit (300) identifies the material of the first object to be dried (O1) contained in the first receiving space (20b) as linen, it can control the amount of power supplied to the first electrode (61) so that the drying temperature in the first receiving space (20b) becomes 40°C.

[0260] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can control the amount of power supplied to the second electrode (62) based on the material of the second object to be dried (O2) contained in the second receiving space (20c).

[0261] For example, if the control unit (300) identifies the material of the second object to be dried (O2) contained in the second receiving space (20c) as linen, it can control the amount of power supplied to the second electrode (62) so that the drying temperature in the second receiving space (20c) becomes 40°C.

[0262] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can control the supply time of power supplied to the first electrode (61) based on the material of the first object to be dried (O1) contained in the first receiving space (20b).

[0263] For example, if the control unit (300) identifies the material of the first object to be dried (O1) contained in the first receiving space (20b) as linen, it can control the supply time of the power supplied to the first electrode (61) so that the drying time in the first receiving space (20b) is 20 minutes.

[0264] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can control the supply time of power supplied to the second electrode (62) based on the material of the second object to be dried (O2) contained in the second receiving space (20c).

[0265] For example, if the control unit (300) identifies the material of the second object to be dried (O2) contained in the second receiving space (20c) as linen, it can control the supply time of the power supplied to the second electrode (62) so that the drying time in the second receiving space (20c) is 20 minutes.

[0266] According to the present disclosure, the internal space of the drum (20) is divided into a plurality of receiving spaces (20b, 20c), and drying can be performed according to a drying temperature and drying time optimized for the material of the object to be dried contained in each of the plurality of receiving spaces (20b, 20c).

[0267] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can control the size of the power supplied to the first electrode (61) based on the material requiring the smallest size of power among the multiple materials when the material of the first object to be dried (O1) is multiple.

[0268] For example, if the control unit (300) identifies the material of the first object to be dried (O1) contained in the first receiving space (20b) as linen and leather, it can control the size of the power supplied to the first electrode (61) so that the drying temperature is 22°C, which corresponds to the leather requiring the smallest size of power among linen and leather.

[0269] The materials of the objects to be dried are multiple, and the number of objects to be dried is multiple, and the materials of the multiple objects to be dried are multiple.

[0270] In addition, the materials of the object to be dried are multiple, and the number of objects to be dried is one, and the materials of the single object to be dried are multiple.

[0271] Controlling the power supplied to the electrode according to the drying temperature and drying time corresponding to the material of the object to be dried according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the above description may be applied in the same way to the material of the object to be dried contained in the internal space (20a) of the drum (20) when the third electrode (63) is separated from the main body (110, 120).

[0272] According to the present disclosure, damage to the materials to be dried can be prevented even if various materials of different materials are located in a single receiving space.

[0273] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing information regarding the operation of a dryer depending on whether an electrode is attached to the main body according to one embodiment.

[0274] Referring to FIG. 15, the control unit (300) can identify whether an electrode is attached to the main body (110, 120) (3000).

[0275] The 3000 steps of Fig. 15 correspond to the 2000 steps of Fig. 9.

[0276] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) may provide information regarding each of a plurality of receiving spaces partitioned by electrodes based on the fact that electrodes are attached to the main body (110, 120) (Example of 3100 and 3200). The information regarding each of the plurality of receiving spaces may include at least one of the material of the object to be dried contained in each of the plurality of receiving spaces, the drying course, the drying temperature, the drying time, and whether drying is completed.

[0277] For example, the control unit (300) may provide information regarding each of the first receiving space (20b) and the second receiving space (20c) partitioned by the third electrode (63) based on the fact that the third electrode (63) is attached to the main body (110, 120).

[0278] Information regarding the first receiving space (20b) may include at least one of the material of the object to be dried contained in the first receiving space (20b), a drying course performed in the first receiving space (20b), a drying temperature set corresponding to the first receiving space (20b), a drying time set corresponding to the first receiving space (20b), and whether the drying of the first receiving space (20b) is completed.

