DRYER AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SAME

Abstract

A dryer is provided. The dryer includes a main body, a drum provided inside the main body, memory, comprising one or more storage media, storing instructions, drying process history information, and a drying course according to a weight of an object to be dried, and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors individually or collectively, cause the dryer to select a drying course of an object to be dried accommodated in the drum based on the drying course stored in the memory, perform the selected drying course, and maintain or change the drying course being performed based on the drying process history information.

Claims

1. A dryer comprising: a main body; a drum provided inside the main body; memory, comprising one or more storage media, storing instructions, drying process history information and a drying course according to a weight of an object to be dried; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors individually or collectively, cause the dryer to: select a drying course of an object to be dried accommodated in the drum based on the drying course stored in the memory, perform the selected drying course, and maintain or change the drying course being performed based on the drying process history information.

2. The dryer of claim 1, wherein the drying course includes: a first drying course for which the weight of the object to be dried is a first weight, and a second drying course for which the weight of the object to be dried is a second weight, and wherein the first drying course and the second drying course each include a plurality of drying courses based on a moisture content of the object to be dried.

3. The dryer of claim 2, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, further cause the dryer to change the drying course being performed, in a case where a drying process history based on a drying course, corresponding to the moisture content of the object to be dried less than a reference moisture content among the second drying course within the drying process history information stored in the memory, is greater than or equal to a preset number of times.

4. The dryer of claim 3, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, further cause the dryer to: in a case where the drying process history based on the drying course corresponding to the moisture content of the object to be dried less than the reference moisture content among the second drying course within the drying process history information stored in the memory is greater than or equal to the preset number of times, and perform a drying process based on a drying course corresponding to a first moisture content among the first drying course corresponding to the first weight, in response to the weight of the object to be dried accommodated in the drum being the second weight and the moisture content of the object to be dried being the first moisture content which is less than the reference moisture content.

5. The dryer of claim 3, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, further cause the dryer to: in a case where the drying process history based on the drying course corresponding to the moisture content of the object to be dried less than the reference moisture content among the second drying course within the drying process history information stored in the memory is greater than or equal to the preset number of times, and perform a drying process based on a drying course corresponding to a second moisture content among the first drying course corresponding to the first weight, in response to the weight of the object to be dried accommodated in the drum being the second weight and the moisture content of the object to be dried being the second moisture content which is less than the reference moisture content.

6. The dryer of claim 3, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, further cause the dryer to: in a case where the drying process history based on the drying course corresponding to the moisture content of the object to be dried less than the reference moisture content among the second drying course within the drying process history information stored in the memory is greater than or equal to the preset number of times, and perform a drying process based on a drying course corresponding to a third moisture content or a fourth moisture content among the second drying course corresponding to the second weight, in response to the weight of the object to be dried accommodated in the drum being the second weight and the moisture content of the object to be dried being the third moisture content or the fourth moisture content which is greater than or equal to the reference moisture content.

7. The dryer of claim 2, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, further cause the dryer to maintain the drying course being performed, in a case where a drying process history based on a drying course, corresponding to the moisture content of the object to be dried less than a reference moisture content among the second drying course within the drying process history information stored in the memory, is less than a preset number of times.

8. The dryer of claim 2, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, further cause the dryer to determine the weight of the object to be dried during a drying process, and then determine the moisture content of the object to be dried after a reference period of time.

9. The dryer of claim 8, wherein the at least one processor is configured to determine a target temperature inside the drum, a time of the drying process, and a rotation speed of a fan, based on a drying course corresponding to the weight and the moisture content of the object to be dried.

10. The dryer of claim 4, wherein the second weight is heavier than the first weight, and wherein the second moisture content is greater than the first moisture content.

