DRYER AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/KR2025/014093 designating the United States, filed on Sep. 10, 2025, in the Korean Intellectual Property Receiving Office and claiming priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0126059, filed on Sep. 13, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Field

The disclosure relates to a dryer capable of drying an object using dielectric heating and a method for controlling the same.

Description of Related Art

A dryer is a device that capable of drying an object (e.g., clothing) by removing moisture contained in the object. There are various types of drying devices that may dry an object. For example, there is a dryer that supplies hot air into a drum that accommodates an object. In the method for supplying hot air into the drum, heat is transferred from air having high heat to water having low heat, and thus, heat transfer efficiency is low and drying efficiency decreases accordingly. Furthermore, the hot air supplied into the drum may damage the object.

In another example, there is a dryer capable of drying an object through dielectric heating that uses radio frequency (RF). In existing dryers that use dielectric heating, an object is placed between two flat electrodes arranged in parallel and water contained in the object is heated by producing an electric field between the two flat electrodes.

Existing dryers that use dielectric heating may employ a heat pump method that is used to remove water vapor inside the drum where an object to be dried is located. In the heat pump method, drying air and condensing moisture are simultaneously executed while a refrigerant circulates through a closed loop including a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, and an expander. However, such existing dryers using dielectric heating do not provide a function of removing water vapor from the air inside the drum using dielectric heating.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a dryer that may execute a drying operation, a sterilizing operation, and a condensing operation by separately providing a drying electrode for drying an object accommodated in a drum, a sterilizing electrode for sterilizing the object, and a condensing electrode for condensing water vapor in the air inside the drum, and a method for controlling the same.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a dryer that may reduce circuit costs by reducing the number of power amplifier circuits required to apply a radio frequency (RF) signal to an electrode to execute a drying operation, a sterilizing operation, and a condensing operation, and a method for controlling the same.

Technical aspects that can be achieved by the disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned aspects, and other technical aspects not mentioned will be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical art to which the disclosure belongs from the following description.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, a dryer may include: a drying electrode portion including a drying electrode; a sterilizing electrode portion including a sterilizing electrode; a condensing electrode portion including a condensing electrode; a radio frequency (RF) power supply including a first RF power supply and a second power supply configured to amplify an input signal to generate an RF signal; a switch portion including a switch configured to electrically connect or disconnect the drying electrode portion, the sterilizing electrode portion or the condensing electrode portion to/from the RF power supplier; and at least one processor, comprising processing circuitry, individually and/or collectively, configured to cause the dryer to: control the switch portion to allow the first RF power supply and the second RF power supply to apply a first RF signal to the drying electrode portion to execute a drying mode, and control the switch portion to allow one of the first RF power supply and the second RF power supply to apply a second RF signal to the condensing electrode portion, or to allow a remaining one of the first RF power supply and the second RF power supply to apply a third RF signal to the sterilizing electrode portion to execute at least one of a condensing mode or a sterilizing mode.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, in a method for controlling a dryer including a drying electrode, a sterilizing electrode, a condensing electrode, a radio frequency (RF) power supply including a first RF power supply and a second power supply configured to output an RF signal, and a switch configured to electrically connect or disconnect the drying electrode, the sterilizing electrode or the condensing electrode to/from the RF power supply, the method may include: controlling the switch to allow the first RF power supply and the second RF power supply to apply a first RF signal to the drying electrode to execute a drying mode; and controlling the switch to allow one of the first RF power supply and the second RF power supply to apply a second RF signal to the condensing electrode, or to allow a remaining one of the first RF power supply and the second RF power supply to apply a third RF signal to the sterilizing electrode to execute at least one of a condensing mode or a sterilizing mode.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, a dryer and a method for controlling the same may execute a drying operation, a sterilizing operation, and a condensing operation using separately provided drying, sterilizing, and condensing electrodes.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, circuit costs may be reduced by reducing the number of power amplifiers required to apply an RF signal to an electrode to execute a drying operation, a sterilizing operation, and a condensing operation.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, in executing a drying operation, two power amplifiers operate in a complementary manner, thereby canceling out noise applied to a drying electrode and improving drying efficiency.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example dryer according to various embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a dryer according to various embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example dielectric heating phenomenon that occurs in a dryer according to various embodiments;

FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6 are perspective views illustrating example arrangements of a drying electrode and a sterilizing electrode according to various embodiments;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example condensing device and an arrangement of a condensing electrode according to various embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a dryer according to various embodiments;

FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are circuit diagrams illustrating an example circuit structure of a power amplifier circuit system according to various embodiments;

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example circuit structure during a drying mode of a dryer according to various embodiments;

FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example process of generating a first radio frequency (RF) signal during a drying mode of a dryer according to various embodiments;

FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example circuit structure during a condensing mode of a dryer according to various embodiments;

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example circuit structure during a sterilizing mode of a dryer according to various embodiments;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of controlling a dryer according to various embodiments; and

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example operation of a dryer based on a duty cycle according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various example embodiments and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technology disclosed herein to specific forms, and the disclosure should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives to the various embodiments.

In describing the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to designate similar elements.

A singular expression may include a plural expression unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

The expressions “A or B,” “at least one of A or/and B,” or “one or more of A or/and B,” A, B or C,” “at least one of A, B or/and C,” or “one or more of A, B or/and C,” and the like used herein may include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The term of “and/or” includes a plurality of combinations of relevant items or any one item among a plurality of relevant items.

Herein, the expressions “a first”, “a second”, “the first”, “the second”, etc., may simply be used to distinguish an element from other elements, but is not limited to another aspect (e.g., importance or order) of elements.

When an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “(functionally or communicatively) coupled,” or “connected” to another element (e.g., a second element), the first element may be connected to the second element, directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third element.

In this disclosure, the terms “including”, “having”, and the like are used to specify features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more of the features, elements, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

When an element is said to be “connected”, “coupled”, “supported” or “contacted” with another element, this includes not only when elements are directly connected, coupled, supported or contacted, but also when elements are indirectly connected, coupled, supported or contacted through a third element.

Throughout the disclosure, when an element is “on” another element, this includes not only when the element is in contact with the other element, but also when there is another element between the two elements.

Hereinafter, a dryer according to various embodiments of the disclosure is described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example dryer according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a dryer according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the dryer 1 may include a cabinet 1a that defines an exterior, and a drum 20 rotatably installed in the cabinet 1a. The cabinet 1a may be provided in a shape of substantially a hexahedron. The cabinet 1a may include a top cover 1b that forms a top side of the cabinet 1a, a front cover 1c that forms a front side thereof, a rear cover 1d that forms a rear side thereof, and a base that forms a bottom side thereof.

For example, the front cover 1c, the top cover 1b, and the base, which comprises the cabinet 1a, may be separately provided and assembled together. In another example, some components (e.g., the front cover, the top cover, and the base) that comprise the cabinet 1a may be integrally formed.

An inlet 31 through which to an object to be dried (not shown) may be put into or removed from the drum 20 may be provided at the front portion of the cabinet 1a. For example, the object to be dried (hereinafter also referred to as “object”) may include clothing, fabrics, shoes, and the like. The dryer 1 may include a door 50 for opening or closing the inlet 31 provided at the front cover 1c. A user may put in or take out the object to be dried to or from the drum 20 through the inlet 31 after opening the door 50. When the inlet 31 is closed and the dryer 1 starts to operate, a door lock may lock the door 50.

A user interface 100 may be provided in an upper portion on a front surface of the cabinet 1a for interaction between the user and the dryer 1. The user interface 100 may obtain an input (e.g., a user input) and display various information about the dryer 1. A position of the user interface 100 is not limited to the front surface. The user interface 100 may be provided in various positions on the dryer 1.

The user interface 100 may include a display. The user interface 100 may also include an input portion for obtaining a user input relating to an operation of the dryer 1. The input portion may include a rotatable dial and various buttons. In addition, the user interface 100 may include various types of input portions and a display.

The display may be provided as various types of display panels. For example, the display may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, an organic LED (OLED) panel, or a micro LED panel. The display may include a touch screen to be used as an input device as well.

The display may display information input by the user or information to be provided for the user in various screens. The display may display information about an operation of the dryer 1 in at least one of an image or a text. The display may also display a graphic user interface (GUI) that enables control of the dryer 1. For example, the display may display a user interface (UI) element such as an icon.

The input portion may transmit an electrical signal (e.g., voltage or current) corresponding to a user input to a controller 300 of the dryer 1. The input portion may include various buttons and/or a dial. For example, the input portion may include at least one of a power button to power on or off the dryer 1, a start/stop button to start or stop a drying operation, a drying mode button to select a drying mode, a temperature button to set a drying temperature, or a time button to set a drying time. These various buttons may be provided as mechanical buttons and/or touch buttons.

The dial included in the input portion may be rotatable. The UI elements displayed on the display may be sequentially shifted by turning the dial. The dryer 1 may execute drying according to a selected drying mode. The drying mode may include drying parameters such as drying temperature and drying time. Other drying modes may be selected depending on a position of the object, a type of the object, and/or an amount of the object in the drum 20.

The dryer 1 may include a filter 40 detachably installed at the front cover 1c. The filter 40 may filter off a foreign substance such as lint that moves along with air circulating in the drum 20.

Referring to FIG. 2, the drum 20 having a cylindrical shape may be provided in the cabinet 1a. The drum 20 may accommodate an object to be dried. The drum 20 is rotatable based on power provided by a motor 72. The drum 20 may be provided in the cabinet 1a to rotate around a rotating axis that is substantially parallel with the ground surface.

A lifter 21 may be provided on an inner circumferential surface of the drum 20 to lift the object while the drum 20 is rotating. An operation in which the object is lifted by the lifter 21 and then falls may be repeated according to the rotation of the drum 20. A roller 22 that supports the drum 20 to be smoothly rotated may be provided on an outer circumferential surface of the drum 20.

A driving device may be located in a lower portion in the cabinet 1a. The driving device may be mounted on the base of the dryer 1. The driving device may include the motor 72, and a pulley 74 and a belt 75 for transferring power provided by the motor 72 to the drum 20.

The pulley 74 may be connected to a rotation shaft 73, which is connected to the motor 72. When the rotation shaft 73 is rotated by the motor 72, the pulley 74 may be rotated along with the rotation shaft 73. The belt 75 may be installed to be wound on an outer surface of the pulley 74 and an outer surface of the drum 20. When the belt 75 is rotated by driving power of the motor 72, the drum 20 may be rotated along with the belt 75. The drum 20 may be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise.

A flow path 80 may be formed in the cabinet 1a and in the drum 20 in which air is circulated. The flow path 80 may include an air discharge path 81 in which air is discharged out of the drum 20 from inside the drum 20, and an air supply path 82 in which air is supplied into the drum 20.

The dryer 1 may include a discharge duct 60 that forms the air discharge path 81. The filter 40 may be provided at an inlet 61 of the discharge duct 60. The discharge duct 60 may pass through the cabinet 1a, and an outlet 63 of the discharge duct 60 may be exposed to an outside of the cabinet 1a. The air flowing in through the inlet 61 of the discharge duct 60 may be filtered while passing the filter 40. The filter 40 may filter out a foreign substance such as lint contained in the air.

A fan 71 may be provided in the cabinet 1a to circulate the air. The air may flow into the discharge duct 60 from inside the drum 120 due to rotation of the fan 71. Due to the rotation of the fan 71, air may be supplied into the drum 20 through the air supply path 83 and an air inlet 20b of the drum 20. The air supplied into the drum 20 may be used for drying the object.