[0279] Information regarding the second receiving space (20c) may include at least one of the material of the object to be dried contained in the second receiving space (20c), a drying course performed in the second receiving space (20c), a drying temperature set corresponding to the second receiving space (20c), a drying time set corresponding to the second receiving space (20c), and whether the drying of the second receiving space (20c) is completed.

[0280] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) may provide information regarding the internal space (20a) of the drum (20) based on the separation of the electrode from the main body (110, 120) (No to 3100 and 3300).

[0281] Information regarding the internal space (20a) of the drum (20) may include at least one of the material of the object to be dried contained in the internal space (20a) of the drum (20), a drying course performed in the internal space (20a) of the drum (20), a drying temperature set corresponding to the internal space (20a) of the drum (20), a drying time set corresponding to the internal space (20a) of the drum (20), and whether the drying of the internal space (20a) of the drum (20) is completed.

[0282] Below, we will explain how to announce information regarding each of the multiple receiving spaces or announce information regarding the internal space of the drum.

[0283] In the following, the user interface screens (1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600) illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 20 may be provided through the user interface (200) of the dryer (1). Additionally, the user interface screens (1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600) illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 20 may also be provided through the user device (2) described in FIG. 1.

[0284] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a user interface screen for providing information regarding each of a plurality of receiving spaces.

[0285] Referring to FIG. 16, the control unit (300) can control the user interface (200) to display the user interface screen (1200) of FIG. 16 when it identifies that an electrode (e.g., a third electrode (63)) is attached to the main body (110, 120).

[0286] The user interface screen (1200) may include a first information box (G1) containing information about drying space A and a second information box (G2) containing information about drying space B.

[0287] Drying space A may correspond to the first receiving space (20b) described above. Drying space B may correspond to the second receiving space (20c).

[0288] In the following, the case in which a drying object is accommodated in each of the first receiving space (20b) and the second receiving space (20c) is assumed and explained.

[0289] The user interface screen (1200) may include a first notification box (G3) and a second notification box (G4) that provide various information regarding the operation of the dryer (1).

[0290] The first notification box (G3) can display text indicating that the internal space (20a) of the drum (20) is divided into drying space A and drying space B before the drying operation starts.

[0291] The second notification box (G4) can display text that provides a guide for distinguishing the material of the object to be dried and introducing it into each drying space before the drying operation starts.

[0292] Additionally, the control unit (300) can control the user interface (200) to output a sound indicating that the drying space is partitioned before the drying operation starts, or a sound providing a guide for distinguishing the material of the object to be dried and introducing it into each drying space.

[0293] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a user interface screen for providing information regarding each of a plurality of receiving spaces.

[0294] Referring to FIG. 17, when a drying operation starts after the user interface screen (1200) of FIG. 16 is displayed, the control unit (300) can control the user interface (200) to display the user interface screen (1300) of FIG. 17.

[0295] When the drying operation starts, the first information box (G1) can display the drying time (e.g., 29 minutes) set corresponding to the drying space A, the drying course (e.g., wool course) set corresponding to the drying space A, and the drying temperature (e.g., 30℃) set corresponding to the drying space A.

[0296] When the drying operation starts, the second information box (G2) can display the drying time (e.g., 20 minutes) set corresponding to the drying space B, the drying course (e.g., linen course) set corresponding to the drying space B, and the drying temperature (e.g., 40℃) set corresponding to the drying space A.

[0297] When the drying operation starts, the first notification box (G3) can display text indicating that the drying operation is in progress.

[0298] When the drying operation starts, the second notification box (G4) can display the remaining time until the entire drying is completed.

[0299] Additionally, the control unit (300) can control the user interface (200) to output sound containing information regarding the drying time, drying course, and drying temperature in each of drying space A and drying space B when the drying operation starts.