11. A method performed by a dryer comprising a main body, a drum provided inside the main body, memory and at least one processor, the method comprising: selecting, by the dryer, a drying course of an object to be dried accommodated in the drum based on a drying course stored in the memory; performing, by the dryer, the selected drying course; and maintaining or changing, by the dryer, the drying course being performed based on drying process history information stored in the memory.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the drying course includes a first drying course for which a weight of the object to be dried is a first weight and a second drying course for which the weight of the object to be dried is a second weight, and wherein the first drying course and the second drying course each include a plurality of drying courses based on a moisture content of the object to be dried.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the changing of the drying course being performed comprises changing the drying course being performed, in a case where a drying process history based on a drying course, corresponding to the moisture content of the object to be dried less than a reference moisture content among the second drying course within the drying process history information stored in the memory, is greater than or equal to a preset number of times.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the changing of the drying course being performed comprises: in a case where the drying process history based on the drying course corresponding to the moisture content of the object to be dried less than the reference moisture content among the second drying course within the drying process history information stored in the memory is greater than or equal to the preset number of times, and performing a drying process based on a drying course corresponding to a first moisture content among the first drying course corresponding to the first weight, in response to the weight of the object to be dried accommodated in the drum being the second weight and the moisture content of the object to be dried being the first moisture content which is less than the reference moisture content.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the changing of the drying course being performed comprises: in a case where the drying process history based on the drying course corresponding to the moisture content of the object to be dried less than the reference moisture content among the second drying course within the drying process history information stored in the memory is greater than or equal to the preset number of times, and performing a drying process based on a drying course corresponding to a second moisture content among the first drying course corresponding to the first weight, in response to the weight of the object to be dried accommodated in the drum being the second weight and the moisture content of the object to be dried being the second moisture content which is less than the reference moisture content.

16. One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media storing one or more computer programs including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a dryer individually or collectively, cause the dryer to perform operations, the operations comprising: selecting, by the dryer, a drying course of an object to be dried accommodated in a drum of the dryer based on a drying course stored in memory; performing, by the dryer, the selected drying course; and maintaining or changing, by the dryer, the drying course being performed based on drying process history information stored in the memory.

17. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 16, wherein the drying course includes a first drying course for which a weight of the object to be dried is a first weight and a second drying course for which the weight of the object to be dried is a second weight, and wherein the first drying course and the second drying course each include a plurality of drying courses based on a moisture content of the object to be dried.

18. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 17, wherein the changing of the drying course being performed comprises changing the drying course being performed, in a case where a drying process history based on a drying course, corresponding to the moisture content of the object to be dried less than a reference moisture content among the second drying course within the drying process history information stored in the memory, is greater than or equal to a preset number of times.

19. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 18, wherein the changing of the drying course being performed comprises: in a case where the drying process history based on the drying course corresponding to the moisture content of the object to be dried less than the reference moisture content among the second drying course within the drying process history information stored in the memory is greater than or equal to the preset number of times, and performing a drying process based on a drying course corresponding to a first moisture content among the first drying course corresponding to the first weight, in response to the weight of the object to be dried accommodated in the drum being the second weight and the moisture content of the object to be dried being the first moisture content which is less than the reference moisture content.

20. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 18, wherein the changing of the drying course being performed comprises: in a case where the drying process history based on the drying course corresponding to the moisture content of the object to be dried less than the reference moisture content among the second drying course within the drying process history information stored in the memory is greater than or equal to the preset number of times, and performing a drying process based on a drying course corresponding to a second moisture content among the first drying course corresponding to the first weight, in response to the weight of the object to be dried accommodated in the drum being the second weight and the moisture content of the object to be dried being the second moisture content which is less than the reference moisture content.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 is an external view illustrating a dryer according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a side sectional view illustrating a dryer according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of a dryer according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a dryer according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating operations for selecting a drying course based on a weight of an object to be dried according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 6 is a table of drying courses based on a weight of an object to be dried according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating operations of subdividing a drying course based on a moisture content of an object to be dried according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 8 is a table of drying courses based on a weight and a moisture content of an object to be dried according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating operations for controlling a dryer based on a drying process history according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operations for changing a drying course and performing a drying process according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0026] FIGS. 11 and 12 are flowcharts illustrating operations for maintaining a drying course and performing a drying process according to various embodiments of the disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 13 is a table detailing drying courses based on a weight of an object to be dried according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 14 is a table detailing drying courses based on a weight and a moisture content of an object to be dried according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0029] FIG. 15 is a control block diagram of a dryer according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0030] Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0032] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0033] It is to be understood that the singular forms a, an, and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a component surface includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

[0034] Embodiments described in the disclosure and configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are merely examples of the disclosure, and various modifications may replace the embodiments and the drawings of the disclosure at the time of filing of the application.

[0035] In addition, like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0036] In addition, the terms used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. It will be understood that when the terms includes, comprises, including, and/or comprising are used in the disclosure, they specify the presence of the specified features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.

[0037] In addition, it is to be understood that when a certain component is referred to as being connected to, or coupled with, another component, it means that the component may be connected to or coupled with the other component directly or indirectly via a third component.