The motor 72 may rotate not only the drum 20 but also the fan 71. The drum 20 and the fan 71 are shown as being driven by the single motor 72, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, additional fan motor (not shown) for driving the fan 71 may be included in the dryer 1. In addition, the motor 72 may be directly connected to the drum 20 to rotate the drum 20. In a case where the motor 72 is directly connected to the drum 20, the pulley 74 and the belt 75 may be omitted.

A plurality of electrodes may be provided between the cabinet 1a and the drum 20. For example, a drying electrode 90a and a sterilizing electrode 91c may be provided between the cabinet 1a and the drum 20. Drying electrode portion 90a and the sterilizing electrode 91c may be provided in a plate shape and may be spaced apart from each other along the outer surface of the drum 20. Drying electrode portion 90a and the sterilizing electrode 91c may be arranged in an alternating pattern. Drying electrode portion 90a and the sterilizing electrode 91c may also be spaced apart from the cabinet 1a and the drum 20. However, the shape and arrangement of drying electrode portion 90a and the sterilizing electrode 91c illustrated in FIG. 2 are only an example, and drying electrode portion 90a and the sterilizing electrode 91c may be provided in various shapes and arranged in various ways, which will be described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a dielectric heating phenomenon that occurs in the dryer 1 according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment, the dryer 1 may include at least one component that causes a dielectric heating phenomenon.

The dryer 1 according to an embodiment may apply high-frequency power (hereinafter, referred to as an ‘radio frequency (RF) signal’) to a plurality of electrodes (e.g., the drying electrodes 90a and 90b) based on power supplied from a commercial power source (AC). In this instance, a high-frequency electric field 230 may be generated between a first electrode (e.g., the first drying electrode 90a) and a second electrode (e.g., the second drying electrode 90b) based on the RF signal provided to the plurality of electrodes (e.g., the drying electrodes 90a and 90b). In this instance, the dryer 1 may include at least one component for generating and processing an RF signal between the commercial power source (AC) and the plurality of electrodes.

In a case where an object located between the first electrode 90a and the second electrode 90b (hereinafter, also referred to as an ‘object to be dried’) contains polar molecules 240 (e.g., water molecules), the polar molecules may execute rotational motion and/or vibrational motion due to the high-frequency electric field 230. Accordingly, the object to be dried may be heated by the motion of the polar molecules 240 within the object.

The polar molecules 240 in the object may be located on the surface and inside the object, and where the object is heated may depend on where the polar molecules 240 are arranged in the object.

According to the dielectric heating device according to an example embodiment, the object may be uniformly heated due to the motion of the polar molecules 240 in the object.

FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6 are perspective views illustrating example arrangements of a drying electrode portion 90 and a sterilizing electrode portion 92 according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment, the dryer 1 may include the drying electrode portion 90 including a plurality of drying electrodes or the sterilizing electrode portion 92 including a plurality of sterilizing electrodes. For example, the drying electrode portion 90 includes the first drying electrode 90a, the second drying electrode 90b, or a third drying electrode 90c, and the sterilizing electrode portion 92 may include a first sterilizing electrode 92a, a second sterilizing electrode 92b, or a third sterilizing electrode 92c.

An electric field generated by the drying electrode portion 90 inside the drum 20 according to an embodiment may vibrate dielectrics (e.g., water molecules) contained in an object to be dried. The vibration of the dielectrics may generate dipole frictional heat to heat the dielectrics. The object may be dried as the heated dielectrics evaporate. The evaporated dielectrics may be discharged to the outside of the drum 20 along with the air supplied into the drum 20, and may be removed through a condensing device 900.

An electric field generated by the sterilizing electrode portion 92 inside the drum 20 according to an embodiment may destroy cell membranes of microorganisms, such as bacteria, to remove the microorganisms. When a strong electric field is applied to a microorganism, a potential difference between the cell membranes increases. Because the charges generated on both surfaces of the cell membrane are opposite, an attractive force acts between the two charges. The attractive force compresses the cell membrane and reduces the thickness of the membrane. Due to the decreased thickness, pores are formed in the cell membrane and the cell membrane is destroyed. As a result, the microorganism dies. A sterilizing effect may be obtained even with an electric field generated for a short time by the sterilizing electrode portion 92.

The electric field generated by the sterilizing electrode portion 92 inside the drum 20 may also deodorize the object to be dried. In a case where a relatively high voltage is applied to the sterilizing electrode portion 92, a corona discharge may occur. The corona discharge is a phenomenon that occurs when gas particles on the electrode surface become excited and ionized due to the high voltage applied between two electrodes. For example, by exposing an object containing odor particles to a high-voltage electric field, the odor particles may be separated from the object due to the corona discharge phenomenon. Accordingly, the object to be dried may be deodorized.

The plurality of drying electrodes 90a, 90b, and 90c and the plurality of sterilizing electrodes 92a, 92b, and 92c may be fixed between the cabinet 1a and the drum 20. The drum 20 is not connected to the plurality of drying electrodes 90a, 90b, and 90c and the plurality of sterilizing electrodes 92a, 92b, and 92c. Accordingly, the plurality of drying electrodes 90a, 90b, and 90c and the plurality of sterilizing electrodes 92a, 92b, and 92c do not restrict the rotation of the drum 20. Because the plurality of drying electrodes 90a, 90b, and 90c and the plurality of sterilizing electrodes 92a, 92b, and 92c are arranged along the outer circumferential surface of the drum 20, an electric field may be generated in various areas inside the drum 20. Accordingly, the dryer 1 according to the disclosure may generate an electric field inside the drum 20 through the drying electrode portion 90 and the sterilizing electrode portion 92 even while the drum 20 is rotating, and may execute drying or sterilization of the object to be dried.

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

Each of the plurality of drying electrodes 90a, 90b, and 90c and the plurality of sterilizing electrodes 92a, 92b, and 92c may be provided in a curved plate shape (e.g., a panel shape). Each of the plurality of sterilizing electrodes 92a, 92b, and 92c may be positioned between adjacent drying electrodes 90a, 90b, and 90c along the outer circumferential surface of the drum 20.

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

The first sterilizing electrode 92a may be arranged between the first drying electrode 90a and the second drying electrode 90b. The second sterilizing electrode 92b may be arranged between the second drying electrode 90b and the third drying electrode 90c. The third sterilizing electrode 92c may be arranged between the first drying electrode 90a and the third drying electrode 90c. With the above arrangement of the drying electrode portion 90 and the sterilizing electrode portion 92, an object may be dried and sterilized throughout the inside the drum 20.

An area of each of the plurality of drying electrodes 90a, 90b, and 90c may be larger than that of each of the plurality of sterilizing electrodes 92a, 92b, and 92c. A thickness of each of the plurality of drying electrodes 90a, 90b, and 90c may be greater than that of each of the plurality of sterilizing electrodes 92a, 92b, and 92c. Due to the greater thickness of drying electrode portion 90 than the sterilizing electrode portion 92, the drying efficiency may be increased. In general, drying an object requires more energy and time than sterilization. A relatively larger area of drying electrode portion 90 may increase the area where an electric field is generated during a drying operation. A relatively greater thickness of drying electrode portion 90 may increase an intensity of the electric field during a drying operation.

Referring to FIG. 5, the plurality of drying electrodes 90a, 90b, and 90c may be provided in a curved plate shape, and may be spaced apart from each other along the outer circumferential surface of the drum 20 at a central portion of the drum 20. The plurality of sterilizing electrodes 92d and 92e may be provided in a ring shape that surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the drum 20, and may be arranged at a front portion or a rear portion of the outer circumferential surface. In this instance, the plurality of drying electrodes 90a, 90b, and 90c and the plurality of sterilizing electrodes 92d and 92e may be arranged without overlapping.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, three drying electrodes (90: 90a, 90b, and 90c) may be arranged at the central portion of the drum 20 along the circumference of the drum 20. The first drying electrode 90a may be arranged on the upper right side of the drum 20. The second drying electrode 90b may be arranged adjacent to the first drying electrode 90a and below the drum 20. The third drying electrode 90c may be arranged adjacent to the first drying electrode 90a on the upper left side of the drum 20. In addition, the fourth sterilizing electrode 92d may be provided in a ring shape and arranged between an edge of the front portion of the outer circumferential surface of the drum 20 and the plurality of drying electrodes (90: 90a, 90b, and 90c). The fifth sterilizing electrode 92e may also be provided in a ring shape and arranged between an edge of the rear portion of the outer circumferential surface of the drum 20 and the plurality of drying electrodes (90: 90a, 90b, and 90c). In this example, the plurality of sterilizing electrodes 92d and 92e may be spaced apart from the plurality of drying electrodes 90a, 90b, and 90c.

In this example, because the plurality of sterilizing electrodes 92d and 92e are ring-shaped, a stronger electric field for sterilization may be generated in the region adjacent to the inner circumferential surface of the drum 20, e.g., the region where the object to be dried is located within the drum 20, compared to a case where the sterilizing electrodes are plate-shaped. Accordingly, sterilizing power may be concentrated.

In addition, because the plurality of ring-shaped sterilizing electrodes 92d and 92e are located to surround the front portion and the rear portion of the outer circumferential surface of the drum 20, the electric field for sterilization may be concentrated on the front portion or the rear portion of the inside of the drum 20. The front portion of the drum 20 is where other foreign substances including bacteria are most likely introduced due to the opening and closing of the door 50. The rear portion of the drum 20 is the deepest part of the drum 20, where moisture and foreign substances are difficult to remove during cleaning and where bacteria are more likely to propagate. By concentrating the electric field for sterilization on the front portion and the rear portion of the drum 20, the sterilization efficiency may be increased.

For example, by causing an electric field by the plurality of sterilizing electrodes 92d and 92e to be generated in a specific area within the drum 20, the sterilization efficiency may be improved.

Referring to FIG. 6, the plurality of drying electrodes 90d and 90e may be provided in a ring shape that surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the drum 20 and may be arranged at a central portion of the outer circumferential surface. The plurality of sterilizing electrodes 92d and 92e may be provided in a ring shape that surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the drum 20, and may be arranged at a front portion or a rear portion of the outer circumferential surface.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, two drying electrodes 90d and 90e may be arranged at the central portion of the drum 20 along the outer circumferential surface of the drum 20. In this instance, the fourth drying electrode 90d and the fifth drying electrode 90e may be spaced apart from each other.

The fourth sterilizing electrode 92d may be provided in a ring shape and arranged between an edge of the front portion of the outer circumferential surface of the drum 20 and the plurality of drying electrodes 90a and 90b. The fifth sterilizing electrode 92e may also be provided in a ring shape and arranged between an edge of the rear portion of the outer circumferential surface of the drum 20 and the plurality of drying electrodes 90d and 90e. In this example, the plurality of sterilizing electrodes 92d and 92e may be spaced apart from the plurality of drying electrodes 90d and 90e.

In this example, because the plurality of drying electrodes 90d and 90e and sterilizing electrodes 92d and 92e are ring-shaped, a stronger electric field for drying or sterilization may be generated in the region adjacent to the inner circumferential surface of the drum 20, e.g., the region where the object to be dried is located within the drum 20, compared to a case where the electrodes are plate-shaped.

For example, by causing an electric field by the plurality of drying electrodes 90d and 90e or sterilizing electrodes 92d and 92e to be generated in a specific area within the drum 20, the drying efficiency or the sterilizing efficiency may be improved.

