Dryer and method for controlling same

Abstract

The disclosed dryer comprises: a chamber; a plurality of power electrodes for generating an electric field in the chamber; a plurality of sensing electrodes provided on each of the plurality of power electrodes; one or more sensing circuits connected to the plurality of sensing electrodes; an RF power supply unit for supplying RF power to the plurality of power electrodes; an impedance matching circuit for performing impedance matching between the RF power supply unit and the plurality of power electrodes; a DC converter for applying a voltage to the RF power supply unit; and a control unit for controlling the DC converter to adjust an input voltage of the RF power supply unit on the basis of an impedance value of an object, and for controlling the impedance matching circuit to perform the impedance matching on the basis of the impedance value of the object.

Description

Dryer and control method thereof

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

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

[0003] As another example, there are dryers capable of drying objects through dielectric heating using RF (Radio Frequency). Conventional dryers utilizing dielectric heating place an object between two parallel flat electrodes and heat the water contained in the object by generating an electric field between the two electrodes. However, conventional dryers only generate an electric field of constant strength between the two electrodes and cannot adjust the strength of the electric field to reflect the impedance that changes as the object dries.

[0004] The disclosed invention provides a dryer and a control method capable of more accurately detecting changes in the impedance of an object while a drying operation is being performed.

[0005] The disclosed invention provides a dryer and a control method capable of adjusting the strength of an electric field for drying an object by reflecting a change in the impedance of the object.

[0006] A dryer according to one embodiment may include: a chamber; a plurality of power electrodes for generating an electric field within the chamber; a plurality of sensing electrodes provided on each of the plurality of power electrodes; one or more sensing circuits connected to the plurality of sensing electrodes; an RF power supply unit for supplying RF power to the plurality of power electrodes; an impedance matching circuit for performing impedance matching between the RF power supply unit and the plurality of power electrodes; a DC converter for applying voltage to the RF power supply unit; and a control unit for obtaining one or more voltage values ​​and one or more current values ​​from the one or more sensing circuits, determining an impedance value of an object contained within the chamber using the one or more voltage values ​​and one or more current values, controlling the DC converter to adjust the input voltage of the RF power supply unit based on the impedance value of the object, and controlling the impedance matching circuit to perform impedance matching based on the impedance value of the object.

[0007] A control method for a dryer comprising a plurality of power electrodes for generating an electric field within a chamber, a plurality of sensing electrodes provided on each of the plurality of power electrodes, an RF power supply unit for supplying RF power to the plurality of power electrodes, an impedance matching circuit for performing impedance matching between the RF power supply unit and the plurality of power electrodes, a DC converter for applying an input voltage to the RF power supply unit, and a control unit, wherein the control method according to one embodiment may include: obtaining one or more voltage values ​​and one or more current values ​​from one or more sensing circuits connected to the plurality of sensing electrodes by the control unit; determining an impedance value of an object contained within the chamber using the one or more voltage values ​​and the one or more current values; controlling the DC converter to adjust the input voltage applied to the RF power supply unit based on the impedance value of the object; and controlling the impedance matching circuit to perform impedance matching based on the impedance value of the object.

[0008] The disclosed dryer and control method can more accurately detect changes in the impedance of an object while the drying operation is being performed.

[0009] The disclosed dryer and control method can adjust the strength of the electric field for drying an object by reflecting the change in the impedance of the object. Therefore, drying efficiency can be improved.

[0010] Figure 1 illustrates a network system implemented by various electronic devices.

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates the arrangement structure of a power electrode and a sensing electrode according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates the arrangement structure of sensing electrodes according to various embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates the arrangement structure of sensing electrodes according to various embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a control block diagram of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates a circuit system for a drying operation of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate the detailed circuit structure of the circuit system shown in Figure 8.

[0019] FIG. 11 illustrates the structure of a sensing circuit according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a flowchart that details the method for determining the impedance value of an object in the control method of a dryer described in FIG. 12.

[0022] 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.

[0023] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0024] The singular form of the noun corresponding to an item may include one or plural items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0025] 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.

[0026] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another corresponding component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0027] 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 the component may be connected to the other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] The term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0032] The operating principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 illustrates a network system implemented by various electronic devices.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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).

[0042] 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).

[0043] 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).

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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).

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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).

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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).

[0051] 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).

[0052] 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).

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] The dryer (1) described below may correspond to the aforementioned home appliance (10).

[0060] FIG. 2 illustrates a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 2, the dryer (1) may include a cabinet (1a) forming an exterior and a drum (20) rotatably installed within the cabinet (1a). The internal space of the drum (20) may form a chamber (20a) for receiving an object.

[0062] The cabinet (1a) may be provided in a roughly cuboidal shape. The cabinet (1a) may include a top cover (1b) forming the top surface, a front cover (1c) forming the front surface, and a base forming the bottom surface. For example, the front cover (1c), top cover (1b), and base forming the cabinet (1a) may each be provided separately and assembled. As another example, some components forming the cabinet (1a) (e.g., front cover, top cover, base) may be formed integrally.

[0063] An input port (31) is provided on the front of the cabinet (1a) for inserting or withdrawing an object, such as clothing (not shown), into or out of the drum (20). The dryer (1) may include a door (50) provided to open and close the input port (31) formed in the front cover (1c). After opening the door (50), the user can insert or discharge an object into or out of the drum (20) through the input port (31). When the input port (31) is closed and the dryer (1) starts operating, a door lock can lock the door (50).

[0064] A user interface (100) for interaction between the user and the dryer (1) may be provided on the upper front side of the cabinet (1a). The user interface (100) can receive user input and display various information regarding the dryer (1). The location of the user interface (100) is not limited to the front. The user interface (100) may be provided at various locations on the dryer (1).

[0065] The user interface (100) may include a display. Additionally, the user interface (100) may include an input section for obtaining user input regarding the operation of the dryer (1). The input section may include a rotatable dial and various buttons. Furthermore, the user interface (100) may include various types of input sections and displays.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] The input unit can transmit an electrical signal (voltage or current) corresponding to user input to the control unit (300). The input unit may include various buttons and / or a dial. For example, the input unit may include at least one of a power button for turning the power of the dryer (1) on or off, a start / stop button for starting or stopping the drying operation, a drying mode button for selecting a drying mode, a temperature button for setting the drying temperature, and a time button for setting the drying time. The various buttons may be provided as physical buttons or touch buttons.

[0069] A dial included in the input section may be rotatably provided. UI elements displayed on the display may move sequentially depending on the rotation of the dial. The dryer (1) may perform drying according to a selected drying mode. The drying mode may include drying parameters such as drying temperature and drying time. Different drying modes may be selected depending on the position of the object within the drum (20), the type of object, and / or the amount of object.

[0070] The dryer (1) may include a filter (40) that is detachably mounted on the front cover (1c). The filter (40) can filter out foreign substances, such as lint, that flow with the air circulating inside the drum (20).

[0071] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 3, a cylindrical drum (20) may be provided inside the cabinet (1a). An object may be accommodated in the internal space of the drum (20). The drum (20) may be provided to be rotatable by receiving power from a motor (72). The drum (20) may be provided inside the cabinet (1a) so as to be rotatable around a rotating axis that is approximately horizontal to the ground.