[0038] In addition, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, the terms do not limit the corresponding components, but are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the technical spirit or essential features of the disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0039] It should be appreciated that the blocks in each flowchart and combinations of the flowcharts may be performed by one or more computer programs which include instructions. The entirety of the one or more computer programs may be stored in a single memory device or the one or more computer programs may be divided with different portions stored in different multiple memory devices.

[0040] Any of the functions or operations described herein can be processed by one processor or a combination of processors. The one processor or the combination of processors is circuitry performing processing and includes circuitry like an application processor (AP, e.g. a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) chip, a Bluetooth chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near field communication (NFC) chip, connectivity chips, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a finger-print sensor controller, a display driver integrated circuit (IC), an audio CODEC chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on chip (SoC), an IC, or the like.

[0041] Hereinafter, an operating principle and embodiments of the disclosure will now be described with reference to accompanying drawings.

[0042] FIG. 1 is an external view illustrating a dryer according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a side sectional view illustrating a dryer according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 together, a dryer 1 according to an embodiment includes a cabinet 101 accommodating components of the dryer 1 and a drum 20 rotatably installed in the cabinet 101. An object to be dried (hereinafter also referred to as laundry) may be accommodated in the drum 20.

[0045] The cabinet 101 may include a base plate 102, a front cover 103, a top cover 104, and a side/rear cover 105.

[0046] The front cover 103 may be provided with an opening 103a, and the opening 103a may be opened and closed by a door 106 rotatably installed on the front cover 103. The drum 20 provided in a cylindrical shape with an open front may also be opened and closed by the door 106.

[0047] The front cover 103 may be provided on an upper portion thereof with input portions 171a and 171b for receiving a user command, and a display 172 for displaying various types of information related to the operation of the dryer 1 or displaying a screen that guides user input.

[0048] The input portions 171a and 171b may be provided in the form of a jog shuttle or a dial such that the user may input a command by holding and turning, or pressing the input portion 171a, or may be provided in the form of a touch pad or button such that the user may input a command by touching or pressing the input portion 171b.

[0049] The display 172 may be implemented by various display panels, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED), an organic LED (OLED), a quantum dot LED (QLED), and the like, and may be implemented as a touch screen having a touch pad formed on a front side thereof.

[0050] A front frame 121 having a laundry inlet 121a may be disposed on the front side of the drum 20, and laundry may be loaded into the drum 20 through the laundry inlet 121a. In addition, the rear side of the drum 20 may be closed by a rear frame 122 provided with an inlet 122a through which hot dry air is introduced.

[0051] The front frame 121 may be provided with an outlet 121b through which air used to dry laundry is discharged, and a filter 123 for collecting foreign substances generated from the laundry may be installed in the outlet 121b.

[0052] In addition, at least one lifter may be formed in a protrusion manner on an inner wall of the drum 20 to assist in tumbling of laundry.

[0053] The drum 20 may be rotated by power provided from a drum motor 125. The drum 20 may be connected to the drum motor 125 by a belt 126, and the belt 126 may transmit power provided from the drum motor 125 to the drum 20.

[0054] The drum 20 may be disposed to allow the axis of rotation to be parallel to the ground, and the axis of rotation of the drum 20 may be mounted on the rear frame 122.

[0055] As for methods of drying laundry by the dryer 1, a heater type is configured in a way to supply air heated by a heater to the inside of a drum to dry laundry, and a heat pump type is configured to remove moisture from laundry to dry the laundry. In the embodiment of the disclosure, a case in which the dryer 1 dries laundry by a heat pump method will be described as an example.

[0056] In addition, as for methods of processing high-temperature and high-humidity air that has passed through the drum 20, an air-vent type is configured in a way to discharge high-temperature and high-humidity air to the outside of the dryer 1, and a condensing type is configured in a way to remove moisture from high-temperature and high-humidity air and then circulate the air back into the drum 20. In the embodiment of the disclosure, a case in which the dryer 1 employs a condensing method will be described as an example.

[0057] The dryer 1 may include a fan 140 circulating air inside the drum 20. The fan 140 may suction air from inside the drum 20 and discharge the air through a duct 150. By the operation of the fan 140, air inside the drum 20 may circulate between the drum 20 and the duct 150.

[0058] A heat pump 160 may be provided on the duct 150 through which air inside the drum 20 may circulate. The heat pump 160 may include a compressor (not shown), a condenser 162, an evaporator 164, and an expander (not shown).