According to various embodiments, the number, shape, and arrangement of the electrodes included in the drying electrode portion 90 and the sterilizing electrode portion 92 are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a condensing device and an arrangement of a condensing electrode according to various embodiments.

The dryer 1 according to an embodiment may include the condensing device 900 for condensing the water vapor generated in the drum 20 to remove the water vapor from the air discharged from the drum 20 through a dielectric heating phenomenon and to discharge the water vapor to the outside of the dryer 1. In this example, the condensing device 900 may be referred to as a drainage device or a dehumidifying device.

According to an embodiment, the condensing device 900 included in the dryer 1 may remove water vapor from the air discharged from the drum 20 using a substance that absorbs moisture from the air (e.g., a desiccant).

Referring to FIG. 7, the condensing device 900 may include a desiccant rotor 195, a rotor driving motor 191, a first fan 192, a regeneration device 193, a second fan 194, and/or a plurality of condensing electrodes 91a and 91b.

A desiccant material may be applied to at least one side of the desiccant rotor 195. For example, the desiccant material may be applied to one side of the desiccant rotor 195 adjacent to an air outlet 81a from which air is discharged from the drum. The desiccant material may include a porous substance, such as zeolite, a metal-organic framework (MOF), or silica gel. The desiccant material may include a compound with strong hygroscopicity, such as lithium chloride (LiCl) or calcium chloride (CaCl).

The desiccant rotor 195 may be located on a flow path of air discharged from the drum 20. The desiccant rotor 195 may be disposed on the air discharge path 81 through which air is discharged from the inside of the drum 20 to the outside of the drum 20. For example, the desiccant rotor 195 may be located in the discharge duct 60 that forms the air discharge path 81. Accordingly, water vapor in the air passing through the air outlet 81a, through which air is discharged from the drum 20, may be removed by passing through the desiccant material applied to the desiccant rotor 195.

The rotor driving motor 191 may be connected to the desiccant rotor 195 and may rotate the desiccant rotor. The rotor driving motor 191 may rotate the desiccant rotor 195 at a constant speed to allow entire one surface of the desiccant rotor 195 to come into uniform contact with the air passing through the desiccant rotor 195. The rotor driving motor 191 may adjust a rotation speed of the desiccant rotor 195. Accordingly, a degree to which water vapor in the air is condensed, e.g., the degree of dehumidification, may be determined.

The first fan 192 may discharge relatively dry air, from which moisture has been removed while passing through the desiccant rotor 195, to the outside of the dryer 1 or deliver the relatively dry air back into the drum 20.

For example, the first fan 192 may form an airflow that allows the dry air that has passed through the desiccant rotor 195 to be discharged to the outside of the dryer 1. For example, the air that has passed through the desiccant rotor 195 may move to the outlet 63 of the discharge duct 60.

In another example, the first fan 192 may form an airflow that allows the dry air that has passed through the desiccant rotor 195 to be introduced back into the drum 20. For example, the air that has passed through the desiccant rotor 195 may move to the air supply path 82 or the air inlet 20b of the drum 20.

In other words, the condensing device 900 may move the air containing water vapor, discharged from the drum 20, in the order of the first air outlet 81a, the desiccant rotor 195, and the first fan 192 (e.g., in the d1 direction of FIG. 7) to generate dry air, and may discharge dry air to the outside of the dryer 1 or supply the dry air back into the drum 20 in order to dry the object to be dried.

The regeneration device 193 may generate heated air or dry air and supply the air to the desiccant rotor 195.

For example, the regeneration device 193 may include an electric heater for heating the air. In addition, the regeneration device 193 may further include a fan that forms an airflow for supplying the generated high-temperature dry air to the desiccant rotor 195.

The high-temperature dry air generated from the regeneration device 193 may be supplied toward a regeneration portion of the desiccant rotor 195, and the regeneration portion may include at least a portion of one side of the desiccant rotor 195.

A condensing electrode portion 91 may include a plurality of condensing electrodes. The plurality of condensing electrodes 91a and 91b may be arranged on the front and rear sides of the regeneration portion of the desiccant rotor 195, spaced apart from the desiccant rotor 195.

According to an embodiment, an electric field generated on the regeneration portion of the desiccant rotor 195 by the condensing electrode portion 91 may vibrate dielectrics (e.g., water molecules) contained in the regeneration portion of the desiccant rotor 195. The vibration of the dielectrics may generate dipole frictional heat to heat the dielectrics. The regeneration portion of the desiccant rotor 195 may be dried as the heated dielectrics evaporate.

In other words, the regeneration portion of the desiccant rotor 195 may be dehumidified by removing moisture. Accordingly, the condensing electrode portion 91 may be referred to as a dehumidifying electrode portion, and the condensing electrodes 91a and 91b may be referred to as dehumidifying electrodes.

As the desiccant rotor 195 rotates by the rotor driving motor 191, a portion included in the electric field generated by the condensing electrode portion 91 changes. A full rotation of the desiccant rotor 195 may allow the entire desiccant rotor 195 to be dehumidified, thereby regenerating to absorb moisture in the air again. Accordingly, the condensing electrode portion 91 may also be referred to as a regeneration electrode portion, and the condensing electrodes 91a and 91b may be referred to as regeneration electrodes.

The moisture evaporated from the desiccant rotor 195 by the electric field generated by the condensing electrode portion 91 may be discharged to the outside of the dryer 1 and may be removed through separate processing. As a result, the moisture contained in the air inside the drum 20 of the dryer 1 may be finally drained. Accordingly, the condensing electrode portion 91 may also be referred to as a drainage electrode portion, and the condensing electrodes 91a and 91b may be referred to as drainage electrodes.

Although it is illustrated in FIG. 7 that a pair of condensing electrodes 91a and 91b are arranged on the front and rear sides of the regeneration portion of the desiccant rotor 195, this is simply an example, and the number and arrangement of the condensing electrodes 91a and 91b are not limited, as long as the number and arrangement of the condensing electrodes 91a and 91b are effective in removing the moisture contained in the desiccant rotor 195.

The second fan 194 may discharge, to the outside of the dryer 1, humid air containing water vapor while passing through the desiccant rotor 195.

For example, the second fan 194 may form an airflow that allows the humid air that has passed through the desiccant rotor 195 to be discharged to the outside of the dryer 1. For example, the air that has passed through the desiccant rotor 195 may move to the outlet 63 of the discharge duct 60.

In other words, the condensing device 900 may move the air generated in the regeneration device 193 in the order of the condensing electrode portion 91, the regeneration portion of the desiccant rotor 195, and the second fan 194 (e.g., in the d2 direction of FIG. 7) to regenerate the desiccant rotor 195, and may discharge the air containing water vapor, evaporated from the desiccant rotor 195, to the outside of the dryer 1. In this instance, the d2 direction may be opposite to the d1 direction.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the dryer 1 according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 8, the dryer 1 may include a circuit system for executing a drying mode and a sterilizing mode. For example, the dryer 1 may include an electro magnetic interference (EMI) filter 110, a power factor correction circuit 120, a DC converter 130, an RF power supplier (e.g., an RF power supply) 140, an impedance matching portion (e.g., including circuitry) 150, a switch portion (e.g., including a switch) 160, an electrode portion (e.g., including an electrode) 190, and/or the controller (e.g., including processing circuitry) 300. The electrode portion 190 may include the drying electrode portion 90 including a plurality of drying electrodes, the condensing electrode portion 91 including a plurality of condensing electrodes, and the sterilizing electrode portion 92 including a plurality of sterilizing electrodes described with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. 7.

The dryer 1 may include the motor 72 that rotates the drum 20 and the fan 71, the user interface 100, and a communication interface 200.

The user interface 100 may include various circuitry and obtain a user input and display various information about an operation of the dryer 1. The user interface 100 may include an input portion for obtaining a user input and a display for displaying information. In addition, the user interface 100 may also include a speaker for outputting sound.

The user interface 100 may display operation information of the dryer 1. An operation mode of the dryer 1 may include at least one of a drying mode, a sterilizing mode, or a condensing mode.

For example, as the drying mode is executed, the user interface 100 may display a drying temperature, an estimated drying time, and/or a remaining time until the end of drying. The drying mode may include predetermined drying settings (e.g., drying level, additional time for wrinkle prevention/reduction, drying time) depending on the type (e.g., shirts, blankets, underwear) and material (e.g., cotton, wool) of an object to be dried. For example, a standard drying may include drying settings applicable to most laundry items, and a blanket drying may include drying settings optimized for drying blankets. The drying settings of the drying mode may also include a sterilization time and a sterilization level.

As the sterilizing mode is executed, the user interface 100 may display a sterilizing temperature, an estimated sterilizing time, and/or a remaining time until the end of sterilization. A user may select the sterilizing mode by operating the user interface 100. Based on the sterilizing mode being selected, the dryer 1 may execute a sterilizing operation independently or together with a condensing operation.

As the condensing mode is executed, the user interface 100 may display a condensing temperature, an estimated condensing time, and/or a remaining time until the end of condensing. In this example, the condensing temperature may include a temperature heated by an electric field formed between the condensing electrodes 91a and 91b of the condensing device 900 for drainage. In addition, the estimated condensing time and/or the remaining time until the end of condensing may include an estimated time until drainage is complete and/or a remaining time until the end of drainage.

A user may select the condensing mode by operating the user interface 100. Based on the condensing mode being selected, the dryer 1 may execute a condensing operation independently or together with a sterilizing operation.

The communication interface 200 may include various communication circuitry and communicate with at least one of a user device 2 or a server 3 via a network. A processor 310 may include various processing circuitry and obtain various information, signals, and/or data from the user device 2 or the server 3 through the communication interface 200. For example, the communication interface 200 may receive a remote control signal from the user device 2. The processor 310 may obtain firmware and/or software for the operation of the dryer 1 from the server 3 through the communication interface 200.

The communication interface 200 may include various communication circuits. The communication interface 200 may include a wireless communication circuit and/or a wired communication circuit. For example, a communication circuit that supports wireless communication methods, such as a wireless local area network, home radio frequency (Home RF), infrared communication, ultra-wideband (UWB) communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee may be provided.

The EMI filter 110 may remove noise contained in AC power supplied from a commercial power source (AC). The EMI filter 110 may be provided as a circuit in which various electronic components such as a capacitor, an inductor, and a diode are electrically connected in parallel and/or in series. The EMI filter 110 may discharge the noise contained in the AC power through a ground wire. The EMI filter 110 may be provided as a passive filter or an active filter.

The power factor correction circuit 120 may correct a power factor of the AC power. The power factor correction circuit 120 may correct the power factor by reducing or removing reactive power from among active power and reactive power that comprises the AC power. Power loss may be reduced by correcting the power factor. The power factor correction circuit 120 may be provided as a circuit in which various electronic components such as a capacitor, an inductor, and a diode are electrically connected in parallel and/or in series. The power factor correction circuit 120 may be controlled by the controller 300.

The DC converter 130 may convert the power output from the power factor correction circuit 120 into DC power suitable for a first RF power supplier 141 and a second RF power supplier 142. The DC converter 130 may deliver the converted DC power to the RF power supplier 140. The DC converter 130 may be provided as a circuit in which various electronic components such as a transistor, an inductor, and a diode are electrically connected in parallel and/or in series.

The processor 310 may include various processing circuitry and control the DC converter 130 to adjust a magnitude of voltage applied to drying electrode portion 90 and/or the sterilizing electrode portion 92. An increase in power supplied to the RF power supplier 140 increases an amplitude of an RF signal and the magnitude of the voltage applied to drying electrode portion 90 and/or the sterilizing electrode portion 92. The magnitude of the voltage may be expressed as an effective value.