[0073] A lifter (21) may be provided on the inner surface of the drum (20) so that an object can be lifted when the drum (20) rotates. Depending on the rotational speed of the drum (20), the object may repeatedly rise and fall by the lifter (21). A roller (22) may be provided on the outer surface of the drum to support the drum (20) so that it rotates smoothly.

[0074] The drive unit may be positioned in the inner lower part of the cabinet (1a). The drive unit may be mounted on a base. The drive unit may include a motor (72), a pulley (74) and a belt (75) for transmitting power from the motor (72) to the drum (20).

[0075] 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.

[0076] A passage (80) for circulating air may be formed inside the cabinet (1a) and inside the drum (20). The passage (80) may include an air discharge passage (81) for discharging air from inside the drum (20) to outside the drum (20), and an air supply passage (82) for supplying air into the drum (20).

[0077] The dryer (1) may include an exhaust duct (60) that forms an air exhaust passage (81). A filter (40) may be placed at the inlet (61) of the exhaust duct (60). The exhaust duct (60) may pass through the cabinet (1a), and the outlet (63) of the exhaust duct (60) may be exposed to the outside of the cabinet (1a). Air entering through the inlet (61) of the exhaust duct (60) may be filtered as it passes through the filter (40). The filter (40) may filter out foreign substances, such as lint, contained in the air.

[0078] A fan (71) for circulating air may be provided inside the cabinet (1a). By the rotation of the fan (71), air inside the drum (20) may be drawn into the exhaust duct (60). Additionally, depending on the rotation of the fan (71), air may be supplied into the drum (20) through the air supply passage (83) and the air inlet (20b) of the drum (20). The air supplied into the drum (20) may be used for drying an object.

[0079] The motor (72) can rotate not only the drum (20) but also the fan (71). Although the drum (20) and the fan (71) are exemplified as being driven by a single motor (72), this is not limited thereto. A separate fan motor (not shown) may be provided for driving the fan (71). Additionally, the motor (72) may be directly connected to the drum (20) to rotate the drum (20). When the motor (72) is directly connected to the drum (20), the pulley (74) and belt (75) may be omitted.

[0080] A plurality of power electrodes (90) may be provided between the cabinet (1a) and the drum (20). For example, a first power electrode (90a) and a second power electrode (90b) may be provided between the cabinet (1a) and the drum (20). The first power electrode (90a) and the second power electrode (90b) may be spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the drum (20). Two or more of each of the first power electrode (90a) and the second power electrode (90b) may be provided. The first power electrode (90a) and the second power electrode (90b) may be spaced apart from the cabinet (1a) and the drum (20).

[0081] The dryer (1) is exemplified as a drum dryer but is not limited thereto. The dryer (1) may be provided in a form having a storage space formed by shelves. The dryer (1) may not include a drum (20), in which case the position of the object placed between the first power electrode (90a) and the second power electrode (90b) may not change.

[0082] FIG. 4 illustrates the arrangement structure of a power electrode and a sensing electrode according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 illustrate the arrangement structure of a sensing electrode according to various embodiments.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, a plurality of power electrodes (90) may be arranged along the circumference of a drum (20). The plurality of power electrodes (90) may be spaced apart from each other. In the case of a dryer (1) including a drum (20), each of the plurality of power electrodes (90) may be provided in a plate shape having curvature. In the case of a dryer (1) not including a drum (20), each of the plurality of power electrodes (90) may be provided in a flat plate shape.

[0084] A plurality of power electrodes (90) may include a first power electrode (90a) and a second power electrode (90b). The first power electrode (90a) and the second power electrode (90b) may be spaced apart along the outer surface of the drum (20).

[0085] A plurality of power electrodes (90) can be fixed between the cabinet (1a) and the drum (20). The drum (20) is not connected to the power electrodes (90). Therefore, the power electrodes (90) do not restrict the rotation of the drum (20). Additionally, since the plurality of power electrodes (90) are arranged along the circumference of the drum (20), an electric field can be generated within the drum (20). Thus, the disclosed dryer (1) can generate an electric field inside the drum (20) through the power electrodes (90) even while the drum (20) is rotating, and can perform drying of the object.

[0086] The number of power electrodes (90) is exemplified as two, but is not limited thereto. The dryer (1) may include two or more power electrodes (90).

[0087] The disclosed dryer (1) includes a circuit structure capable of supplying power suitable for drying an object. When power is supplied to the power electrode (90), an electric field can be generated in the chamber (20a). The electric field generated inside the drum (20) by the power electrode (90) can cause a dielectric (e.g., water molecules) contained in the object to vibrate. When the dielectric (e.g., water molecules) vibrates, dipole frictional heat is generated, and the dielectric can be heated. The object can be dried as the heated dielectric evaporates. The evaporated dielectric can be discharged outside the drum (20) along with the air supplied into the drum (20).

[0088] A plurality of sensing electrodes (91) may be provided on each of the plurality of power electrodes (90). For example, the plurality of sensing electrodes (91) may be provided on one side of the first power electrode (90a) facing the drum (20) and on one side of the second power electrode (90b) facing the drum (20). The plurality of sensing electrodes (91) are provided to detect the strength of the electric field at various locations of the power electrode (90). The strength of the electric field may not be uniform over the entire surface area of ​​the power electrode (90). In other words, various strengths of the electric field may be detected at various locations of the power electrode (90).

[0089] A plurality of sensing electrodes (91) may be spaced apart from each other. For example, a first plurality of sensing electrodes (91) may be spaced apart from each other in a first power electrode (90a). A second plurality of sensing electrodes (91) may be spaced apart from each other in a second power electrode (90b). The first plurality of sensing electrodes (91) placed in the first power electrode (90a) and the second plurality of sensing electrodes (91) placed in the second power electrode (90b) may not face each other.

[0090] The spacing between two sensing electrodes (91) may vary depending on the design. For example, the spacing between two sensing electrodes (91) may be determined based on a 3dB attenuation region of the electric field strength detected by one sensing electrode. If the spacing between two sensing electrodes (91) is too large, there may be a region between the two sensing electrodes (91) where the electric field is not accurately detected. Conversely, if the spacing between two sensing electrodes (91) is too small, the number of sensing electrodes (91) may increase unnecessarily. The disclosed invention minimizes the number of sensing electrodes (91) by appropriately arranging multiple sensing electrodes (91) on the power electrode (90), while simultaneously accurately detecting the electric field strength at various locations on the power electrode (90).

[0091] A plurality of sensing electrodes (91) can be arranged in various shapes or patterns. For example, a plurality of sensing electrodes (91) can be arranged in a matrix shape or grid pattern including columns and rows.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 4, 16 sensing electrodes (91a, 91b, 91c, 91d, 91e, 91f, 91g, 91h, 91i, 91j, 91k, 91l, 91m, 91n, 910, 91p) forming a 4x4 matrix may be arranged on one side of the first power electrode (90a). The 16 sensing electrodes (91a, 91b, 91c, 91d, 91e, 91f, 91g, 91h, 91i, 91j, 91k, 91l, 91m, 91n, 910, 91p) may be spaced apart at predetermined intervals. In FIG. 4, the spacing between two sensing electrodes may all be the same.