[0059] The compressor may compress a gaseous refrigerant into a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant, and discharge the compressed high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. For example, the compressor may compress the refrigerant through a reciprocating motion of a piston or a rotation motion of a rotary wheel. The discharged refrigerant is delivered to the condenser 162.

[0060] The condenser 162 may condense the compressed gaseous refrigerant into a liquid while discharging heat to surroundings. The condenser 162 may be provided on the duct 150, and the heat generated in the process of condensing the refrigerant may allow air to be heated. The heated air may be supplied to the drum 20. The liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser 162 may be delivered to an expander (not shown).

[0061] The expander may expand the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser 162 into a low-pressure liquid refrigerant. Specifically, the expander may include a capillary tube and an electronic expansion valve, of which the opening degree may be varied by an electric signal, for adjusting the pressure of the liquid refrigerant.

[0062] The evaporator 164 may evaporate the liquid refrigerant expanded in the expander. As a result, the evaporator may return the low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant to the compressor.

[0063] The evaporator 164 may absorb heat from the surroundings through an evaporation process in which a low-pressure liquid refrigerant is converted into a gaseous refrigerant. The evaporator 164 may be provided on the duct 150 so that air passing through the evaporator 164 may be cooled in the evaporation process.

[0064] The evaporator 164 may cause the ambient air to be cooled, and when the temperature of the ambient air becomes lower than the dew point, the air around the evaporator 164 may be condensed. The water condensed in the evaporator 164 may be collected by a water trap provided at a lower side of the evaporator 164. The water collected in the water trap may be moved to a separate storage or drained to the outside of the dryer 1.

[0065] Due to the condensation occurring around the evaporator 164, the absolute humidity of air passing through the evaporator 164 may be lowered. In other words, the amount of water vapor included in the air passing through the evaporator 164 may decrease. By using the condensation occurring around the evaporator 164, the dryer 1 may reduce the amount of water vapor contained in the air inside the drum 20 and dry laundry.

[0066] The evaporator 164 may be located upstream of the condenser 162 based on a flow of air by the fan 140. The air circulating by the fan 140 may be dried (water vapor is condensed) by the evaporator 164 while passing through the evaporator 164, and then heated by the condenser 162 while passing through the condenser 162.

[0067] Meanwhile, the duct 150 may be provided with a heater 155 for heating air while assisting the condenser 162. The heater 155 may be located downstream of the condenser 162 based on a flow of air by the fan 140.

[0068] For example, air heated in the condenser 162 of the heat pump 160 may be additionally heated by the heater 155 such that the air in the duct 150 may be sufficiently heated.

[0069] By the operation of the heater 155 assisting the condenser 162, the internal temperature of the drum 20 may rise more rapidly, and the time required to dry laundry may be shortened.

[0070] FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of a dryer according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0071] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a dryer according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 3, the dryer 1 according to an embodiment includes the heat pump 160, the input portion 171, the display 172, a speaker 173, and a motor driver 180 described above, and may further include a controller 110, a sensor portion 130, and communication circuitry 190.

[0073] In the following description, the same configuration as those described above will be omitted.

[0074] The sensor portion 130 may include at least one sensor for measuring various data required for controlling the dryer 1. For example, the sensor portion 130 may include a moisture sensor for measuring a moisture content of an object to be dried that is placed in the drum 20, a temperature sensor for measuring an ambient temperature of the dryer 1 or a temperature inside the dryer 1, and the like.

[0075] The controller 110 may control the overall operation of the dryer 1. The controller 110 may control components of the dryer 1 based on user input received by the input portion 171 or data measured by the sensor portion 130.

[0076] The controller 110 may include at least one memory 112 storing a program for performing the operations described below and at least one processor 111 executing the stored program. For example, the controller 110 may be implemented as a microcontroller unit (MCU).

[0077] A process selectable by the user through the input portion 171 may include a drying process for drying laundry and an additional process. For example, the additional process may include a dusting process, a functional clothes care process for padding or outdoor clothing, and the like.

[0078] In response to receiving a user input for selecting a drying process through the input portion 171, the controller 110 may determine a rotation speed and a rotation time of the drum motor 125 for rotating the drum 20, and control the motor driver 180 according to the determined rotation speed and rotation time to rotate the drum motor 125.