The RF power supplier 140 may include the first RF power supplier 141 and the second RF power supplier 142. As used herein, the term “power supplier” may be used interchangeably with the term “power supply”. The first RF power supplier 141 and the second RF power supplier 142 may be connected in parallel. The RF power supplier 140 may generate an RF signal by amplifying an input signal applied to a switching element.

The first RF power supplier 141 may generate an RF signal and apply the RF signal to the drying electrode portion 90 or the condensing electrode portion 91. The RF signal applied by the first RF power supplier 141 to each of the drying electrode portion 90 and the condensing electrode portion 91 may be different. For example, the first RF power supplier 141 may apply a first RF signal to the drying electrode portion 90 and apply a second RF signal to the condensing electrode portion 91. In this example, a positive half-cycle of the first RF signal may be applied to the drying electrode portion 90. Sinusoidal power may be applied to the drying electrode portion 90 or the condensing electrode portion 91 by the RF signal. The processor 310 may control the first RF power supplier 141 to adjust the RF signal applied to the drying electrode portion 90 or the condensing electrode portion 91.

When the first RF power supplier 141 supplies the first RF signal to the drying electrode portion 90, an electric field for heating dielectrics (e.g., water molecules) contained in an object to be dried may be generated in the drum 20. When the first RF power supplier 141 supplies the second RF signal to the condensing electrode portion 91, an electric field for heating dielectrics (e.g., water molecules) removed by the desiccant rotor 195 may be generated in the condensing device 900.

The second RF power supplier 142 may generate an RF signal and apply the RF signal to the drying electrode portion 90 or the sterilizing electrode portion 92. The RF signal applied by the second RF power supplier 142 to each of the drying electrode portion 90 and the sterilizing electrode portion 92 may be different. For example, the second RF power supplier 142 may apply a first RF signal to the drying electrode portion 90 and a third RF signal to the sterilizing electrode portion 92. In this example, a negative half-cycle of the first RF signal may be applied to the drying electrode portion 90. Sinusoidal power may be applied to the drying electrode portion 90 or the sterilizing electrode portion 92 by the RF signal. The processor 310 may control the second RF power supplier 142 to adjust the RF signal applied to the drying electrode portion 90 or the sterilizing electrode portion 92.

When the second RF power supplier 142 supplies the first RF signal to the drying electrode portion 90, an electric field for heating dielectrics (e.g., water molecules) contained in an object to be dried may be generated in the drum 20. When the second RF power supplier 142 supplies the third RF signal to the sterilizing electrode portion 92, an electric field for sterilizing the inside of the drum 20 may be generated.

The processor 310 may include various processing circuitry and control at least one of the first RF power supplier 141 or the second power supply portion 142 to allow the power applied to the drying electrode portion 90 to be greater than or equal to the power applied to the condensing electrode portion 91 or the sterilizing electrode portion 92. For example, the processor 310 may control the first RF power supplier 141 to apply a relatively low voltage and a relatively large current to the drying electrode portion 90. The processor 310 may control the first RF power supplier 141 to apply a relatively high voltage and a relatively small current to the condensing electrode portion 91. The voltage applied to the drying electrode portion 90 may be referred to as a first voltage. In this example, the current applied to the drying electrode portion 90 may be referred to as a first current. The voltage applied to the condensing electrode portion 91 may be referred to as a third voltage. The current applied to the condensing electrode portion 91 may be referred to as a third current. The first voltage may be lower than the third voltage. The magnitude of the first current may be greater than the magnitude of the third current. For example, the processor 310 may control the second RF power supplier 142 to apply a relatively low voltage and a relatively large current to the drying electrode portion 90. The processor 310 may control the second RF power supplier 142 to apply a relatively high voltage and a relatively small current to the sterilizing electrode portion 92. In this instance, the voltage applied to the drying electrode portion 90 may be referred to as a second voltage. The current applied to the drying electrode portion 90 may be referred to as a second current. The voltage applied to the sterilizing electrode portion 92 may be referred to as a fourth voltage. The current applied to the sterilizing electrode portion 92 may be referred to as a fourth current. The second voltage may be lower than the fourth voltage. The magnitude of the second current may be greater than the magnitude of the fourth current.

The impedance matching portion 150 may include a first impedance matching circuit 151 and a second impedance matching circuit 152. The impedance matching portion 150 may be provided between the RF power supplier 140 and the electrode portion 190. An RF signal generated by the first RF power supplier 141 may be delivered to the drying electrode portion 90 or the condensing electrode portion 91 through the first impedance matching circuit 151. An RF signal generated by the second RF power supplier 142 may be delivered to the drying electrode portion 90 or the sterilizing electrode portion 92 through the second impedance matching circuit 152.

The impedance matching portion 150 may match an output impedance of the RF power supplier 140 and an electrode impedance of the electrode portion 190. For example, the first impedance matching circuit 151 may match an output impedance of the first RF power supplier 141 and an electrode impedance of one of the drying electrode portion 90 and the condensing electrode portion 91. The first impedance matching circuit 151 may match an output impedance of the first RF power supplier 141 and an electrode impedance of one of the drying electrode portion 90 and the condensing electrode portion 91.

In a case where there is a difference between the output impedance of the RF power supplier 140 and the electrode impedance of the electrode portion 190, reflected power may be generated from the electrode portion 190, and power transmission efficiency may be reduced. To minimize and/or reduce the reflected power, the output impedance of the RF power supplier 140 and the electrode impedance of the electrode portion 190 requires to be matched. The processor 310 may control the impedance matching portion 150 to execute impedance matching.

The processor 310 may determine an electrode impedance of the drying electrode portion 90, an electrode impedance of the condensing electrode portion 91, or an electrode impedance of the sterilizing electrode portion 92 based on a magnitude of voltage detected at an output terminal of the impedance matching portion 150. Because the drying electrode portion 90, the condensing electrode portion 91, or the sterilizing electrode portion 92 have different sizes, the electrode impedance of each of the drying electrode portion 90, the condensing electrode portion 91, and the sterilizing electrode portion 92 may be different from each other. Accordingly, impedance matching for the drying electrode portion 90, impedance matching for the condensing electrode portion 91, and impedance matching for the sterilizing electrode portion 92 require to be executed separately.

The processor 310 may control the first impedance matching circuit 151 and the second impedance matching circuit 152 to execute first impedance matching between the first RF power supplier 141 and the drying electrode portion 90 (e.g., the first drying electrode 90a) or second impedance matching between the second RF power supplier 142 and the drying electrode portion 90 (e.g., the second drying electrode 90b). The processor 310 may control the first impedance matching circuit 151 to execute third impedance matching between the first RF power supplier 141 and the condensing electrode portion 91. The processor 310 may control the second impedance matching circuit 152 to execute fourth impedance matching between the second RF power supplier 142 and the sterilizing electrode portion 92.

The electrode impedance of each of the drying electrode portion 90 or the sterilizing electrode portion 92 may vary depending on various factors, such as the amount of an object accommodated in the drum 20, the type of the object, the size of the object, the amount of water contained in the object, and the placement state of the object. For example, in a case where dielectrics (e.g., water) having a high dielectric constant exist among a plurality of electrodes (e.g., the first drying electrode 90a and the second drying electrode 90b), charges may be accumulated on the dielectrics, and thus the intensity of the electric field formed between the electrodes may be reduced. A decrease in electric field intensity may reduce the magnitude of the voltage, detected between the plurality of electrodes, and the electrode impedance. As the drying of the object progresses, the water contained in the object is removed, and thus the electrode impedance may be gradually detected as larger.

The electrode impedance of the condensing electrode portion 91 may vary depending on various factors including the amount of water contained in the object accommodated in the drum 20. For example, as the amount of moisture absorbed by the desiccant rotor 195, located between a plurality of condensing electrodes (e.g., the pair of condensing electrodes 91a and 91b of FIG. 7), from the air discharged from the inside the drum 20 increases, charges may be accumulated on the dielectrics, and thus the intensity of the electric field formed among the plurality of condensing electrodes may decrease. A decrease in electric field intensity may reduce the magnitude of the voltage, detected between the plurality of electrodes, and the electrode impedance. As the dehumidification of the desiccant rotor 195 progresses, the water contained in the object is removed, and thus the electrode impedance may be gradually detected as larger.

The switch portion 160 may include a first switch SE1 (see, e.g., FIG. 10) that electrically connects or disconnects the first RF power supplier 141 to/from the first drying electrode 90a among a plurality of drying electrodes included in the drying electrode portion 90, a second switch SE2 (see, e.g., FIG. 10) that electrically connects or disconnects the second RF power supplier 142 to/from the second drying electrode 90b among the plurality of drying electrodes included in the drying electrode portion 90, a third switch SE3 (see, e.g., FIG. 10) that electrically connects or disconnects the first RF power supplier 141 to/from the condensing electrode portion 91, and a fourth switch SE4 that electrically connects or disconnects the second RF power supplier 142 to/from the sterilizing electrode portion 92. In this instance, electrically connecting or disconnecting the first RF power supplier 141 to/from the condensing electrode portion 91 may include electrically connecting or disconnecting the first RF power supplier 141 to/from a plurality of condensing electrodes included in the condensing electrode portion 91. In addition, electrically connecting or disconnecting the second RF power supplier 142 to/from the sterilizing electrode portion 92 may include electrically connecting or disconnecting the second RF power supplier 142 to/from a plurality of sterilizing electrodes included in the sterilizing electrode portion 92.

The first switch SE1 may connect the first RF power supplier 141 to the first drying electrode 90a among the plurality of drying electrodes included in the drying electrode portion 90. Accordingly, the first RF power supplier 141 may be connected to one end of the first impedance matching circuit 151, and the first drying electrode 90a may be connected to the other end. The processor 310 is electrically connected to the first switch SE1 and may control the first switch SE1. Based on the switching state of the first switch SE1, the first RF power supplier 141 and the first drying electrode 90a among the plurality of drying electrodes included in the drying electrode portion 90 may be connected or disconnected.

The third switch SE3 may connect the first RF power supplier 141 to the condensing electrode portion 91. Accordingly, the first RF power supplier 141 may be connected to one end of the first impedance matching circuit 151, and the condensing electrode portion 91 may be connected to the other end. The processor 310 is electrically connected to the third switch SE3 and may control the third switch SE3. Based on the switching state of the third switch SE3, the first RF power supplier 141 and the condensing electrode portion 91 may be connected or disconnected.

The first switch SE1 and the third switch SE3 may be provided as a single switch. For example, the first switch SE1 and the third switch SE3 may be provided as a single electrode selection switch. In a case where the first switch SE1 and the third switch SE3 are provided as a single switch, the switch may be referred to as a ‘first mode changeover switch’. Based on the switching state of the first mode changeover switch, the first RF power supplier 141 may be connected to one end of the first impedance matching circuit 151, and one of the first drying electrode 90a and the condensing electrode portion 91 may be connected to the other end. The processor 310 is electrically connected to the first mode changeover switch and may control the first mode changeover switch. The processor 310 may control the first mode changeover switch to change an operation mode of the dryer 1 to a drying mode or a condensing mode. Accordingly, the dryer 1 may execute a drying operation corresponding to the drying mode, or execute a condensing operation corresponding to the condensing mode.