[0093] As illustrated in FIG. 6, 14 sensing electrodes (91a, 91b, 91c, 91d, 91e, 91f, 91g, 91h, 91i, 91j, 91k, 91l, 91m, 91n) forming four rows may be arranged on one side of the first power electrode (90a). FIG. 6 is exemplified by having three sensing electrodes arranged in the first and third rows, and four sensing electrodes arranged in the second and fourth rows. The spacing between two sensing electrodes in each row may be the same. Additionally, sensing electrodes arranged in two adjacent rows or two adjacent columns may form a zigzag pattern.

[0094] Although the arrangement of sensing electrodes in the first power electrode (90a) was given as an example, the sensing electrodes arranged in the second power electrode (90b) may also have the same arrangement or pattern. In addition, the number of sensing electrodes arranged on one side of the second power electrode (90b) may be the same as the number of sensing electrodes arranged in the first power electrode (90a).

[0095] The sensing electrode (91) of the first power electrode (90a) and the sensing electrode (91) of the second power electrode (90b) may or may not face each other. For example, when the first power electrode (90a) and the second power electrode (90b) are overlapped, the sensing electrode of the second power electrode (90b) may be located between the two sensing electrodes (91a, 91b) of the first power electrode (90a). Since an alternating voltage is applied between the first power electrode (90a) and the second power electrode (90b), the sensing electrode (91) of the first power electrode (90a) and the sensing electrode (91) of the second power electrode (90b) do not necessarily have to face each other.

[0096] As the size of the power electrode (90) increases, a large number of sensing electrodes (91) may be arranged, but the number of sensing electrodes (91) may be minimized considering the cost. Multiple sensing electrodes (91) may be connected to one or more sensing circuits (170). The number of sensing circuits (170) may have a greater impact on the increase in cost than the number of sensing electrodes (91). Therefore, the number of sensing circuits (170) may be smaller than the number of multiple sensing electrodes (91).

[0097] For example, the dryer (1) may include a single sensing circuit (170) connected to a plurality of sensing electrodes (91). As another example, the number of sensing circuits (170) may correspond to the number of groups dividing the plurality of sensing electrodes (91). The plurality of sensing electrodes (91) may be divided into a plurality of groups including two or more sensing electrodes. At least two adjacent sensing electrodes may form a group. Adjacent sensing electrodes can be grouped because the strength of the electric field applied to adjacent sensing electrodes is not significantly different.

[0098] For example, in FIG. 5, the first sensing electrode (91a), the second sensing electrode (91b), the third sensing electrode (91c), and the fourth sensing electrode (91d) included in the first region (Z1) of the first power electrode (90a) can form a first group. The fifth sensing electrode (91e), the sixth sensing electrode (91f), the seventh sensing electrode (91g), and the eighth sensing electrode (91h) included in the second region (Z2) can form a second group. The ninth sensing electrode (91i), the tenth sensing electrode (91j), the eleventh sensing electrode (91k), and the twelfth sensing electrode (91l) included in the third region (Z3) can form a third group. The 13th sensing electrode (91m), 14th sensing electrode (91n), 15th sensing electrode (91o) and 16th sensing electrode (91p) included in the 4th region (Z4) can form a 4th group.

[0099] In FIG. 6, the first sensing electrode (91a), the second sensing electrode (91b), the third sensing electrode (91c), and the fourth sensing electrode (91d) included in the first region (Z1) can form a first group. The fifth sensing electrode (91e), the sixth sensing electrode (91f), and the seventh sensing electrode (91g) included in the second region (Z2) can form a second group. The eighth sensing electrode (91h), the ninth sensing electrode (91i), the tenth sensing electrode (91j), and the eleventh sensing electrode (91k) included in the third region (Z3) can form a third group. The twelfth sensing electrode (91l), the thirteenth sensing electrode (91m), and the fourteenth sensing electrode (91n) included in the fourth region (Z4) can form a fourth group.

[0100] The number and arrangement of the sensing electrodes (91) are not limited to those exemplified in FIGS. 4 to 6. Additionally, the number of groups dividing the multiple sensing electrodes (91) can be set in various ways. The number of sensing circuits (170) described later may correspond to the number of groups dividing the multiple sensing electrodes (91).

[0101] The operation of the dryer (1) is described in detail below.

[0102] FIG. 7 is a control block diagram of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 7, the dryer (1) may include a circuit system for performing a drying operation. For example, the dryer (1) may include an EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) filter (110), a power factor compensation circuit (120), a DC converter (130), an RF power supply unit (140), an impedance matching circuit (150), a power electrode (90), a sensing electrode (91), and a control unit (300). The dryer (1) may include a sensing circuit (170) connected to the sensing electrode (91). The dryer (1) may include a voltage-current detector (160) for detecting the output voltage and output current of the power electrode (90). Additionally, the dryer (1) may include a motor (72) for rotating the drum (20) and the fan (71), a user interface (100), and a communication interface (200).

[0104] The user interface (100) can receive user input and display various information regarding the operation of the dryer (1). The user interface (100) may include an input section for receiving user input and a display for displaying information. Additionally, the user interface (100) may include a speaker for outputting sound.

[0105] The user interface (100) can display operation information of the dryer (1). For example, the user interface (100) can display a drying mode, a drying temperature, an estimated drying time, and / or the time remaining until the end of drying. The drying mode may include predetermined drying settings (e.g., degree of drying, additional time for wrinkle prevention, drying time) depending on the type of object (e.g., shirt, duvet, underwear) and material (e.g., cotton, wool). For example, standard drying may include drying settings applicable to most objects, and duvet drying may include drying settings optimized for drying duvets.

[0106] The communication interface (200) can establish a connection with at least one of the user device (2) or the server (3) via a network. The 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 (200). For example, the communication interface (200) 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 (200).

[0107] The communication interface (200) may include various communication circuits. The communication interface (200) may include wireless communication circuits and / or wired communication circuits. For example, a communication circuit supporting wireless communication methods such as wireless local area network (LAN), home radio frequency (RF), infrared communication, ultra-wide band (UWB) communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee may be provided.

[0108] The control unit (300) can be electrically connected to the components of the dryer (1) and can control the components of the dryer (1). For example, the control unit (300) can control the motor (72) to rotate the drum (20) and the fan (71). The control unit (300) can control the EMI filter (110), the power factor compensation circuit (120), the DC converter (130), the RF power supply unit (140), and the impedance matching circuit (150) to supply power to the power electrode (90). The control unit (300) can control the DC converter (130), the RF power supply unit (140), and the impedance matching circuit (150) to improve drying efficiency while performing the drying operation of the object.

[0109] 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.

[0110] The processor (310) can process various data and various signals using instructions, data, 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.

[0111] 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).

[0112] 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.

[0113] An EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) filter (110) can remove noise contained in AC power supplied from commercial power (AC). The EMI filter (110) can be provided as a circuit in which various electronic components, such as capacitors, inductors, and diodes, are connected in parallel and / or series. The EMI filter (110) can discharge noise contained in AC power through a ground wire. The EMI filter (110) can be provided as a passive filter or an active filter.