[0300] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a user interface screen for notifying whether drying is complete for some of the multiple receiving spaces.

[0301] Referring to FIG. 18, when drying in one receiving space is completed after the user interface screen (1300) of FIG. 17 is displayed, the control unit (300) can control the user interface (200) to display the user interface screen (1400) of FIG. 18.

[0302] The first information column (G1) can display the remaining drying time (e.g., 9 minutes) until the drying of drying space A is completed when the drying of drying space B is completed.

[0303] The second information box (G2) can display text indicating that the drying of drying space B is complete. Additionally, the first notification box (G3) can also display text indicating that the drying of drying space B is complete.

[0304] The second notification box (G4) can display text to notify the completion of drying in drying space B and to guide the removal of the object to be dried contained in drying space B. Additionally, the second notification box (G4) can display the time remaining until complete drying (e.g., 9 minutes).

[0305] Additionally, the control unit (300) can control the user interface (200) to output a sound indicating that drying of drying space B is complete, a sound indicating the removal of the object to be dried from the drying space (e.g., drying space B) where drying is complete, or a sound indicating the time remaining until the entire drying process is complete.

[0306] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a user interface screen for providing information regarding each of a plurality of receiving spaces.

[0307] Referring to FIG. 19, after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed after the user interface screen (1400) of FIG. 18 is displayed, the control unit (300) can control the user interface (200) to display the user interface screen (1500) of FIG. 19.

[0308] For example, the control unit (300) can control the user interface (200) to display the user interface screen (1500) of FIG. 19 if the object to be dried is not withdrawn from drying space B, where drying is completed, for a predetermined time after the user interface screen (1400) of FIG. 18 is displayed.

[0309] The second information box (G2) can display text indicating that the object to be dried is being maintained and stored in the drying space B where drying is completed.

[0310] The second notification box (G4) can display text indicating that drying of a drying space (e.g., drying space A) that has not been dried is resumed. Additionally, the second notification box (G4) can display the time remaining until the entire drying process is complete (e.g., 9 minutes).

[0311] FIG. 20 illustrates an example of a user interface screen provided upon completion of drying of a plurality of receiving spaces.

[0312] Referring to FIG. 20, the user interface (200) can be controlled to display the user interface screen (1600) of FIG. 20 after displaying the user interface screen (1500) of FIG. 19, and when the entire drying is complete.

[0313] The first information box (G1) can display text indicating that the drying of drying space A is complete.

[0314] The second information box (G2) can display text indicating that the drying of drying space B is complete.

[0315] The first notification box (G3) and the second notification box (G4) can display text indicating that the entire drying process is complete.

[0316] Additionally, the control unit (300) can control the user interface (200) to output a sound indicating that the entire drying process is complete.

[0317] FIG. 21 illustrates an example of a user interface screen for providing information regarding some of the multiple reception spaces.

[0318] FIG. 22 illustrates an example of a user interface screen for providing information regarding the internal space of a drum.

[0319] The user interface screens (1700, 1800) illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22 may be provided through the user device (2) illustrated in FIG. 1. Additionally, the user interface screens (1700, 1800) illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22 may be provided through the user interface (200) of the dryer (1).

[0320] Referring to FIG. 21, the control unit (300) can control the communication interface (250) to transmit a control signal to the user device (2) for displaying the user interface screen (1700) of FIG. 21.

[0321] For example, the control unit (300) can control the communication interface (250) to transmit a control signal to the user device (2) to display the user interface screen (1700) of FIG. 21 based on the fact that an electrode (e.g., a third electrode (63)) is attached to the main body (110, 120).

[0322] The user interface screen (1700) of FIG. 21 can provide information regarding the selected drying space based on the user's drying space selection command among a plurality of drying spaces.

[0323] For example, the user interface screen (1700) of FIG. 21 may include a plurality of interfaces (G5, G6, G7, G8) that provide information regarding drying space A based on a drying space selection command in which the user selects drying space A among drying space A and drying space B.