The second switch SE2 may connect the second RF power supplier 142 to the second drying electrode 90b among the plurality of drying electrodes included in the drying electrode portion 90. Accordingly, the second RF power supplier 142 may be connected to one end of the second impedance matching circuit 152, and the second drying electrode 90b may be connected to the other end. The processor 310 is electrically connected to the second switch SE2 and may control the second switch SE2. Based on the switching state of the second switch SE2, the second RF power supplier 142 and the second drying electrode 90b among the plurality of drying electrodes included in the drying electrode portion 90 may be connected or disconnected.

The fourth switch SE4 (see, e.g., FIG. 10) may connect the second RF power supplier 142 to the sterilizing electrode portion 92. Accordingly, the second RF power supplier 142 may be connected to one end of the second impedance matching circuit 152, and the sterilizing electrode portion 92 may be connected to the other end. The processor 310 is electrically connected to the fourth switch SE4 and may control the fourth switch SE4. Based on the switching state of the fourth switch SE4, the second RF power supplier 142 and the sterilizing electrode portion 92 may be connected or disconnected.

The second switch SE2 and the fourth switch SE4 may be provided as a single switch. For example, the second switch SE2 and the fourth switch SE4 may be provided as a single electrode selection switch. In a case where the second switch SE2 and the fourth switch SE4 are provided as a single switch, the switch may be referred to as a ‘second mode changeover switch’. Based on the switching state of the second mode changeover switch, the second RF power supplier 142 may be connected to one end of the second impedance matching circuit 152, and one of the second drying electrode 90b and the sterilizing electrode portion 92 may be connected to the other end. The processor 310 is electrically connected to the second mode changeover switch and may control the second mode changeover switch. The processor 310 may control the second mode changeover switch to change an operation mode of the dryer 1 to a drying mode or a sterilizing mode. Accordingly, the dryer 1 may execute a drying operation corresponding to the drying mode, or execute a sterilizing operation corresponding to the sterilizing mode.

The processor 310 may alternately execute a drying operation for drying an object accommodated in the drum 20 and a sterilizing operation for sterilizing the object. The processor 310 may alternately execute a drying operation for drying an object accommodated in the drum 20 and a condensing operation for removing moisture inside the drum 20. The processor 310 may alternately execute a drying operation for drying an object accommodated in the drum 20, a sterilizing operation for sterilizing the object, and a condensing operation for removing moisture inside the drum 20. For example, the processor 310 may execute a drying operation for a preset time (referred to as ‘duty on time’) for executing the drying operation, and may execute at least one of a condensing operation or a sterilizing operation for a preset time during which the drying operation is not executed (referred to as ‘duty off time’) according to a preset (e.g., specified) duty cycle. The processor 310 may control the first switch SE1, the second switch SE2, and the third switch SE3 or the fourth switch SE4 to alternately execute the drying operation, the sterilizing operation, or the condensing operation.

The processor 310 may be electrically connected to the components of the dryer 1 and control the components of the dryer 1. For example, the processor 310 may control the motor 72 to rotate the drum 20 and the fan 71.

The processor 310 may control the EMI filter 110, the power factor correction circuit 120, the DC converter 130, the RF power supplier 140, the impedance matching portion 150, and/or the switch portion 160 to supply high-frequency power (e.g., an RF signal) to the electrode portion 190. Supplying high-frequency power (e.g., an RF signal) to the electrode portion 190 by the controller 300 may include supplying high-frequency power (e.g., an RF signal) to at least one of the drying electrode portion 90, the condensing electrode portion 91, or the sterilizing electrode portion 93.

The controller 300 may include the processor 310 and a memory 320. The memory 320 may include a volatile memory (e.g., static random access memory (S-RAM) or a dynamic RAM (D-RAM)) and a non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM) or an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM)). The processor 310 and the memory 320 may be implemented as separate chips or as a single chip. In addition, a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories may also be provided. The processor 310 may process various data and signals using instructions, data, programs, and/or software stored in the memory 320. The processor 310 may generate a control signal for controlling the components of the dryer 1. The processor 310 may include a single core or a plurality of cores. Thus, the processor 310 may include various processing circuitry and/or multiple processors. For example, as used herein, including the claims, the term “processor” may include various processing circuitry, including at least one processor, wherein one or more of at least one processor, individually and/or collectively in a distributed manner, may be configured to perform various functions described herein. As used herein, when “a processor”, “at least one processor”, and “one or more processors” are described as being configured to perform numerous functions, these terms cover situations, for example and without limitation, in which one processor performs some of recited functions and another processor(s) performs other of recited functions, and also situations in which a single processor may perform all recited functions. Additionally, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors performing various of the recited/disclosed functions, e.g., in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

According to an embodiment, to execute the drying mode, the processor 310 may control the switch portion 160 to allow the first RF power supplier 141 and the second RF power supplier 142 to apply a first RF signal to the drying electrode portion 90, and to execute at least one of the condensing mode or the sterilizing mode, may control the switch portion 160 to allow one of the first RF power supplier 141 and the second RF power supplier 142 to apply a second RF signal to the condensing electrode portion 91, or to allow the other of the first RF power supplier 141 and the second RF power supplier 142 to apply a third RF signal to the sterilizing electrode portion 92.

The drying electrode portion 90 may include the first drying electrode 90a and the second drying electrode 90b, and in order to execute the drying mode, the processor 310 may control the switch portion 160 to allow the first RF power supplier 141 to apply a positive half-cycle of the first RF signal to the first drying electrode 90a, and to allow the second RF power supplier 142 to apply a negative half-cycle of the first RF signal to the second drying electrode 90b.

The condensing electrode portion 91 may include a plurality of condensing electrodes, and the processor 310 may control the switch portion 160 to allow the first RF power supplier 141 to apply the second RF signal to the plurality of condensing electrodes to execute a condensing operation.

The sterilizing electrode portion 92 may include a plurality of sterilizing electrodes, and the processor 310 may control the switch portion 160 to allow the second RF power supplier 142 to apply the third RF signal to the plurality of sterilizing electrodes to execute a sterilizing operation.

The switch portion 160 may include the first switch SE1 that electrically connects or disconnects the first RF power supplier 141 to/from the first drying electrode 90a, the second switch SE2 that electrically connects or disconnects the second RF power supplier 142 to/from the second drying electrode 90b, the third switch SE3 that electrically connects or disconnects the first RF power supplier 141 to/from the condensing electrode portion 91, and the fourth switch SE4 that electrically connects or disconnects the second RF power supplier 142 to/from the sterilizing electrode portion 92.

To execute the drying mode, the processor 310 may selectively turn on one of the first switch SE1 and the second switch SE2 and turn off the third switch SE3 and the fourth switch SE4.

To execute the drying mode, the processor 310 may turn on the first switch SE1 and turn off the second switch SE2 during a positive half-cycle of the first RF signal, and may turn off the first switch SE1 and turn on the second switch SE2 during a negative half-cycle of the first RF signal.

To execute the condensing mode, the processor 310 may turn on the third switch SE3 and turn off the first switch SE1, the second switch SE2, and the fourth switch SE4.

To execute the sterilizing mode, the processor 310 may turn on the fourth switch SE4 and turn off the first switch SE1 to the third switch SE3.

The dryer 1 may further include the impedance matching portion 150, one end of which is connected to the RF power supplier 140 and the other end of which is connected to the switch portion 160. The impedance matching portion 150 may include the first impedance matching circuit 151 that executes impedance matching between the first RF power supplier 141 and one of the first drying electrode 90a and the sterilizing electrode portion 92, and the second impedance matching circuit 152 that provides impedance matching between the second RF power supplier 142 and one of the second drying electrode 90b and the condensing electrode portion 91.

To execute the drying mode, the processor 310 may control the first impedance matching circuit 151 to execute first impedance matching between the first RF power supplier 141 and the first drying electrode 90a, and control the second impedance matching circuit 152 to execute second impedance matching between the second RF power supplier 142 and the second drying electrode 90b.

To execute the condensing mode, the processor 310 may control the first impedance matching circuit 151 to execute third impedance matching between the first RF power supplier 141 and the condensing electrode portion 91.

To execute the sterilizing mode, the processor 310 may control the second impedance matching circuit 152 to execute fourth impedance matching between the second RF power supplier 142 and the sterilizing electrode portion 92.

The processor 310 may control the switch portion 160 to execute the drying mode for a duty on time and to execute at least one of the sterilizing mode or the condensing mode for a duty off time based on a preset duty cycle.

The dryer 1 may further include the drum 20 and the desiccant rotor 195 provided on the air discharge path 81, which is a flow path of air discharged from the drum 20. The drying electrode portion 90 may be provided in a ring shape along a central portion of an outer circumferential surface of the drum 20. The sterilizing electrode portion 92 may be provided in a ring shape on a front portion and a rear portion of the outer circumferential surface of the drum 20. The condensing electrode portion 91 may be provided in a plate shape on a front side and a rear side of the desiccant rotor 195.

FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are circuit diagrams illustrating an example circuit structure of a power amplifier circuit system according to various embodiments.

A power amplifier circuit according to an embodiment may include the EMI filter 110, the power factor correction circuit 120, the DC converter 130, the RF power supplier 140 including the first RF power supplier 141 and the second RF power supplier 142, the impedance matching portion 150 including the first impedance matching circuit 151 and the second impedance matching circuit 152, the switch portion 160 including the first switch SE1, the second switch SE2, the third switch SE3, and the fourth switch SE4, and/or the electrode portion 190 including the drying electrode portion 90, the condensing electrode portion 91, and the sterilizing electrode portion 92.

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

The power factor correction circuit 120 may correct a power factor of the AC power provided from the EMI filter 110. The power factor correction circuit 120 may provide power with a corrected power factor to the DC converter 130. The power factor correction circuit 120 may be provided as a circuit in which various components are electrically connected in parallel and/or in series. For example, the power factor correction circuit 120 may include a plurality of electrolytic capacitors Cpf1 and Cpf2, an inductor Lpf, a diode Dpf, and a switching element SW_pf. The switching element SW_pf may correspond to a transistor. The transistor may allow or block the flow of current depending on whether a voltage is applied. The circuit structure of the power factor correction circuit 120 is not limited to the one illustrated. The circuit structure of the power factor correction circuit 120 may vary depending on the design.

The DC converter 130 may convert the power output from the power factor correction circuit 120 into DC power. The DC converter 130 may deliver the converted DC power to the first RF power supplier 141 and the second RF power supplier 142. The DC converter 130 may be provided as a circuit in which various components are electrically connected in parallel and/or in series. For example, the DC converter 130 may include a switching element SW_dc, an inductor Ldc, and a diode Ddc. The switching element SW_dc may correspond to a transistor. The circuit structure of the DC converter 130 is not limited to the one illustrated. The circuit structure of the DC converter 130 may vary depending on the design.

Referring to FIG. 10, the RF power supplier 140 may include the first RF power supplier 141 and the second RF power supplier 141.

The first RF power supplier 141 may be provided as a circuit including various components for generating an RF signal. For example, the first RF power supplier 141 may include an electrolytic capacitor C_{_pa}, a capacitor C_{pa_11}, a plurality of inductors L_{_pa11} and L_{_pa12}, and a switching element SW_{_pa1}. The electrolytic capacitor C_{_pa} may connect a V_pa node and a ground (GND). The switching element SW_{_pa1} and the inductor L_{_pa11} may be connected in series between the V_pa node and the ground (GND). The inductor L_{_pa12} and the capacitor C_pa12 connected in series may be arranged between a node N1 connecting the switching element SW_{_pa1} and the inductor L_pa11 and the first impedance matching circuit 151.