[0114] The power factor compensation circuit (120) can compensate the power factor of AC power. The power factor compensation circuit (120) can compensate the power factor by reducing or eliminating the reactive power among the active power and reactive power constituting the AC power. By compensating the power factor, power loss can be reduced. The power factor compensation circuit (120) can be provided as a circuit in which various electronic components, such as capacitors, inductors, and diodes, are connected in parallel and / or series. The power factor compensation circuit (120) can be controlled by a control unit (300).

[0115] The DC converter (130) can convert the power output from the power factor compensation circuit (120) into DC power suitable for the RF power supply (140). The DC converter (130) can deliver the converted DC power to the RF power supply (140). The DC converter (130) can be provided as a circuit in which various electronic components, such as transistors, inductors, and diodes, are connected in parallel and / or series.

[0116] The control unit (300) can control the DC converter (130) to adjust the magnitude of the voltage applied to the power electrode (90). When the power supplied to the RF power supply unit (140) increases, the amplitude of the RF signal increases, and the magnitude of the voltage applied to the power electrode (90) can increase. The magnitude of the voltage can be expressed as an effective value.

[0117] The power supply unit (140) can generate an RF signal and apply the RF signal to the power electrode (90). Sinusoidal power can be applied to the power electrode (90) by the RF signal. The control unit (300) can control the RF power supply unit (140) to adjust the RF power applied to the power electrode (90). When RF power is supplied to the power electrode (90), an electric field for dielectric heating of an object within the drum (20) can be generated.

[0118] The phase of the RF power applied to each of the multiple power electrodes (90) may be different. As RF power having different phases is applied to the multiple power electrodes (90), a rotating electric field may be generated within the drum (20). That is, the strength of the electric field generated between two adjacent power electrodes (90) may periodically increase and decrease.

[0119] An impedance matching circuit (150) may be provided between an RF power supply unit (140) and a plurality of power electrodes (90). An RF signal generated by the RF power supply unit (140) may be transmitted to the power electrodes (90) through the impedance matching circuit (150).

[0120] The impedance matching circuit (150) can match the output impedance of the RF power supply unit (140) with the electrode impedance of the power electrode (90). If there is a difference between the output impedance of the RF power supply unit (140) and the electrode impedance of the power electrode (90), reflected power is generated from the power electrode (90), and the power transmission efficiency is reduced. To minimize reflected power, it is necessary to perform matching between the output impedance of the RF power supply unit (140) and the electrode impedance of the power electrode (90). The control unit (300) can perform impedance matching by controlling the impedance matching circuit (150).

[0121] The voltage and current detector (160) can detect the output voltage and output current of the power electrode (90). The voltage and current detector (160) can transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the detected output voltage and output current of the power electrode (90) to the control unit (300). The control unit (300) can determine the electrode impedance of the power electrode (90) based on the output voltage and output current of the power electrode (90) obtained from the voltage and current detector (160).

[0122] The electrode impedance of the power electrode (90) can vary depending on various factors such as the amount of object contained in the drum (20), the type of object, the size of the object, the amount of water contained in the object, and the distribution state of the object. For example, if a dielectric with a high permittivity (e.g., water) is present between two power electrodes (90), the strength of the electric field formed between the two power electrodes (90) may decrease because charge accumulates in the dielectric. When the strength of the electric field decreases, the magnitude of the output voltage of the power electrode (90) may decrease, and the electrode impedance may decrease. As the drying of the object proceeds, the water contained in the object is removed, so the electrode impedance may be detected to gradually increase.

[0123] However, the electric field strength may not be uniform across the entire surface area of ​​the power electrode (90). Various electric field strengths may be detected at various locations of the power electrode (90). Since the electrode impedance based on the output voltage and output current of the power electrode (90) is a single value, it may not be possible to exhibit various electric field strengths at various locations of the power electrode (90). Therefore, the change in impedance of the object due to the drying operation may not be accurately identified based solely on the output voltage and output current of the power electrode (90).

[0124] The disclosed dryer (1) may include a plurality of sensing electrodes (91) and a sensing circuit (170) to detect various electric field strengths at various locations of the power electrode (90). As described above, a plurality of sensing electrodes (91) may be arranged on one side of the power electrode (90) facing the drum (20). As the size of the power electrode (90) increases, a large number of sensing electrodes (91) may be arranged, but the number of sensing electrodes (91) may be minimized considering the cost.

[0125] A plurality of sensing electrodes (91) may be divided into a plurality of groups, each comprising two or more sensing electrodes. At least two adjacent sensing electrodes may form a single group. The number of groups dividing the plurality of sensing electrodes (91) may be set in various ways.

[0126] The sensing circuit (170) is electrically connected to the sensing electrode (91). One or more sensing circuits (170) corresponding to multiple sensing electrodes (91) may be provided. The number of sensing circuits (170) may have a greater impact on cost increase than the number of sensing electrodes (91). Therefore, the number of sensing circuits (170) may be smaller than the number of multiple sensing electrodes (91).

[0127] For example, the dryer (1) may include a single sensing circuit (170) connected to a plurality of sensing electrodes (91). As another example, the number of sensing circuits (170) may correspond to the number of groups dividing the plurality of sensing electrodes (91). If the plurality of sensing electrodes (91) are divided into four groups, four sensing circuits (170) may be provided. If four sensing electrodes (91) are included in one group, four sensing electrodes (91) may be connected to one sensing circuit (170). Since the strength of the electric field applied to adjacent sensing electrodes is not significantly different, the number of sensing circuits (170) can be reduced by grouping adjacent sensing electrodes and placing a sensing circuit (170) for each group of sensing electrodes.

[0128] The sensing circuit (170) can detect the strength of the electric field applied to the sensing electrode (91). The sensing circuit (170) can output voltage and current values ​​corresponding to the detected electric field strength. For example, if a single sensing circuit (170) is provided, the sensing circuit (170) can output voltage and current values ​​corresponding to the greatest electric field strength among the electric field strengths detected at each of the plurality of sensing electrodes (91).

[0129] When a plurality of sensing circuits (170) corresponding to a plurality of groups for distinguishing a plurality of sensing electrodes (91) are provided, each of the plurality of sensing circuits (170) can output a voltage value and a current value corresponding to the largest electric field strength among the electric field strengths detected from each of the plurality of sensing electrodes (91) included in one group.

[0130] The sensing circuit (170) may be provided with various circuit structures and / or various types of sensors. For example, the sensing circuit (170) may include an optocoupler comprising a light-emitting diode and a transistor.

[0131] When a single sensing circuit (170) is provided, the control unit (300) can determine the impedance value of an object contained in the chamber (20a) using the voltage and current values ​​obtained from the sensing circuit (170).

[0132] When a plurality of sensing circuits (170) corresponding to a plurality of groups for distinguishing a plurality of sensing electrodes (91) are provided, the control unit (300) can obtain a plurality of voltage values ​​and a plurality of current values ​​from the plurality of sensing circuits (170). The control unit (300) can determine the impedance value of an object contained in the chamber (20a) using one of the plurality of voltage values ​​and one of the plurality of current values ​​obtained from the plurality of sensing circuits (170).