[0079] The rotation speed and the rotation time of the drum motor 125 for the drying process may be determined based on factors, such as a weight of the object to be dried, a moisture content of the object to be dried, and a type of the object to be dried.

[0080] The moisture content of the object to be dried may be measured by the moisture sensor described above, and information about the type of the object to be dried may be input by the user through the input portion 171. For example, the user may input information about the type of the object to be dried, such as a blanket, towel, delicate clothing, wool, shirt, denim, etc., through the input portion 171. Alternatively, the sensor portion 130 may detect the type of the object to be dried.

[0081] The weight of the object to be dried may be determined by at least one of various methods for weight detection. For example, the controller 110 may determine the weight of the object to be dried by performing a weight detection process before starting a drying process. In the weight detection process, the controller 110 may rotate the drum 20 at a high speed for a predetermined period of time and determine the weight of the object to be dried based on a load applied to the drum motor 125 during the rotation of the drum 20.

[0082] The communication circuitry 190 may communicate with an external device or a server 2, and the like.

[0083] In response to an input from the user through a user terminal, etc., the communication circuitry 190 may receive the user input, and thus control of the dryer 1 may be performed based on the received user input.

[0084] The communication with the server 2 will be described below.

[0085] As described above, the controller 110 may include at least one processor 111 and memory 112.

[0086] The memory 112 may store drying process history information and drying courses based on a weight of an object to be dried.

[0087] That is, a past history of operating the dryer 1 to perform a drying process may be stored in the memory 112, and a drying course including a control time and control specifications corresponding to the weight of the object to be dried may be stored in the memory 112.

[0088] In addition, as will be described below, subdivided drying courses according to the moisture content of the object to be dried may be stored.

[0089] Based on a drying process command in operation 401, the at least one processor 111 may select a drying course for the object to be dried accommodated in the drum 20 based on the drying courses stored in the memory 112 in operation 403, and may perform the selected drying course in operation 405.

[0090] That is, among the drying courses set differently according to a weight of an object to be dried, a drying course corresponding to the detected weight of the object to be dried may be selected and performed.

[0091] The at least one processor 111 may maintain or change the drying course being performed based on drying process history information in operation 407.

[0092] Hereinafter, selecting a drying course based on the weight and moisture content of the object to be dried, and maintaining or changing the drying course based on the drying process history are described in detail.

[0093] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating operations for selecting a drying course based on a weight of an object to be dried according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0094] FIG. 6 is a table of drying courses based on a weight of an object to be dried according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, based on receiving a drying process command in operation 501, the dryer 1 may detect a weight of an object to be dried accommodated in the drum 20 in operation 503.

[0096] As described above, the weight of the object to be dried may be detected by a sensor, or may be determined based on a load applied to the drum motor while the drum 20 rotates at high speed for a predetermined period of time. The weight of the object to be dried may be detected in various ways without being limited thereto.

[0097] Based on the detected weight of the object to be dried being a first weight (Yes in operation 505), a drying process may be performed based on a first drying course corresponding to the first weight in operation 507. Based on the detected weight of the object to be dried being a second weight (No in operation 505), the drying process may be performed based on a second drying course corresponding to the second weight in operation 509.

[0098] The second weight may refer to a weight heavier than the first weight.

[0099] For example, the first weight may refer to a weight less than approximately 2 kg, and the second weight may refer to a weight greater than or equal to approximately 2 kg.

[0100] That is, in a case where the weight of the object to be dried is less than 2kg, it may be determined as the first weight, and in a case where the weight of the object to be dried is greater than or equal to 2 kg, it may be determined as the second weight.

[0101] Various parameters such as a drying time and a temperature inside the drum 20 may be adjusted according to each drying course, and may be appropriately set according to the weight of the object to be dried.

[0102] Hereinafter, a drying course based on the moisture content of the object to be dried is described.

[0103] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating operations of subdividing a drying course based on a moisture content of an object to be dried according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0104] FIG. 8 is a table of drying courses based on a weight and a moisture content of an object to be dried according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0105] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the at least one processor 111 may determine the moisture content of the object to be dried after a reference time has elapsed since the weight of the object to be dried was determined.

[0106] That is, after the drying course based on the weight of the object to be dried has been performed and then a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the at least one processor 111 may detect the moisture content of the object to be dried in operation 701 to determine a dryness of the object to be dried.

[0107] The reference time may be set to an appropriate time for determining the dryness of the object to be dried after the drying process, which may be determined in advance during design or may be changed by a user.