The switching element SW_{_pa1} of the first RF power supplier 141 corresponds to a transistor and may be referred to as a ‘first switching element’. The processor 310 may activate or deactivate the first RF power supplier 141 by controlling the switching element SW_{_pa1}. The processor 310 may control an operation of the first RF power supplier 141 by adjusting a voltage applied to the switching element SW_{_pa1}. For example, the processor 310 may activate the first RF power supplier 141 to generate an RF signal by amplifying an input signal (in the voltage form) applied to the switching element SW_{_pa1}. In response to the switching element SW_{_pa1} being turned on, the operation of the first RF power supplier 141 may be activated. In response to the switching element SW_{_pa1} being turned off, the operation of the first RF power supplier 141 may be deactivated.

The circuit structure of the second RF power supplier 142 may be the same as that of the first RF power supplier 141. For example, the second RF power supplier 142 may include an electrolytic capacitor C_{_pa}, a capacitor C_{_pa22}, a plurality of inductors L_{_pa21} and L_{_pa22}, and a switching element SW_{_pa2}. The electrolytic capacitor C_{_pa} may connect a V_pa node and a ground (GND). The switching element SW_{_pa2} and the inductor L_{_pa21} may be connected in series between the V_pa node and the ground (GND). In addition, the inductor L_{_pa22} and the capacitor C_{_pa22} connected in series may be arranged between a node N2 connecting the switching element SW_{_pa2} and the inductor L_{_pa21} and the second impedance matching circuit 151.

The switching element SW_{_pa2} of the second RF power supplier 142 corresponds to a transistor and may be referred to as a ‘second switching element’. The processor 310 may activate or deactivate the second RF power supplier 142 by controlling the switching element SW_{_pa2}. The processor 310 may control an operation of the second RF power supplier 142 by adjusting the voltage applied to the switching element SW_{_pa2}. For example, the processor 310 may activate the second RF power supplier 142 to generate an RF signal by amplifying an input signal (in the voltage form) applied to the switching element SW_{_pa2}. In response to the switching element SW_{_pa2} being turned on, the operation of the second RF power supplier 142 may be activated. In response to the switching element SW_{_pa2} being turned off, the operation of the second RF power supplier 142 may be deactivated.

The processor 310 may activate the first RF power supplier 141 and the second RF power supplier 142 during the drying mode. The processor 310 may activate the first RF power supplier 141 and deactivate the second RF power supplier 142 during the condensing mode. The processor 310 may deactivate the first RF power supplier 141 and activate the second RF power supplier 142 during the sterilizing mode.

The impedance matching portion 150 may include the first impedance matching circuit 151 and the second impedance matching circuit 152.

The first impedance matching circuit 151 may be provided as a circuit in which a plurality of inductors L, a plurality of capacitors C, and a plurality of switches are electrically connected in series and/or in parallel. The plurality of switches included in the first impedance matching circuit 151 may be opened or closed under the control of the processor 310. Impedance matching may be executed by controlling the plurality of switches. In FIG. 10, the first impedance matching circuit 151 is illustrated as including three inductors L connected in parallel, three capacitors C connected in parallel, and nine switches, but is not limited thereto. The structure of the first impedance matching circuit 151 may vary depending on the design.

The circuit structure of the second impedance matching circuit 152 may be the same as that of the first impedance matching circuit 151. For example, the second impedance matching circuit 152 may be provided as a circuit in which a plurality of inductors L, a plurality of capacitors C, and a plurality of switches are electrically connected in series and/or in parallel. The plurality of switches included in the second impedance matching circuit 152 may be opened or closed under the control of the processor 310. Impedance matching may be executed by controlling the plurality of switches. In FIG. 10, the second impedance matching circuit 152 is illustrated as including three inductors L connected in parallel, three capacitors C connected in parallel, and nine switches, but is not limited thereto. The structure of the second impedance matching circuit 152 may vary depending on the design.

The first switch SE1 and the third switch SE3 may be connected to an output terminal of the first impedance matching circuit 151. The first switch SE1 may connect the first impedance matching circuit 151 and the first drying electrode 90a. The third switch SE3 may connect the first impedance matching circuit 151 and the condensing electrode portion 91. A separate inductor may be provided between the first switch SE1 and the first drying electrode 90a. The inductor between the first switch SE1 and the first drying electrode 90a may prevent and/or reduce spark generation when the first switch SE1 is closed. A separate inductor may also be provided between the third switch SE3 and the condensing electrode portion 91. The inductor between the third switch SE3 and the condensing electrode portion 91 may prevent and/or reduce spark generation when the third switch SE3 is closed.

Although it is illustrated in FIG. 10 that a single first switch SE1 and a single third switch SE3 are provided, a plurality of first switches SE1 and a plurality of third switches SE3 may be connected to the output terminal of the first impedance matching circuit 151 in order to connect a plurality of first drying electrodes 90a included in the drying electrode portion 90 or a plurality of condensing electrodes included in the condensing electrode portion 91 with the first impedance matching circuit 151.

A plurality of first impedance matching circuits 151 may also be provided to correspond to a plurality of first drying electrodes 90a and a plurality of condensing electrodes. For example, one first drying electrode 90a, one condensing electrode, and one first impedance matching circuit 151 may comprise one set.

To execute the drying mode, the processor 310 may control the first impedance matching circuit 151 to match an output impedance of the first RF power supplier 141 to an electrode impedance of the first drying electrode 90a. The impedance matching between the first RF power supplier 141 and the first drying electrode 90a for executing the drying mode may be referred to as a ‘first impedance matching’.

To execute the condensing mode, the processor 310 may control the first impedance matching circuit 151 to match an output impedance of the first RF power supplier 141 to an electrode impedance of the condensing electrode portion 91. In this example, matching the output impedance of the first RF power supplier 141 to the electrode impedance of the condensing electrode portion 91 may include matching the output impedance of the first RF power supplier 141 to the electrode impedance of a plurality of condensing electrodes included in the condensing electrode portion 91. The impedance matching between the first RF power supplier 141 and the condensing electrode portion 91 for executing the condensing mode may be referred to as a ‘third impedance matching’.

The dryer 1 may alternately execute the drying mode and the condensing mode. To this end, the processor 310 may control the first impedance matching circuit 151 to execute the third impedance matching after executing the drying mode and before executing the condensing mode. The processor 310 may control the first impedance matching circuit 151 to execute the first impedance matching after executing the condensing mode and before executing the drying mode.

The second switch SE2 and the fourth switch SE4 may be connected to an output terminal of the second impedance matching circuit 152. The second switch SE2 may connect the second impedance matching circuit 152 and the second drying electrode 90b. The fourth switch SE4 may connect the second impedance matching circuit 152 and the sterilizing electrode portion 92. A separate inductor may be provided between the second switch SE2 and the second drying electrode 90b. The inductor between the second switch SE2 and the second drying electrode 90b may prevent and/or reduce spark generation when the second switch SE2 is closed. A separate inductor may also be provided between the fourth switch SE4 and the sterilizing electrode portion 92. The inductor between the fourth switch SE4 and the sterilizing electrode portion 92 may prevent and/or reduce spark generation when the fourth switch SE4 is closed.

Although it is illustrated in FIG. 10 that a single second switch SE2 and a single fourth switch SE4 are provided, a plurality of second switches SE2 and a plurality of fourth switches SE4 may be connected to the output terminal of the second impedance matching circuit 152 in order to connect a plurality of second drying electrodes 90b included in the drying electrode portion 90 or a plurality of sterilizing electrodes included in the sterilizing electrode portion 92 with the second impedance matching circuit 152.

A plurality of second impedance matching circuits 152 may also be provided to correspond to a plurality of second drying electrodes 90b and a plurality of sterilizing electrodes. For example, one second drying electrode 90b, one sterilizing electrode, and one second impedance matching circuit 152 may comprise one set.

To execute the drying mode, the processor 310 may control the second impedance matching circuit 152 to match an output impedance of the second RF power supplier 142 to an electrode impedance of the second drying electrode 90b. The impedance matching between the second RF power supplier 142 and the second drying electrode 90b for executing the drying mode may be referred to as a ‘second impedance matching’.

To execute the sterilizing mode, the processor 310 may control the second impedance matching circuit 152 to match an output impedance of the second RF power supplier 142 to an electrode impedance of the sterilizing electrode portion 92. In this example, matching the output impedance of the second RF power supplier 142 to the electrode impedance of the sterilizing electrode portion 92 may include matching the output impedance of the second RF power supplier 142 to the electrode impedance of a plurality of sterilizing electrodes included in the sterilizing electrode portion 92. The impedance matching between the second RF power supplier 142 and the sterilizing electrode portion 92 for executing the sterilizing mode may be referred to as a ‘fourth impedance matching’.

The dryer 1 may alternately execute the drying mode and the sterilizing mode. To this end, the processor 310 may control the second impedance matching circuit 152 to execute the fourth impedance matching after executing the drying mode and before executing the sterilizing mode. The processor 310 may control the second impedance matching circuit 152 to execute the second impedance matching after executing the sterilizing mode and before executing the drying mode.

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example circuit structure during a drying mode of the dryer 1 according to various embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example process of generating a first RF signal during a drying mode of the dryer 1 according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 11, a power amplifier circuit system for executing an operation mode (e.g., a drying mode, a condensing mode, a sterilizing mode, etc.) of the dryer may include two channels. In this example, each channel in the power amplifier circuit system is an independent path that processes a separate signal, each channel has a unique input, amplification, and output path, and two output signals may be amplified through separate paths. For example, the power amplifier circuit system includes a first channel Ch1 and a second channel Ch2. The first channel Ch1 includes the first RF power supplier 141, the first impedance matching circuit 151, the first switch SE1, the third switch SE3, the first drying electrode 90a among a plurality of electrodes of the drying electrode portion 90 and/or the condensing electrode portion 91, and the second channel Ch2 includes the second RF power supplier 142, the second impedance matching circuit 152, the second switch SE2, the fourth switch SE4, the second drying electrode 90b among the plurality of electrodes of the drying electrode portion 90 and/or the sterilizing electrode portion 92. In executing an operation mode of the dryer, the two channels in the power amplifier circuit system may generate and apply an RF signal to each electrode portion. In this instance, in executing the drying mode, an RF signal applied to the drying electrode portion 90 may be referred to as a first RF signal. In executing the condensing mode, an RF signal applied to the condensing electrode portion 91 may be referred to as a second RF signal. In executing the sterilizing mode, an RF signal applied to the sterilizing electrode portion 92 may be referred to as a third RF signal.

The processor 310 may control the switch portion 160 to execute the drying mode. According to an embodiment, to execute the drying mode, the processor 310 may selectively turn on one of the first switch SE1 and the second switch SE2 and turn off the third switch SE3 and the fourth switch SE4.

In this example, to execute the drying mode, the processor 310 of the dryer 1 may control the first switch SE1 and the third switch SE3 to connect the first RF power supplier 141, the first impedance matching circuit 151, and the first drying electrode 90a. For example, to execute the drying mode, the processor 310 may turn on the first switch SE1 to connect the first RF power supplier 141 and the first drying electrode 90a, and turn off the third switch SE3 to disconnect the first RF power supplier 141 and the condensing electrode portion 91. That is, in the signal processing in the first channel Ch1, the processor 310 may control the first switch SE1 and the third switch SE3 to allow the first RF signal amplified by the first RF power supplier 141 to be applied to the first drying electrode 90a.