[0133] The control unit (300) can determine a representative sensing circuit based on the magnitude of each of the multiple voltage values ​​and each of the multiple current values ​​obtained from the multiple sensing circuits (170). For example, the control unit (300) can determine a sensing circuit that outputs at least one of the maximum voltage value and the maximum current value among the multiple sensing circuits (170) as the representative sensing circuit.

[0134] The control unit (300) can determine the impedance value of an object based on the representative voltage value and representative current value output from the representative sensing circuit. For example, the control unit (300) can obtain the impedance value of an object corresponding to the representative voltage value and representative current value from the impedance data stored in the memory (320).

[0135] The disclosed dryer (1) can more accurately identify the impedance value of an object using the sensing electrode (91) and the sensing circuit (170) even if the electric field strength is not uniform across the entire area of ​​the power electrode (90).

[0136] The control unit (300) can control the DC converter (130) to adjust the input voltage of the RF power supply unit (140) based on the impedance value of the object. Additionally, the control unit (300) can control the impedance matching circuit (150) to perform impedance matching based on the impedance value of the object. Through this, an electric field of optimal strength corresponding to the impedance of the object can be generated within the chamber (20a).

[0137] The dryer (1) disclosed in this manner can improve the drying efficiency of an object by applying an input voltage corresponding to the impedance change of the object to the RF power supply unit (140) and performing impedance matching corresponding to the impedance change of the object. In addition, overloading of the circuit system may be prevented.

[0138] Additionally, the control unit (300) can change the representative sensing circuit based on the magnitude of each of the multiple voltage values ​​and each of the multiple current values ​​obtained from the multiple sensing circuits (170) at predetermined time intervals.

[0139] To extend the lifespan of the sensing circuit (170), the control unit (300) may alternately determine each of the multiple sensing circuits (170) as the representative sensing circuit at predetermined time intervals.

[0140] For example, if the object does not move in a specific area of ​​the power electrode (90), the specific sensing circuit may continuously output a maximum voltage value and a maximum current value. If the input voltage of the RF power supply unit (140) is controlled by continuously using only the maximum voltage value and the maximum current value among the voltage values ​​and current values ​​output by the multiple sensing circuits (170), a large electric field may be continuously applied to the specific sensing circuit. In this case, the aging of the specific sensing circuit may proceed rapidly. When determining the impedance of the object and the input voltage of the RF power supply unit (140), if voltage values ​​and current values ​​other than the maximum voltage value and the maximum current value are used in a balanced manner, it is prevented that a large electric field may be continuously applied to the specific sensing circuit. Therefore, the aging rate of the specific sensing circuit may be reduced. In other words, the lifespan of the sensing circuit (170) can be extended by alternately selecting each of the multiple sensing circuits (170) as the representative sensing circuit.

[0141] Additionally, the control unit (300) can calculate the accumulated voltage value and the accumulated current value output from each of the plurality of sensing circuits (170). The control unit (300) can identify the accumulated strength of the electric field applied to each of the plurality of sensing circuits (170) using the accumulated voltage value and the accumulated current value. The control unit (300) can determine one of the plurality of sensing circuits (170) as a representative sensing circuit at predetermined time intervals so that the accumulated strength of the electric field applied to each of the plurality of sensing circuits (170) is similar.

[0142] As the drying of the object progresses, the rate of change in the impedance of the object may decrease. The control unit (300) can determine the degree of drying of the object based on the rate of change in the impedance of the object. The control unit (300) can determine the completion of drying based on the degree of drying of the object reaching within the allowable tolerance range of a predetermined standard degree of drying. Additionally, the control unit (300) can determine the completion of drying when the impedance value of the object becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value.

[0143] FIG. 8 illustrates a circuit system for a drying operation of a dryer according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 illustrate a detailed circuit structure of the circuit system illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0144] Referring to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, the EMI filter (110) is connected to a commercial power supply (AC) and can remove noise from the AC power supplied from the commercial power supply (AC). The EMI filter (110) can provide the AC power with noise removed to a power factor compensation circuit (120). The EMI filter (110) can be provided as a circuit in which various components are connected in parallel and / or in series. For example, the EMI filter (110) may include a plurality of capacitors (C1, C2) connected in parallel, a plurality of inductors (L1, L2) implementing a transformer, and a plurality of diodes (D1, D2, D3, D4) forming a bridge. The circuit structure of the EMI filter (110) is not limited to that illustrated. The circuit structure of the EMI filter (110) can be provided in various ways depending on the design.

[0145] The power factor compensation circuit (120) can compensate the power factor of AC power provided from the EMI filter (110). The power factor compensation circuit (120) can provide power with the power factor compensated to the DC converter (130). The power factor compensation circuit (120) can be provided as a circuit in which various components are connected in parallel and / or series. For example, the power factor compensation circuit (120) may include a plurality of electrolytic capacitors (Cpf1, Cpf2), an inductor (Lpf), a diode (Dpf), and a switching element (SW_pf). The switching element (SW_pf) may correspond to a transistor. A transistor can allow or block the flow of current depending on the application of voltage. The circuit structure of the power factor compensation circuit (120) is not limited to the examples provided. The circuit structure of the power factor compensation circuit (120) can be provided in various ways depending on the design.

[0146] The DC converter (130) can convert power output from the power factor compensation circuit (120) into DC power. The DC converter (130) can deliver the converted DC power to the RF power supply (140). The DC converter (130) can be provided as a circuit in which various components are connected in parallel and / or series. For example, the DC converter (130) may include a switching element (SW_dc), an inductor (Ldc), a diode (Ddc), resistors (R1, R2, R3), a capacitor (Cdc), and an operational amplifier (OP-AMP) (OP1). The switching element (SW_dc) may correspond to a transistor.

[0147] The switching element (SW_dc) and the inductor (Ldc) can be connected in series. The diode (Ddc) can be connected to the connection node of the switching element (SW_dc) and the inductor (Ldc). One end of the inductor (Ldc) is connected to one end of the first resistor (R1), and the other end of the first resistor (R1) can be connected to the second resistor (R2). The negative input terminal of the operational amplifier (OP1) can be connected to the connection node of the first resistor (R1) and the second resistor (R2). The positive input terminal of the operational amplifier (OP1) can be connected to the control unit (300). The output terminal of the operational amplifier (OP1) can be connected to one end of the third resistor (R3) and capacitor (Cdc) connected in parallel. The other end of the third resistor (R3) and capacitor (Cdc) connected in parallel can be connected to the switching element (SW_dc). The third resistor (R3) and capacitor (Cdc) connected in parallel may correspond to a compensation circuit.

[0148] The circuit structure of the DC converter (130) is not limited to the example shown. The circuit structure of the DC converter (130) can be varied according to the design.

[0149] The control unit (300) controls the DC converter (130) to control the input voltage (V) of the RF power supply unit (140). PA ) can be adjusted. The input voltage (V) of the RF power supply (140) PA) may also be referred to as the output voltage of the DC converter (130). When the voltage applied to the + input terminal of the operational amplifier (OP1) is changed and the switching element (SW_dc) of the DC converter (130) is controlled, the voltage applied to the - input terminal of the operational amplifier (OP1) may be changed. When the voltage applied to the - input terminal of the operational amplifier (OP1) is changed, the input voltage (V) of the F power supply unit (140) according to the voltage distribution of the first resistor (R1) and the second resistor (R2) PA ) may be changed.