[0324] A plurality of interfaces (G5, G6, G7, G8) may include a first interface (G5) that displays text indicating a selected drying space (e.g., drying space A).

[0325] A plurality of interfaces (G5, G6, G7, G8) may include a second interface (G6) that displays a selected drying space (e.g., drying space A) through color.

[0326] A plurality of interfaces (G5, G6, G7, G8) may include a third interface (G7) that displays text indicating an identification result regarding the material of the object to be dried accommodated in a selected drying space (e.g., drying space A).

[0327] A plurality of interfaces (G5, G6, G7, G8) may include a fourth interface (G8) that displays a drying course (e.g., leather course), a drying time (e.g., 30 minutes), and a drying temperature (22°C) suitable for an object to be dried accommodated in a selected drying space (e.g., drying space A).

[0328] Referring to FIG. 22, the control unit (300) can control the communication interface (250) to transmit a control signal to the user device (2) for displaying the user interface screen (1800) of FIG. 22.

[0329] For example, the control unit (300) can control the communication interface (250) to transmit a control signal to the user device (2) to display the user interface screen (1800) of FIG. 22 based on the separation of the electrode (e.g., the third electrode (63)) from the main body (110, 120).

[0330] The user interface screen (1800) of Fig. 22 can provide information regarding the entire drying space.

[0331] The entire drying space corresponds to the internal space (20a) of the drum (20) when the electrode (e.g., the third electrode (63)) is separated from the main body (110, 120).

[0332] When an electrode (e.g., third electrode (63)) is separated from the main body (110, 120), the content displayed on the multiple interfaces (G5, G6, G7, G8) of the user interface screen (1700) of FIG. 21 may differ.

[0333] For example, the first interface (G5) of the user interface screen (1800) of FIG. 22 may display text indicating that drying is being performed on the entire drying space.

[0334] As another example, the second interface (G6) of the user interface screen (1800) of FIG. 22 may display a graphic element (e.g., an icon representing the entire drum (20)) indicating that the entire drying space is not partitioned.

[0335] As another example, the third interface (G7) of the user interface screen (1800) of FIG. 22 can display text indicating the identification result regarding the material of the object to be dried accommodated in the entire drying space.

[0336] As another example, the fourth interface (G8) of the user interface screen (1800) of FIG. 22 can display a drying course (e.g., leather course), a drying time (e.g., 30 minutes), and a drying temperature (22°C) suitable for the object to be dried contained in the entire drying space.

[0337] FIG. 23 illustrates an example in which a plurality of electrodes are attached to a main body according to one embodiment.

[0338] Referring to FIG. 23, in one embodiment, a third electrode (63) is attached to the main body (110, 120), and a fourth electrode (64) can be detachably attached to divide the first receiving space (20b) into a third receiving space (20d) adjacent to the first electrode (61) and a fourth receiving space (20e) adjacent to the third electrode (63).

[0339] For example, the fourth electrode (64) can be attached by being combined with the second terminal (90b) provided in the inner body (120) as described in FIG. 7.

[0340] That is, as the third electrode (63) and the fourth electrode (64) are attached to the main body (110, 120), the internal space of the drum (20) can be divided into three receiving spaces.

[0341] FIG. 24 illustrates an example of a power supply provided to an electrode to form an electric field in a plurality of receiving spaces when an electrode is attached to a main body according to one embodiment.

[0342] Referring to FIG. 24, in various embodiments, based on the fact that a third electrode (63) and a fourth electrode (64) are attached to the main body (110, 120), the control unit (300) can control the power supplied to a plurality of electrodes (61, 62, 63, 64) so ​​that an electric field is applied to at least one of the second receiving space (20c), the third receiving space (20d), and the fourth receiving space (20e).