[0108] The moisture content of the object to be dried may be detected by a moisture sensor as described above. However, the above method is only an example, and the moisture content of the object to be dried may be determined in various ways.

[0109] The first and second drying courses corresponding to the weight of the object to be dried described above may further include a plurality of drying courses according to the moisture content of the object to be dried.

[0110] That is, in a case where the detected weight of the object to be dried is the first weight, the drying courses may be subdivided based on the moisture content of the object to be dried detected after the elapse of the reference time in operation 703.

[0111] The moisture content of the object to be dried may also be determined from a drying speed of the object to be dried. That is, after the weight of the object to be dried is determined, the drying speed of the object to be dried may be determined and the drying course may be set differently accordingly.

[0112] For example, the drying speed may be set to a plurality of drying times of T1, T2, and T3 (T1<T2<T3). Based on determining that the drying speed of the object to be dried is less than or equal to T1, the drying time may be determined to be short and the drying speed may be determined to be fast, and thus the drying course may be set to a more simplified mode.

[0113] As such, the drying course may be set according to the weight of the object to be dried, and the drying courses may be subdivided based on the determination of the drying speed of the object to be dried and each setting value may be changed.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 8, the moisture content of the object to be dried may be divided into a first moisture content to a fourth moisture content. However, the above is only an example of dividing the dryness of the object to be dried, and the moisture content of the object to be dried may be divided into various sections in various ways.

[0115] As will be described below, the first and second moisture content may refer to a moisture content that is less than a reference moisture content, and the third and fourth moisture content may refer to a moisture content that is greater than or equal to the reference moisture content.

[0116] The second moisture content may refer to a moisture content greater than the first moisture content, and the fourth moisture content may refer to a moisture content greater than the third moisture content.

[0117] In a case where the moisture content of the object to be dried is the first moisture content, a 1-1 drying course may be selected, and in a case where the moisture content of the object to be dried is the second moisture content, a 1-2 drying course may be selected. In addition, in a case where the moisture content of the object to be dried is the third moisture content, a 1-3 drying course may be selected, and in a case where the moisture content of the object to be dried is the fourth moisture content, a 1-4 drying course may be selected.

[0118] For example, the 1-1 drying course may be selected in a case where the moisture content of the object to be dried is the lowest as the first moisture content, and thus the drying time may be the shortest and the target temperature inside the drum 20 may be the lowest. In addition, the 1-2 drying course may be selected in a case where the moisture content of the object to be dried is greater than the first moisture content, and thus the drying time of the 1-2 drying course may be longer than that of the 1-1drying course and the target temperature inside the drum 20 may be set higher than that of the 1-1 drying course. Furthermore, a rotation speed of the fan may also be set higher than or equal to that of the 1-1 drying course.

[0119] In addition, in a case where the detected weight of the object to be dried is the second weight, the drying courses may be subdivided based on the moisture content of the object to be dried detected after the elapse of the reference time (i.e., operation 703).

[0120] That is, in a case where the moisture content of the object to be dried is the first moisture content, a 2-1 drying course may be selected, and in a case where the moisture content of the object to be dried is the second moisture content, a 2-2 drying course may be selected. In addition, in a case where the moisture content of the object to be dried is the third moisture content, a 2-3 drying course may be selected, and in a case where the moisture content of the object to be dried is the fourth moisture content, a 2-4 drying course may be selected.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 14, the higher the moisture content of the object to be dried, the longer the drying time may be set, the higher the rotation speed of the fan may be set, and the higher the target temperature inside the drum may be set.

[0122] The above may be determined based on the weight and moisture content of the object to be dried, and for example, in a case where the weight of the object to be dried is the second weight, the target temperature inside the drum according to the moisture content may be set to be the same.

[0123] As such, suitable drying courses may be set according to the weight and moisture content of the object to be dried, and in general, a drying process may be performed based on the drying courses. However, there may be cases where a drying course is to be changed and performed based on a past drying process history, etc., which are described below in detail.

[0124] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating operations for controlling a dryer based on a drying process history according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 9, the at least one processor 111 may determine whether a specific drying process history stored in the memory 112 is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of times.

[0126] The specific drying process history may refer to a drying process history based on a drying course for which a moisture content of an object to be dried is less than a reference moisture content among the second drying courses.

[0127] That is, referring to FIG. 8, whether the number of times the 2-1 drying course and the 2-2 drying course have been performed is greater than or equal to the predetermined number of times may be determined.