[0150] Conventional technology cannot control the strength of the electric field generated between the power electrodes (90) because the output voltage of the DC converter (130) cannot be changed. However, the disclosed dryer (1) can control the strength of the electric field generated between the power electrodes (90) by controlling the output voltage of the DC converter (130).

[0151] The RF power supply unit (140) may be provided as a circuit including various elements for generating an RF signal. For example, the RF power supply unit (140) may include an electrolytic capacitor (Cpa11), a capacitor (Cpa12), a plurality of inductors (Lpa11, Lpa12), and a switching element (SW_pa1). The electrolytic capacitor (Cpa11) may be connected to the Vpa node and ground (GND). The switching element (SW_pa1) and the inductor (Lpa11) may be connected in series between the Vpa node and ground (GND). Additionally, the inductor (Lpa12) and the capacitor (Cpa12) connected in series may be placed between the N1 node connecting the switching element (SW_pa1) and the inductor (Lpa11) and the impedance matching circuit (150).

[0152] The switching element (SW_pa1) of the RF power supply unit (140) may correspond to a transistor. The control unit (300) can activate or deactivate the RF power supply unit (140) by controlling the switching element (SW_pa1). The control unit (300) can control the operation of the RF power supply unit (140) by adjusting the voltage applied to the switching element (SW_pa1). When the switching element (SW_pa1) is turned on, the operation of the RF power supply unit (140) can be activated. When the switching element (SW_pa1) is turned off, the operation of the RF power supply unit (140) can be deactivated. The control unit (300) can activate the RF power supply unit (140) to perform a drying operation.

[0153] The impedance matching circuit (150) may be provided as a circuit in which a plurality of inductors (L), a plurality of capacitors (C), and a plurality of switches (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9) are connected in series and / or in parallel. The plurality of switches (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9) included in the impedance matching circuit (150) may be opened or closed under the control of a control unit (300). Impedance matching may be performed as the plurality of switches (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9) are controlled. The impedance matching circuit (150) is exemplified as including three inductors (L) connected in parallel, three capacitors (C) connected in parallel, and nine switches, but is not limited thereto. The structure of the impedance matching circuit (150) can be varied depending on the design.

[0154] The control unit (300) can perform impedance matching corresponding to the impedance change of the object by controlling the on-off of each of the plurality of switches (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9).

[0155] It is also possible to provide multiple impedance matching circuits (150) in correspondence with the provision of multiple power electrodes (90). For example, one power electrode (90) and one impedance matching circuit (150) may be provided as a set.

[0156] FIG. 11 illustrates the structure of a sensing circuit according to one embodiment.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 11, a plurality of sensing electrodes (91) can be divided into a plurality of groups including two or more sensing electrodes. At least two adjacent sensing electrodes can form one group. Adjacent sensing electrodes can be grouped because the strength of the electric field applied to adjacent sensing electrodes is not significantly different.

[0158] For example, as described in FIG. 6, the first sensing electrode (91a), the second sensing electrode (91b), the third sensing electrode (91c), and the fourth sensing electrode (91d) included in the first region (Z1) of the first power electrode (90a) can form a first group. The fifth sensing electrode (91e), the sixth sensing electrode (91f), and the seventh sensing electrode (91g) included in the second region (Z2) of the first power electrode (90a) can form a second group. The eighth sensing electrode (91h), the ninth sensing electrode (91i), the tenth sensing electrode (91j), and the eleventh sensing electrode (91k) included in the third region (Z3) of the first power electrode (90a) can form a third group. The 12th sensing electrode (91l), 13th sensing electrode (91m), and 14th sensing electrode (91n) included in the 4th region (Z4) of the 1st power electrode (90a) can form a 4th group.

[0159] The sensing circuit (170) can be provided in various numbers. For example, the number of sensing circuits (170) can correspond to the number of groups dividing multiple sensing electrodes (91). Since the strength of the electric field applied to adjacent sensing electrodes is not significantly different, the number of sensing circuits (170) can be reduced by grouping adjacent sensing electrodes and placing a sensing circuit (170) for each group of sensing electrodes.

[0160] For example, when multiple sensing electrodes (91) are divided into four groups, four sensing circuits (170a, 170b, 170c, 170d) may be provided. The four sensing electrodes (91a, 91b, 91c, 9d) included in the first region (Z1) may be connected to the first sensing circuit (170a). The first sensing circuit (170a) may output voltage and current values ​​corresponding to the largest electric field strength among the electric field strengths detected at each of the four sensing electrodes (91a, 91b, 91c, 9d).

[0161] Three sensing electrodes (91e, 91f, 91g) included in the second region (Z2) can be connected to a second sensing circuit (170b). The second sensing circuit (170b) can output voltage and current values ​​corresponding to the largest electric field strength among the electric field strengths detected at each of the three sensing electrodes (91e, 91f, 91g).

[0162] The four sensing electrodes (91h, 91i, 91j, 9k) included in the third region (Z3) can be connected to the third sensing circuit (170c). The third sensing circuit (170c) can output voltage and current values ​​corresponding to the greatest electric field strength among the electric field strengths detected at each of the four sensing electrodes (91h, 91i, 91j, 9k).

[0163] Three sensing electrodes (91l, 91m, 91n) included in the fourth region (Z4) can be connected to a fourth sensing circuit (170d). The fourth sensing circuit (170d) can output voltage and current values ​​corresponding to the largest electric field strength among the electric field strengths detected at each of the three sensing electrodes (91l, 91m, 91n).

[0164] The sensing circuit (170) may be provided with various circuit structures and / or various types of sensors. For example, the sensing circuit (170) may include an optocoupler comprising a light-emitting diode and a transistor. The intensity of light emitted by the light-emitting diode varies depending on the intensity of the electric field, and the voltage and / or current applied to the transistor may vary depending on the intensity of light emitted by the light-emitting diode.

[0165] The control unit (300) of the dryer (1) can obtain voltage and current values ​​output by each of the four sensing circuits (170a, 170b, 170c, 170d). The control unit (300) can determine the impedance value of an object contained in the chamber (20a) using one of the multiple voltage values ​​and one of the multiple current values ​​obtained from the four sensing circuits (170a, 170b, 170c, 170d). For example, the control unit (300) can determine the impedance value of an object using the maximum voltage value among the multiple voltage values ​​and the maximum current value among the multiple current values.

[0166] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 12, the dryer (1) can start a drying operation of the object. To perform the drying operation of the object, the dryer (1) can generate an electric field between the first power electrode (90a) and the second power electrode (90b).

[0168] The control unit (300) of the dryer (1) can obtain one or more voltage values ​​and one or more current values ​​from one or more sensing circuits (170) connected to a plurality of sensing electrodes (91) (1201). The control unit (300) can obtain voltage values ​​and current values ​​output by each of the one or more sensing circuits (170).

[0169] For example, if a single sensing circuit (170) is provided, the sensing circuit (170) can output a voltage value and a current value corresponding to the largest electric field strength among the electric field strengths detected at each of the plurality of sensing electrodes (91).