To execute the drying mode, the processor 310 of the dryer 1 may control the second switch SE2 and the fourth switch SE4 to connect the second RF power supplier 142, the second impedance matching circuit 152, and the second drying electrode 90b. For example, to execute the drying mode, the processor 310 may turn on the second switch SE2 to connect the second RF power supplier 142 and the second drying electrode 90b, and turn off the fourth switch SE4 to disconnect the second RF power supplier 142 and the sterilizing electrode portion 92. That is, in the signal processing in the second channel Ch2, the processor 310 may control the second switch SE2 and the fourth switch SE4 to allow the first RF signal amplified by the second RF power supplier 142 to be applied to the second drying electrode 90b.

The processor 310 may control the switch portion 160 to allow the first channel Ch1 or the second channel Ch2 to alternately apply at least a portion of the first RF signal to the drying electrode portion 90, by selectively turning on one of the first switch SE1 and the second switch SE2 and turning off the third switch SE3 and the fourth switch SE4.

To execute the drying mode, the processor 310 may activate the first RF power supplier 141 and the second RF power supplier 142. To execute the drying mode, the processor 310 may control the first RF power supplier 141 to apply a first voltage and a corresponding first current to the first drying electrode 90a, and may control the second RF power supplier 142 to apply a third voltage and a corresponding third current to the second drying electrode 90b. In other words, among the plurality of electrodes included in the drying electrode portion 90, the first voltage and the first current may be alternately applied to the first drying electrode 90a, and the third voltage and the third current may be alternately applied to the second drying electrode 90b. Accordingly, an electric field for drying an object to be dried may be generated in the drum 20.

Referring to FIG. 12, to execute the drying mode, the processor 310 may allow a positive half-cycle of the first RF signal to be applied to the drying electrode portion 90 through the first channel Ch1, and allow a negative half-cycle of the first RF signal to be applied to the drying electrode portion 90 through the second channel Ch2.

For example, to execute the drying mode, the processor 310 may turn on the first switch SE1 and turn off the second switch SE2 during a positive half-cycle of the first RF signal, and may turn off the first switch SE1 and turn on the second switch SE2 during a negative half-cycle of the first RF signal. In this instance, the third switch SE3 and the fourth switch SE4 may maintain an off state while the first switch SE1 and the second switch SE2 are turned on and off.

Accordingly, in amplifying an input signal input to an input terminal V_in of the power amplifier circuit system, the input signal may be amplified through the first channel Ch1 during the positive half-cycle of the input signal and amplified through the second channel Ch2 during the negative half-cycle of the input signal to be applied to an output terminal V_out. In this instance, the input terminal V_in of the power amplifier circuit system may correspond to a switching element of each channel (e.g., the first switching element SW_{_pa1}, the second switching element SW_{_pa2}), and the output terminal V_out may correspond to the drying electrode portion 90.

For example, the processor 310 may turn on the first switch SE1 and turn off the second switch SE2, the third switch SE3, and the fourth switch SE4 during the positive half-cycle of the input signal to amplify the input signal through the first channel Ch1. Accordingly, the processor 310 may apply the positive half-cycle of the generated first RF signal to the first drying electrode 90a. In addition, the processor 310 may turn on the third switch SE3 and turn off the first switch SE1, the second switch SE2, and the fourth switch SE4 during the negative half-cycle of the input signal to amplify the input signal through the second channel Ch2. Accordingly, the processor 310 may apply the negative half-cycle of the generated first RF signal to the second drying electrode 90b.

For example, in executing the drying mode, the first channel Ch1 and the second channel Ch2 may operate as a push-pull circuit. In this instance, the first channel Ch1 processes the positive half-cycle of the input signal to generate the positive half-cycle of the first RF signal, and thus the first channel Ch1 may function as a positive channel, and the second channel Ch2 processes the negative half-cycle of the input signal to generate the negative half-cycle of the first RF signal, and thus the second channel Ch2 may function as a negative channel. In this example, the first channel Ch1 that functions as the positive channel may be referred to as a pull circuit, and the second channel Ch2 that functions as the negative channel may be referred to as a push circuit.

In executing the drying mode, the first channel Ch1 as a positive channel and the second channel Ch2 as a negative channel operate as a push-pull circuit, thereby reducing nonlinear distortion that may occur when amplifying the entire signal with a power amplifier circuit system including a single channel. Because the two channels operate in a complementary manner to cancel distortion, the distortion of the output signal may be reduced. In addition, because the push-pull circuit executes signal processing in a complementary manner, common-mode noise may be canceled. As a result, a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) may improve, resulting in a cleaner output signal and increased reliability of the dryer 1.

In executing the drying mode, the first drying electrode 90a is connected to the end of the first channel Ch1, which functions as the positive channel, and the second drying electrode 90b is connected to the end of the second channel Ch2, which functions as the negative channel. Accordingly, an AC voltage may be applied to the first drying electrode 90a and the second drying electrode 90b in a floating state, without connection to a ground electrode (GND). In this example, high-frequency noise may be canceled out by a complementary operation principle. Because the drying electrodes are not connected to ground electrode (GND), high-frequency noise generated from other electrical components of the dryer 1 does not flow into the first channel Ch1 and the second channel Ch2 through the ground electrode (GND), thereby enabling stable operation.

Due to the characteristics of a push-pull circuit, the push circuit (e.g., the positive channel) and the pull circuit (e.g., the negative channel) are expected to execute a symmetrical operation, and thus the components of the push circuit and the pull circuit are to be symmetrical. The power amplifier circuit system according to an embodiment may correct imbalances caused by different component values of the first RF power supplier 141 included in the first channel Ch1 and the second RF power supplier 142 included in the second channel Ch2, using the first impedance matching circuit 151 and the second impedance matching circuit 152 included in the impedance matching portion 150.

FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example circuit structure during a condensing mode of the dryer 1 according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment, even in a case where the second RF signal applied to the condensing electrode portion 91 during the condensing mode has lower power than the first RF signal, the dryer 1 may execute the condensing mode. Accordingly, while processing and applying the second RF signal to the condensing electrode portion 91, noise is less likely to be generated, and signal processing may be executed through a single channel, unlike in the drying mode.

Referring to FIG. 13, the processor 310 may control the switch portion 160 to execute the condensing mode. According to an embodiment, to execute the condensing mode, the processor 310 may turn on the third switch SE3 and turn off the first switch SE1, the second switch SE2, and the fourth switch SE4.

In this example, to execute the condensing mode, the processor 310 of the dryer 1 may control the first switch SE1 and the third switch SE3 to connect the first RF power supplier 141, the first impedance matching circuit 151, and the condensing electrode portion 91. For example, to execute the condensing mode, the processor 310 may turn on the third switch SE3 to connect the first RF power supplier 141 and the condensing electrode portion 91, and turn off the first switch SE1 to disconnect the first RF power supplier 141 and the first drying electrode 90a. That is, in the signal processing in the first channel Ch1, the processor 310 may control the first switch SE1 and the third switch SE3 to allow the second RF signal amplified by the first RF power supplier 141 to be applied to the condensing electrode portion 91.

To execute the condensing mode, the processor 310 of the dryer 1 may turn off the second switch SE2 and the fourth switch SE4 to prevent and/or suppress the second channel Ch2 from executing signal processing. In other words, in executing the condensing mode, the second RF signal applied to the condensing electrode portion 91 may be generated by a single channel (e.g., the first channel Ch1).

To execute the condensing mode, the processor 310 may activate the first RF power supplier 141 and deactivate the second RF power supplier 142. To execute the condensing mode, the processor 310 may control the first RF power supplier 141 to apply a third voltage and a corresponding third current to the condensing electrode portion 91. Accordingly, an electric field for condensing water vapor in the drum 20 and discharging the water vapor to the outside of the dryer 1 may be generated. For example, an electric field for draining the moisture contained in the desiccant rotor 195 may be generated. In other words, an electric field for regenerating the desiccant rotor 195 containing water vapor discharged from the drum 20 may be generated.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example circuit structure during a sterilizing mode of the dryer 1 according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment, even in a case where the third RF signal applied to the sterilizing electrode portion 92 during the sterilizing mode has lower power than the first RF signal, the dryer 1 may execute the sterilizing mode. Accordingly, while processing and applying the third RF signal to the sterilizing electrode portion 92, noise is less likely to be generated, and signal processing may be executed through a single channel, unlike in the drying mode. In this instance, by processing the third RF signal by the second channel Ch2 in executing the sterilizing mode, the condensing mode and the sterilizing mode may be performed simultaneously.

Referring to FIG. 14, the processor 310 may control the switch portion 160 to execute the sterilizing mode. According to an embodiment, to execute the sterilizing mode, the processor 310 may turn on the fourth switch SE4 and turn off the first switch SE1, the second switch SE2, and the third switch SE3.

In this example, to execute the sterilizing mode, the processor 310 of the dryer 1 may control the second switch SE2 and the fourth switch SE4 to connect the second RF power supplier 142, the second impedance matching circuit 152, and the sterilizing electrode portion 92. For example, to execute the sterilizing mode, the processor 310 may turn on the fourth switch SE4 to connect the second RF power supplier 142 and the sterilizing electrode portion 92, and turn off the second switch SE2 to disconnect the second RF power supplier 142 and the second drying electrode 90b. For example, in the signal processing in the second channel Ch2, the processor 310 may control the second switch SE2 and the fourth switch SE4 to allow the third RF signal amplified by the second RF power supplier 142 to be applied to the sterilizing electrode portion 92.

To execute the sterilizing mode, the processor 310 of the dryer 1 may turn off the first switch SE1 and the third switch SE3 to prevent and/or suppress the first channel Ch1 from executing signal processing. In other words, in executing the sterilizing mode, the third signal applied to the sterilizing electrode portion 92 may be generated by a single channel (e.g., the second channel Ch2).

To execute the sterilizing mode, the processor 310 may deactivate the first RF power supplier 141 and activate the second RF power supplier 142. The processor 310 may control the second RF power supplier 142 to apply a fourth voltage and a corresponding fourth current to the sterilizing electrode portion 92 to execute the sterilizing mode. Accordingly, an electric field for sterilizing the inside of the drum 20 may be generated.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for controlling a dryer according to various embodiments.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example operation of a dryer according to a duty cycle according to various embodiments.

The processor 310 according to an embodiment may execute a drying mode for a duty on time t_{on_dry} and execute at least one of a sterilizing mode or a condensing mode for a duty off time t_{off_dry} based on a preset duty cycle.

The dryer 1 according to an embodiment may execute the drying mode based on the preset duty cycle. The preset duty cycle may correspond to a ratio of the duty on time (e.g., t_{on_dry} in FIG. 16) during which the drying mode is executed to an entire period (e.g., T_dry in FIG. 16). In this example, the duty on time may include a time for generating a first RF signal through the first channel Ch1 and the second channel Ch2 and applying the first RF signal to the drying electrode portion 90. The entire period T_dry may include the duty on time t_{on_dry} during which the drying mode is executed and the duty off time t_{off_dry} during which the drying mode is not executed.

According to an embodiment, the processor 310 may control the switch portion 160 to execute the drying mode for the duty on time t_{on_dry} based on the preset duty cycle (1401).

For example, to execute the drying mode, the processor 310 may selectively turn on one of the first switch SE1 and the second switch SE2 and turn off the third switch SE3 and the fourth switch SE4. For example, to execute the drying mode, the processor 310 may apply a positive half-cycle of the first RF signal to the drying electrode portion 90 through the first channel Ch1, and may apply a negative half-cycle of the first RF signal to the drying electrode portion 90 through the second channel Ch2.