[0343] In one embodiment, based on the fact that a third electrode (63) and a fourth electrode (64) are attached to the main body (110, 120), the control unit (300) can control the phase of the power supplied to the plurality of electrodes (61, 62, 63, 64) such that the polarity of a pair of electrodes forming a receiving space determined as a drying space among the plurality of receiving spaces (20c, 20d, 20e) is opposite to each other.

[0344] For example, when the control unit (300) determines the third receiving space (20d) as a drying space, it can control the phase of the power supplied to the plurality of electrodes (61, 62, 63, 64) so ​​that the polarities of the first electrode (61) and the fourth electrode (64) forming the third receiving space (20d) are opposite to each other. As a result, the object to be dried contained in the third receiving space (20d) can be dried.

[0345] In another example, when the control unit (300) determines the fourth receiving space (20e) as a drying space, it can control the phase of the power supplied to the plurality of electrodes (61, 62, 63, 64) so ​​that the polarities of the fourth electrode (64) and the third electrode (63) forming the fourth receiving space (20e) are opposite to each other. As a result, the object to be dried contained in the fourth receiving space (20e) can be dried.

[0346] Although not illustrated in FIG. 24, based on the fact that a third electrode (63) and a fourth electrode (64) are attached to the main body (110, 120), the control unit (300) can control the phase of the power supplied to the plurality of electrodes (61, 62, 63, 64) such that the polarity of a pair of electrodes forming a receiving space determined as a non-drying space among the plurality of receiving spaces (20c, 20d, 20e) is the same.

[0347] For example, based on the fact that a third electrode (63) and a fourth electrode (64) are attached to the main body (110, 120), the control unit (300) can control the phase of the power supplied to the plurality of electrodes (61, 62, 63, 64) such that when the third receiving space (20d) among the plurality of receiving spaces (20c, 20d, 20e) is determined to be a non-drying space, the polarity of the first electrode (61) and the fourth electrode (64) forming the third receiving space (20d) is the same.

[0348] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording 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, may generate a program module to perform the operation of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0349] Computer-readable recording media include all types of recording media that store instructions that can be decoded by a computer. Examples include ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random access memory), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, optical data storage devices, etc.

[0350] Additionally, computer-readable recording media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. Here, 'non-transitory storage media' simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily. For example, 'non-transitory storage media' may include a buffer in which data is stored temporarily.

[0351] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided as included in 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 recording 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 recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0352] 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. Main body; A drum provided inside the main body; A first electrode provided on the outside of the drum; A second electrode provided on the outside of the drum; and Includes a control unit; and A third electrode is detachably attached to the main body, which divides the internal space of the drum into a first receiving space adjacent to the first electrode and a second receiving space adjacent to the second electrode. The above control unit is, Based on the fact that the third electrode is attached to the main body, the power supplied to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode is controlled so that an electric field is applied to at least one of the first receiving space and the second receiving space, and A dryer that controls the power supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode so that an electric field is applied to the internal space of the drum based on the third electrode being separated from the main body.

2. In Paragraph 1, Based on the fact that the third electrode is attached to the main body, the control unit, Based on data regarding the object to be dried contained in each of the first receiving space and the second receiving space, each of the first receiving space and the second receiving space is determined to be a drying space or a non-drying space, and A dryer that controls the phase of the power supplied to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode so that an electric field is applied to the drying space and not to the non-drying space.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above control unit is, A dryer that determines, among the first receiving space and the second receiving space, the receiving space in which the object to be dried is not received as the non-drying space, and the receiving space in which the object to be dried is received as the drying space.

4. In Paragraph 2, The above control unit is, A dryer that controls the phase of the power supplied to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode such that the polarity of a pair of electrodes forming the drying space among the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode is opposite to each other, and the polarity of a pair of electrodes forming the non-drying space is the same.