[0170] When a plurality of sensing circuits (170) corresponding to a plurality of groups for distinguishing a plurality of sensing electrodes (91) are provided, the control unit (300) can obtain a plurality of voltage values ​​and a plurality of current values ​​from the plurality of sensing circuits (170). For example, a first voltage value and a first current value output by the first sensing circuit (170a) shown in FIG. 11, a second voltage value and a second current value output by the second sensing circuit (170b), a third voltage value and a third current value output by the third sensing circuit (170c), and a fourth voltage value and a fourth current value output by the fourth sensing circuit (170d) can be obtained.

[0171] The control unit (300) can determine the impedance value of an object contained in the chamber (20a) using one or more voltage values ​​and one or more current values ​​obtained from one or more sensing circuits (170) (1202).

[0172] For example, if a single sensing circuit (170) is provided, the control unit (300) can determine the impedance value of an object contained in the chamber (20a) using the voltage and current values ​​obtained from the single sensing circuit (170).

[0173] When a plurality of sensing circuits (170) corresponding to a plurality of groups for distinguishing a plurality of sensing electrodes (91) are provided, the control unit (300) can determine the impedance value of an object contained in a chamber (20a) using one of a plurality of voltage values ​​and one of a plurality of current values ​​obtained from the plurality of sensing circuits (170).

[0174] The dryer (1) can adjust the input voltage of the RF power supply unit (140) based on the impedance value of the object (1203). The control unit (300) can adjust the input voltage of the RF power supply unit (140) by controlling the DC converter (130).

[0175] Additionally, the dryer (1) can perform impedance matching based on the impedance value of the object (1204). The control unit (300) can control the impedance matching circuit (150) to match the output impedance of the impedance matching circuit with the impedance of the object.

[0176] The dryer (1) can determine whether the drying of the object is complete (1205). For example, the dryer (1) can determine the degree of drying of the object based on the rate of change of the object's impedance. The dryer (1) can determine the completion of drying based on the degree of drying of the object reaching within the allowable tolerance range of a predetermined standard degree of drying. Additionally, the dryer (1) can determine the completion of drying when the impedance value of the object becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value. If the drying of the object is not completed, the dryer (1) can continue to perform the drying operation.

[0177] FIG. 13 is a flowchart that details the method for determining the impedance value of an object in the control method of a dryer described in FIG. 12.

[0178] Referring to FIG. 13, the control unit (300) of the dryer (1) can identify the magnitude of each of the multiple voltage values ​​and each of the multiple current values ​​obtained from the multiple sensing circuits (170) (1301). For example, the magnitude of the first voltage value and the magnitude of the first current value output by the first sensing circuit (170a) shown in FIG. 11, the magnitude of the second voltage value and the magnitude of the second current value output by the second sensing circuit (170b), the magnitude of the third voltage value and the magnitude of the third current value output by the third sensing circuit (170c), and the magnitude of the fourth voltage value and the magnitude of the fourth current value output by the fourth sensing circuit (170d) can be identified.

[0179] The control unit (300) can determine a representative sensing circuit based on the magnitude of each of the multiple voltage values ​​and each of the multiple current values ​​obtained from the multiple sensing circuits (170) (1302). For example, the control unit (300) can determine a sensing circuit that outputs at least one of the maximum voltage value and the maximum current value among the multiple sensing circuits (170) as the representative sensing circuit.

[0180] The control unit (300) can determine the impedance value of the object based on the representative voltage value and representative current value output from the representative sensing circuit (1303). For example, the control unit (300) can obtain the impedance value of the object corresponding to the representative voltage value and representative current value from the impedance data stored in the memory (320).

[0181] The disclosed dryer (1) can more accurately identify the impedance value of an object using the sensing electrode (91) and the sensing circuit (170) even if the electric field strength is not uniform across the entire area of ​​the power electrode (90).

[0182] Additionally, the control unit (300) can change the representative sensing circuit based on the magnitude of each of the multiple voltage values ​​and each of the multiple current values ​​obtained from the multiple sensing circuits (170) at predetermined time intervals.

[0183] To extend the lifespan of the sensing circuit (170), the control unit (300) may alternately determine each of the multiple sensing circuits (170) as the representative sensing circuit at predetermined time intervals.

[0184] A dryer according to one embodiment may include: a chamber; a plurality of power electrodes for generating an electric field within the chamber; a plurality of sensing electrodes provided on each of the plurality of power electrodes; one or more sensing circuits connected to the plurality of sensing electrodes; an RF power supply unit for supplying RF power to the plurality of power electrodes; an impedance matching circuit for performing impedance matching between the RF power supply unit and the plurality of power electrodes; a DC converter for applying voltage to the RF power supply unit; and a control unit for obtaining one or more voltage values ​​and one or more current values ​​from the one or more sensing circuits, determining the impedance value of an object contained within the chamber using the one or more voltage values ​​and one or more current values, controlling the DC converter to adjust the input voltage of the RF power supply unit based on the impedance value of the object, and controlling the impedance matching circuit to perform impedance matching based on the impedance value of the object.

[0185] The above one or more sensing circuits may be provided as a single sensing circuit. The single sensing circuit may output a voltage value and a current value corresponding to the largest electric field strength among the electric field strengths detected at each of the plurality of sensing electrodes.

[0186] The above one or more sensing circuits may be provided as a plurality of sensing circuits. The control unit may determine a representative sensing circuit based on the magnitude of each of the plurality of voltage values ​​and the magnitude of each of the plurality of current values, and determine the impedance value of the object based on the representative voltage value and the representative current value output from the representative sensing circuit.

[0187] The control unit above can determine a sensing circuit that outputs at least one of a maximum voltage value and a maximum current value among the plurality of sensing circuits as the representative sensing circuit.

[0188] The control unit above can change the representative sensing circuit based on the magnitude of each of the plurality of voltage values ​​and the magnitude of each of the plurality of current values ​​obtained at predetermined time intervals.

[0189] The control unit can alternately determine each of the plurality of sensing circuits as the representative sensing circuit at the predetermined time intervals.

[0190] The disclosed dryer (1) further includes a memory; and the control unit can obtain the impedance value of the object corresponding to the representative voltage value and the representative current value from the impedance data stored in the memory.

[0191] The plurality of power electrodes may include a first power electrode disposed on a first side of the chamber; and a second power electrode disposed on a second side facing the first side of the chamber. The plurality of sensing electrodes may include a first plurality of sensing electrodes spaced apart from each other at the first power electrode; and a second plurality of sensing electrodes spaced apart from each other at the second power electrode. The first plurality of sensing electrodes and the second plurality of sensing electrodes may not face each other.

[0192] The plurality of sensing electrodes may be divided into a plurality of groups, each comprising two or more sensing electrodes. The one or more sensing circuits may be provided as a plurality of sensing circuits, and the number of the plurality of sensing circuits may correspond to the number of the plurality of groups.

[0193] The above plurality of sensing electrodes can be arranged in a matrix form.

[0194] Each of the above one or more sensing circuits may include an optocoupler comprising a light-emitting diode and a transistor.