The processor 310 may activate the first RF power supplier 141 and the second RF power supplier 142 to execute the drying mode.

After the duty on time t_{on_dry} has elapsed, the processor 310 may control the switch portion 160 to execute at least one of the condensing mode or the sterilizing mode for the duty off time t_{off_dry} (1402).

For example, in a case where only the condensing mode is executed for the duty off time t_{off_dry}, the processor 310 may turn on the third switch SE3 and turn off the first switch SE1, the second switch SE2, and the fourth switch SE4. The processor 310 may activate the first RF power supplier 141 and deactivate the second RF power supplier 142 to execute only the condensing mode. Accordingly, the first channel Ch1 may process the input signal to generate a second RF signal and deliver the generated signal to the condensing electrode portion 91.

In another example, in a case where only the sterilizing mode is executed for the duty off time t_{off_dry}, the processor 310 may turn on the fourth switch SE4 and turn off the first switch SE1, the second switch SE2, and the third switch SE3. The processor 310 may deactivate the first RF power supplier 141 and activate the second RF power supplier 142 to execute only the sterilizing mode. Accordingly, the second channel Ch2 may process the input signal to generate a third RF signal and deliver the generated signal to the sterilizing electrode portion 92.

In another example, in a case where both the condensing mode and the sterilizing mode are executed for the duty off time t_{off_dry}, the processor 310 may turn on the third switch SE3 and the fourth switch SE4 and turn off the first switch SE1 and the second switch SE2. In addition, the processor 310 may activate the first RF power supplier 141 and the second RF power supplier 142 to execute both the condensing mode and the sterilizing mode. Accordingly, the first channel Ch1 may process the input signal to generate a second RF signal and deliver the generated signal to the condensing electrode portion 91, and the second channel Ch2 may process the input signal to generate a third RF signal and deliver the generated signal to the sterilizing electrode portion 92.

After the duty off time t_{off_dry} has elapsed, the processor 310 may determine whether an object to be dried is completely dried (1403).

For example, the processor 310 may determine whether the object is completely dried based on a change in electrode impedance detected by the impedance matching portion 150. In another example, the processor 310 may also determine whether drying is complete based on whether a preset time has elapsed. However, the above-described method of determining whether drying is complete is simply an example, and the processor 310 may determine whether the object is completely dried in various ways.

Based on determining that drying is complete (Yes in operation 1403), the processor 310 may end the operation of the dryer 1. Based on determining that drying is not complete, the processor 310 may control the switch portion 160 to execute the drying mode for the duty on time t_{on_dry} again based on the preset duty cycle. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 16, the drying operation and at least one of the sterilizing operation or the condensing operation may be executed alternately.

According to an embodiment, the processor 310 may control the switch portion 160 to allow the first RF power supplier 141 and the second RF power supplier 142 to apply a first RF signal to the drying electrode portion 90 to execute a drying mode, and may control the switch portion 160 to allow one of the first RF power supplier 141 and the second RF power supplier 142 to apply a second RF signal to the condensing electrode portion 91, or the other of the first RF power supplier 141 and the second RF power supplier 142 to apply a third RF signal to the sterilizing electrode portion 92 to execute at least one of a condensing mode or a sterilizing mode.

The drying electrode portion 90 may include the first drying electrode 90a and the second drying electrode 90b, and the processor 310 may control the switch portion 160 to allow the first RF power supplier 141 to apply a positive half-cycle of the first RF signal to the first drying electrode 90a, and allow the second RF power supplier 142 to apply a negative half-cycle of the first RF signal to the second drying electrode 90b to execute the drying mode.

The condensing electrode portion 91 may include a plurality of condensing electrodes, and the processor 310 may control the switch portion 160 to allow the first RF power supplier 141 to apply the second RF signal to the plurality of condensing electrodes to execute a condensing operation.

The sterilizing electrode portion 92 may include a plurality of sterilizing electrodes, and the processor 310 may control the switch portion 160 to allow the second RF power supplier 142 to apply the third RF signal to the plurality of sterilizing electrodes to execute a sterilizing operation.

The switch portion 160 may include a first switch SE1 configured to electrically connect or disconnect the first RF power supplier 141 to/from the first drying electrode 90a, a second switch SE2 configured to electrically connect or disconnect the second RF power supplier 142 to/from the second drying electrode 90b, a third switch SE3 configured to electrically connect or disconnect the first RF power supplier 141 to/from the condensing electrode portion 91, and a fourth switch SE4 configured to electrically connect or disconnect the second RF power supplier 142 to/from the sterilizing electrode portion 92.

The processor 310 may selectively turn on one of the first switch SE1 and the second switch SE2 and turn off the third switch SE3 and the fourth switch SE4 to execute the drying mode.

The processor 310 may turn on the first switch SE1 and turn off the second switch SE2 during a positive half-cycle of the first RF signal, and turn off the first switch SE1 and turn on the second switch SE2 during a negative half-cycle of the first RF signal so as to execute the drying mode.

The processor 310 may turn on the third switch SE3, and turn off the first switch SE1, the second switch SE2, and the fourth switch SE4 to execute the condensing mode.

The processor 310 may turn on the fourth switch SE4, and turn off the first switch SE1 to the third switch SE3 to execute the sterilizing mode.

The dryer 1 may further include the impedance matching portion 150, one end of which is connected to the RF power supplier 140 and the other end of which is connected to the switch portion 160. The impedance matching portion 150 may include the first impedance matching circuit 151 configured to execute impedance matching between the first RF power supplier 141 and one of the first drying electrode 90a and the sterilizing electrode portion 92, and the second impedance matching circuit 152 configured to execute impedance matching between the second RF power supplier 142 and one of the second drying electrode 90b and the condensing electrode portion 91.

The processor 310 may control the first impedance matching circuit 151 to execute first impedance matching between the first RF power supplier 141 and the first drying electrode 90a, and control the second impedance matching circuit 152 to execute second impedance matching between the second RF power supplier 142 and the second drying electrode 90b so as to execute the drying mode.

The processor 310 may control the first impedance matching circuit 151 to execute third impedance matching between the first RF power supplier 141 and the condensing electrode portion 91 to execute the condensing mode.

The processor 310 may control the second impedance matching circuit 152 to execute fourth impedance matching between the second RF power supplier 142 and the sterilizing electrode portion 92 to execute the sterilizing mode.

The processor 310 may control the switch portion 160 to execute the drying mode for a duty on time and execute at least one of the sterilizing mode or the condensing mode for a duty off time based on a preset duty cycle.

The dryer 1 may further include the drum 20 and the desiccant rotor 195 provided on the air discharge path 81, which is a flow path of air discharged from the drum 20. The drying electrode portion 90 may be provided in a ring shape along a central portion of an outer circumferential surface of the drum 20. The sterilizing electrode portion 92 may be provided in a ring shape on a front portion and a rear portion of the outer circumferential surface of the drum 20. The condensing electrode portion 91 may be provided in a plate shape on a front side and a rear side of the desiccant rotor 195.

According to an example embodiment, a method for controlling the dryer 1 including the drying electrode portion 90, the sterilizing electrode portion 92, the condensing electrode portion 91, the RF power supplier 140 including the first RF power supplier 141 and the second RF power supplier 142 configured to output an RF signal, and the switch portion 160 configured to electrically connect or disconnect the drying electrode portion 90, the sterilizing electrode portion 92, or the condensing electrode portion 91 to/from the RF power supplier 140, the method may include: controlling the switch portion 160 to allow the first RF power supplier 141 and the second RF power supplier 142 to apply a first RF signal to the drying electrode portion 90 to execute a drying mode; and controlling the switch portion 160 to allow one of the first RF power supplier 141 and the second RF power supplier 142 to apply a second RF signal to the condensing electrode portion 91, or the other of the first RF power supplier 141 and the second RF power supplier 142 to apply a third RF signal to the sterilizing electrode portion 92 so as to execute at least one of a condensing mode or a sterilizing mode.

Controlling the switch portion 160 to allow the first RF power supplier 141 and the second RF power supplier 142 to apply the first RF signal to the drying electrode portion 90 to execute the drying mode may include controlling the switch portion 160 to allow the first RF power supplier 141 to apply a positive half-cycle of the first RF signal to the first drying electrode 90a included in the drying electrode portion 90, and controlling the switch portion 160 to allow the second RF power supplier 142 to apply a negative half-cycle of the first RF signal to the second drying electrode 90b included in the drying electrode portion 90 so as to execute the drying mode.

Controlling the switch portion 160 to allow one of the first RF power supplier 141 and the second RF power supplier 142 to apply the second RF signal to the sterilizing electrode portion 92, or the other of the first RF power supplier 141 and the second RF power supplier 142 to apply the third RF signal to the condensing electrode portion 91 so as to execute at least one of the condensing mode or the sterilizing mode may include controlling the switch portion 160 to allow the first RF power supplier 141 to apply the second RF signal to a plurality of condensing electrodes so as to execute the condensing mode, or controlling the switch portion 160 to allow the second RF power supplier 142 to apply the third RF signal to a plurality of sterilizing electrodes so as to execute the sterilizing mode.

The dryer 1 may further include the impedance matching portion 150 including the first impedance matching circuit configured to execute impedance matching between the first RF power supplier 141 and one of the first drying electrode 90a included in the drying electrode portion 90 and the sterilizing electrode portion 92, and the second impedance matching circuit 152 configured to execute impedance matching between the second RF power supplier 142 and one of the second drying electrode 90b included in the drying electrode portion 90 and the condensing electrode portion 91. The method may further include controlling the first impedance matching circuit 151 to execute first impedance matching between the first RF power supplier 141 and the first drying electrode 90a, and controlling the second impedance matching circuit 152 to execute second impedance matching between the second RF power supplier 142 and the second drying electrode 90b to execute a drying operation.

The method may further include controlling the first impedance matching circuit 151 to execute third impedance matching between the first RF power supplier 141 and the condensing electrode portion 91 to execute a condensing operation, or controlling the second impedance matching circuit 152 to execute fourth impedance matching between the second RF power supplier 142 and the sterilizing electrode portion 92 to execute a sterilizing operation.

According to the disclosure, the dryer 1 may execute all of a drying operation, a sterilizing operation, and a condensing operation using separately provided drying, sterilizing, and condensing electrodes.

According to the disclosure, circuit costs may be reduced by decreasing the number of power amplifiers required to apply an RF signal to each electrode to execute a drying operation, a sterilizing operation, and a condensing operation.

According to the disclosure, in executing a drying operation, two power amplifiers may operate in a complementary manner, thereby canceling out noise applied to a drying electrode and improving drying efficiency.

Although various example embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described with reference to the accompanying drawings, one skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications may be easily made without departing from the technical spirit or essential features of the disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing example embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting in all aspects.

The disclosed example embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium that stores instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program codes, and when executed by a processor, the instructions may create a program module to execute operations of the disclosed embodiments.

The machine-readable recording medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory recording medium. Here, when a recording medium is referred to as “non-transitory”, it may be understood that the recording medium is tangible and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but rather that data is semi-permanently or temporarily stored in the recording medium. For example, a “non-transitory recording medium” may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

The method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) online 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 stored at least semi-permanently or may be temporarily generated in a recording medium, such as a memory of a server of a manufacturer, a server of an application store, or a relay server.

Although embodiments of the disclosure have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other specific modifications may be easily made without departing from the technical spirit or essential features of the disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing example embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting in all aspects. It will also be understood that any of the embodiment(s) described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.