[0128] The at least one processor 111 may change the drying course being performed in operation 901, in a case where a drying process history based on a drying course, corresponding to a moisture content of the object to be dried less than the reference moisture content, is greater than or equal to the predetermined number of times among the second drying courses within the drying process history information stored in the memory 112.

[0129] In a case where the weight of the object to be dried is the second weight, but the detected moisture content of the object to be dried is the first moisture content or the second moisture content, i.e., when the object to be dried is relatively heavy but has a high dryness, it may be a case where the object to be dried, which is heavy because it contains a lot of moisture but dries quickly, such as wool, has been placed in the dryer.

[0130] In other words, the above case may include a case where the weight is detected as being heavier than an actual weight of the object to be dried and is determined to be the second weight.

[0131] In addition, the above case may also include a case where a heavier weight is determined due to an error in a weight detection process.

[0132] In this case, even though the drying process may be performed with less energy because the object to be dried is originally light, in order to prevent a large amount of energy from being consumed due to errors in the weight detection process and non-correction, etc., the originally selected drying course may be changed in a case where the weight and moisture content of such an object to be dried are detected again. Accordingly, the drying process may be performed with a drying course that consumes less energy.

[0133] In order to determine whether correction of the weight detection value is required under the above condition, the at least one processor 111 may determine whether a specific drying process history stored in the memory 112 is greater than or equal to the predetermined number of times.

[0134] The predetermined number of times may refer to two or more out of the recent ten drying process histories. However, the above is only an example, and may be set to an appropriate number of times for determining whether correction of the weight detection value is required.

[0135] The case where the drying course requires to be changed because the drying course history based on the drying course corresponding to the moisture content of the object to be dried less than the reference moisture content is greater than or equal to the predetermined number of times among the second drying courses within the drying process history information stored in the memory 112 (Yes in operation 903) is described in FIG. 10.

[0136] The at least one processor 111 may maintain the drying course in operation 905, in a case where the drying course history based on the drying course corresponding to the moisture content of the object to be dried less than the reference moisture content is less than the predetermined number of times among the second drying courses within the drying process history information stored in the memory 112 (No in operation 903).

[0137] That is, in response to the weight of the object to be dried being the first weight, the drying course may be performed based on the first drying course, and in response to the weight of the object to be dried being the second weight, the drying course may be performed based on the second drying course.

[0138] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operations for changing a drying course and performing a drying process according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 10, in a case where the drying course history based on the drying course corresponding to the moisture content of the object to be dried less than the reference moisture content is greater than or equal to the predetermined number of times among the second drying courses within the drying process history information stored in the memory 112, the drying course may be changed.

[0140] Specifically, in a case where a drying course history where the drying process is performed based on the 2-1 drying course or the 2-2 drying course of FIG. 8 is greater than or equal to the predetermined number of times, and the drying course requires to be performed again based on the 2-1 drying course or the 2-2 drying course, the drying course may be changed.

[0141] That is, in order to save energy, the weight of the object to be dried detected as the second weight may be determined to be the first weight, which is less than the second weight, and the drying process may be performed based on the first drying course corresponding to the first weight, which is described in detail below.

[0142] First, in a case where the detected weight of the object to be dried is the second weight (Yes in operation 1001), it may be determined whether the moisture content of the object to be dried is less than the reference moisture content.

[0143] In a case where the moisture content of the object to be dried is detected as the first moisture content that is lower than the reference moisture content (Yes in operation 1003), the 2-1 drying course corresponding to the second weight and the first moisture content is originally to be performed, but in order to save energy, the drying process may be performed based on the drying course corresponding to the first moisture content among the first drying courses corresponding to the first weight, i.e., the 1-1 drying course in operation 1007. In other words, the drying process may be performed by changing a rotation speed of the fan and a target temperature inside the drum 20 to a rotation speed and a target temperature lower than those set in the 2-1 drying course, and changing a drying time to a drying time shorter than that set in the 2-1 drying course.

[0144] In addition, in a case where the moisture content of the object to be dried is detected as the second moisture content lower than the reference moisture content (Yes in operation 1005), the 2-2 drying course corresponding to the second weight and the second moisture content is originally to be performed, but in order to save energy, the drying process may be performed based on the drying course corresponding to the second moisture content among the first drying courses corresponding to the first weight, i.e., the 1-2 drying course in operation 1009.