[0195] A control method for a dryer comprising a plurality of power electrodes for generating an electric field within a chamber, a plurality of sensing electrodes provided on each of the plurality of power electrodes, an RF power supply unit for supplying RF power to the plurality of power electrodes, an impedance matching circuit for performing impedance matching between the RF power supply unit and the plurality of power electrodes, a DC converter for applying an input voltage to the RF power supply unit, and a control unit, wherein the control method according to one embodiment may include: obtaining one or more voltage values ​​and one or more current values ​​from one or more sensing circuits connected to the plurality of sensing electrodes by the control unit; determining an impedance value of an object contained within the chamber using the one or more voltage values ​​and the one or more current values; controlling the DC converter to adjust the input voltage applied to the RF power supply unit based on the impedance value of the object; and controlling the impedance matching circuit to perform impedance matching based on the impedance value of the object.

[0196] The above one or more sensing circuits may be provided as a plurality of sensing circuits. Determining the impedance value of the object may include determining one of the plurality of sensing circuits as a representative sensing circuit based on the magnitude of each of the plurality of voltage values ​​obtained from each of the plurality of sensing circuits and the magnitude of each of the plurality of current values ​​obtained from each of the plurality of sensing circuits; and determining the impedance value of the object based on the representative voltage value and the representative current value output from the representative sensing circuit.

[0197] Determining the representative sensing circuit above may include determining the sensing circuit that outputs at least one of the maximum voltage value and the maximum current value among the plurality of sensing circuits as the representative sensing circuit.

[0198] Determining the representative sensing circuit may include changing the representative sensing circuit based on the magnitude of each of the plurality of voltage values ​​and the magnitude of each of the plurality of current values ​​obtained at predetermined time intervals.

[0199] Determining the representative sensing circuit may include alternately determining each of the plurality of sensing circuits as the representative sensing circuit at each of the predetermined time intervals.

[0200] Determining the impedance value of the object may include obtaining the impedance value of the object corresponding to the representative voltage value and the representative current value from the impedance data stored in memory.

[0201] The disclosed dryer and control method can more accurately detect changes in the impedance of an object while the drying operation is being performed.

[0202] The disclosed dryer and control method can adjust the strength of the electric field for drying an object by reflecting the change in the impedance of the object.

[0203] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a storage medium that stores instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, they may generate a program module to perform the operation of the disclosed embodiments.

[0204] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory storage medium' simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily. For example, a 'non-transitory storage medium' may include a buffer in which data is stored temporarily.

[0205] Methods according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as part of a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0206] 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. Chamber; A plurality of power electrodes for generating an electric field within the chamber; A plurality of sensing electrodes provided on each of the above plurality of power electrodes; One or more sensing circuits connected to the plurality of sensing electrodes above; An RF power supply unit that supplies RF power to the above plurality of power electrodes; An impedance matching circuit that performs impedance matching between the above RF power supply unit and the plurality of power electrodes; A DC converter that applies voltage to the above RF power supply; and One or more voltage values ​​and one or more current values ​​are obtained from the above one or more sensing circuits, and Determining the impedance value of an object contained within the chamber using the above one or more voltage values ​​and the above one or more current values, and The DC converter is controlled to adjust the input voltage of the RF power supply unit based on the impedance value of the object above, and A dryer comprising: a control unit that controls the impedance matching circuit to perform impedance matching based on the impedance value of the object.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above one or more sensing circuits are provided as a single sensing circuit, and The above single sensing circuit is A dryer that outputs voltage and current values ​​corresponding to the largest electric field strength among the electric field strengths detected at each of the plurality of sensing electrodes.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above one or more sensing circuits are provided as a plurality of sensing circuits, and The above control unit A representative sensing circuit is determined based on the magnitude of each of the plurality of voltage values ​​and the magnitude of each of the plurality of current values, and A dryer that determines the impedance value of the object based on the representative voltage value and representative current value output from the representative sensing circuit.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above control unit A dryer that determines a sensing circuit outputting at least one of a maximum voltage value and a maximum current value among the plurality of sensing circuits as the representative sensing circuit.

5. In Paragraph 3, The above control unit A dryer that changes the representative sensing circuit based on the magnitude of each of the plurality of voltage values ​​and the magnitude of each of the plurality of current values ​​obtained at predetermined time intervals.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above control unit A dryer that alternately determines each of the plurality of sensing circuits as the representative sensing circuit at the above-determined time intervals.

7. In Paragraph 3, Including additional memory, The above control unit A dryer that obtains the impedance value of the object corresponding to the representative voltage value and the representative current value from the impedance data stored in the memory.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above plurality of power electrodes A first power electrode disposed on the first side of the chamber; and It includes a second power electrode disposed on a second side facing the first side of the chamber; and The above plurality of sensing electrodes are A first plurality of sensing electrodes spaced apart from each other at the first power electrode; and It includes a second plurality of sensing electrodes spaced apart from each other at the second power electrode; A dryer in which the first plurality of sensing electrodes and the second plurality of sensing electrodes do not face each other.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above plurality of sensing electrodes are divided into a plurality of groups, each comprising two or more sensing electrodes, and A dryer in which the above one or more sensing circuits are provided as a plurality of sensing circuits, and the number of the plurality of sensing circuits corresponds to the number of the plurality of groups.

10. In Paragraph 1, A dryer in which the above plurality of sensing electrodes are arranged in a matrix form.

11. In Paragraph 1, Each of the above one or more sensing circuits is A dryer comprising an optocoupler including a light-emitting diode and a transistor.

12. A method for controlling a dryer comprising: a plurality of power electrodes for generating an electric field within a chamber; a plurality of sensing electrodes provided on each of the plurality of power electrodes; an RF power supply unit for supplying RF power to the plurality of power electrodes; an impedance matching circuit for performing impedance matching between the RF power supply unit and the plurality of power electrodes; a DC converter for applying an input voltage to the RF power supply unit; and a control unit. By the above control unit, one or more voltage values ​​and one or more current values ​​are obtained from one or more sensing circuits connected to the plurality of sensing electrodes; Determining the impedance value of an object contained within the chamber using the above one or more voltage values ​​and the above one or more current values; Control the DC converter to adjust the input voltage applied to the RF power supply based on the impedance value of the object; A method for controlling a dryer comprising: controlling the impedance matching circuit to perform impedance matching based on the impedance value of the object.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above one or more sensing circuits are provided as a plurality of sensing circuits, and Determining the impedance value of the above object is, One of the plurality of sensing circuits is determined as a representative sensing circuit based on the magnitude of each of the plurality of voltage values ​​obtained from each of the plurality of sensing circuits and the magnitude of each of the plurality of current values ​​obtained from each of the plurality of sensing circuits; A method for controlling a dryer comprising determining the impedance value of the object based on a representative voltage value and a representative current value output from the representative sensing circuit.

14. In Paragraph 13, Determining the above representative sensing circuit is, A method for controlling a dryer comprising: determining a sensing circuit that outputs at least one of a maximum voltage value and a maximum current value among the plurality of sensing circuits as the representative sensing circuit.

15. In Paragraph 13, Determining the above representative sensing circuit is, A method for controlling a dryer comprising: changing the representative sensing circuit based on the magnitude of each of the plurality of voltage values ​​and the magnitude of each of the plurality of current values ​​obtained at predetermined time intervals.

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