5. In Paragraph 1, Based on the fact that the third electrode is attached to the main body, the control unit, The magnitude of the power supplied to the first electrode is controlled based on the material of the first object to be dried contained in the first receiving space, and A dryer that controls the magnitude of the power supplied to the second electrode based on the material of the second object to be dried contained in the second receiving space.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above control unit is, A dryer that controls the size of the power supplied to the first electrode based on the material requiring the smallest size of power among the plurality of materials when the material of the first object to be dried is a plurality of materials.

7. In Paragraph 1, Based on the fact that the third electrode is attached to the main body, the control unit, Controlling the supply time of power supplied to the first electrode based on the material of the first object to be dried contained in the first receiving space, and A dryer that controls the supply time of power supplied to the second electrode based on the material of the second object to be dried contained in the second receiving space.

8. In Paragraph 1, Based on the fact that the third electrode is attached to the main body, the control unit, Information regarding each of the above-mentioned first accommodation space and the above-mentioned second accommodation space is announced, and Information regarding each of the above-mentioned first receiving space and the above-mentioned second receiving space is, A dryer comprising at least one of the material of the object to be dried, the drying course, the drying temperature, the drying time, and whether drying is complete, each of the first receiving space and the second receiving space.

9. In Paragraph 1, Based on the fact that the third electrode is separated from the main body, the control unit, Information regarding the internal space of the above drum is announced, and Information regarding the internal space of the above drum is, A dryer comprising at least one of the material of the object to be dried, a drying course, a drying temperature, a drying time, and whether drying is complete, contained in the internal space of the drum.

10. In Paragraph 1, A fourth electrode is detachably attached to the main body, which divides the first receiving space into a third receiving space adjacent to the first electrode and a fourth receiving space adjacent to the third electrode while the third electrode is attached to the main body. The above control unit is, A dryer that controls power supplied to the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode so that an electric field is applied to at least one of the second receiving space, the third receiving space, and the fourth receiving space, based on the fact that the third electrode and the fourth electrode are attached to the main body.

11. A method for controlling a dryer comprising a main body, a drum provided inside the main body, a first electrode provided outside the drum, and a second electrode provided outside the drum, wherein A third electrode is detachably attached to the main body, which divides the internal space of the drum into a first receiving space adjacent to the first electrode and a second receiving space adjacent to the second electrode. The control method of the above dryer is, Controlling the power supplied to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode so that an electric field is applied to at least one of the first receiving space and the second receiving space based on the third electrode being attached to the main body; and A method for controlling a dryer, comprising: controlling the power supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode so that an electric field is applied to the internal space of the drum based on the third electrode being separated from the main body.

12. In Paragraph 11, Controlling the power supplied to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode based on the fact that the third electrode is attached to the main body is, Determining each of the first receiving space and the second receiving space as a drying space or a non-drying space based on data regarding the object to be dried contained in each of the first receiving space and the second receiving space; and A method for controlling a dryer, comprising: controlling the phase of a power supply to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode so that an electric field is applied to the drying space and not to the non-drying space.

13. In Paragraph 2, Determining each of the above-mentioned first receiving space and the above-mentioned second receiving space as a dry space or a non-dry space is, A method for controlling a dryer comprising: determining the receiving space among the first receiving space and the second receiving space in which the object to be dried is not received as the non-drying space, and determining the receiving space in which the object to be dried is received as the drying space.

14. In Paragraph 12, Controlling the power supplied to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode based on the fact that the third electrode is attached to the main body is, A method for controlling a dryer, comprising: controlling the phase of a power supply to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode such that the polarity of a pair of electrodes forming the drying space among the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode is opposite to each other, and the polarity of a pair of electrodes forming the non-drying space is the same.

15. In Paragraph 11, Controlling the power supplied to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode based on the fact that the third electrode is attached to the main body is, Controlling the magnitude of the power supplied to the first electrode based on the material of the first object to be dried contained in the first receiving space; and A method for controlling a dryer, comprising: controlling the magnitude of the power supplied to the second electrode based on the material of the second object to be dried contained in the second receiving space.

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