[0145] As such, in a case where the number of times the 2-1 and 2-2 drying courses have been performed based on the past drying process history is greater than or equal to the predetermined number of times, and the 2-1 and 2-2 drying courses are to be performed again, the drying process may be performed by changing the drying courses to the 1-1 and 1-2 drying courses. That is, the drying process set to a smaller weight may be performed, thereby saving energy.

[0146] Hereinafter, a case where a drying course is maintained without change is described.

[0147] FIGS. 11 and 12 are flowcharts illustrating operations for maintaining a drying course and performing a drying process according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

[0148] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, based on determining that the weight of the object to be dried detected in FIG. 10 is the first weight, not the second weight in operation 1101, the object to be dried originally has a light weight, and thus changing the drying course may not be required for energy saving.

[0149] Accordingly, in this case, the drying process may be performed based on the first drying course corresponding to the first weight in operation 1103.

[0150] In addition, in FIG. 10, in a case where the weight of the object to be dried is the second weight, but the detected moisture content of the object to be dried is the third moisture content or the fourth moisture content that is greater than or equal to the reference moisture content in operation 1201 the object to be dried has a low dryness, and thus changing the drying course may not be required for energy saving.

[0151] Accordingly, in this case, the drying process may be performed based on the drying course corresponding to the third moisture content or the fourth moisture content among the second drying courses corresponding to the second weight, i.e., the 2-3 or 2-4 drying course (1203).

[0152] FIG. 13 is a table detailing drying courses based on a weight of an object to be dried according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0153] FIG. 14 is a table detailing drying courses based on a weight and a moisture content of an object to be dried according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0154] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the drying course may be divided into the first drying course corresponding to the first weight and the second drying course corresponding to the second weight by detecting the weight of the object to be dried.

[0155] The first weight is a relatively light weight, and both a rotation speed of the fan and a target temperature inside the drum 20 may be reduced to save energy.

[0156] Accordingly, unnecessary energy consumption may be prevented.

[0157] The second weight is a relatively heavy weight, and both the rotation speed of the fan and the target temperature inside the drum 20 may be maintained for proper drying.

[0158] Thereafter, the first drying course and the second drying course may be further subdivided based on the moisture content of the object to be dried detected.

[0159] That is, the at least one processor 111 may determine the target temperature inside the drum 20, the time of the drying process, and the rotation speed of the fan based on the drying course corresponding to the weight and moisture content of the object to be dried.

[0160] For example, the drying time may be shortened and the rotation speed of the fan and the target temperature inside the drum 20 may be reduced according to the first weight and the first moisture content.

[0161] FIG. 15 is a control block diagram of a dryer according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0162] Referring to FIG. 15, the communication circuitry 190 may perform communication with the server 2.

[0163] In this case, drying process history information may be transmitted to the server 2 through the communication circuitry 190 and may be stored in the server 2.

[0164] In this case, the server 2 may receive the drying process history information to determine whether to change a drying course as described above.

[0165] In addition, in a case where a drying operation command, and the like, is received by a user terminal, etc., the communication circuitry 190 may directly communicate with the user terminal to receive the command, and also a user input may be transmitted to the server 2 and the communication circuitry 190 may receive a signal about the command from the server 2, and the drying process may be performed.

[0166] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a dryer may include: a main body; a drum provided inside the main body; memory configured to store drying process history information and a drying course according to a weight of an object to be dried; and at least one processor configured to select a drying course of an object to be dried accommodated in the drum based on the drying course stored in the memory, perform the selected drying course, and maintain or change the drying course being performed based on the drying process history information.

[0167] The drying course may include a first drying course for which the weight of the object to be dried is a first weight and a second drying course for which the weight of the object to be dried is a second weight, and the first drying course and the second drying course may each include a plurality of drying courses based on a moisture content of the object to be dried.

[0168] The at least one processor may be configured to: change the drying course being performed, in a case where a drying process history based on a drying course, corresponding to the moisture content of the object to be dried less than a reference moisture content among the second drying course within the drying process history information stored in the memory, is greater than or equal to a preset number of times.

[0169] According to the disclosure, a drying course may be automatically changed based on a user's drying history, thereby providing a drying process optimized for an object to be dried and improving energy efficiency.

[0170] The at least one processor may be configured to: in a case where the drying process history based on the drying course corresponding to the moisture content of the object to be dried less than the reference moisture content among the second drying course within the drying process history information stored in the memory is greater than or equal to the preset number of times, perform a drying process based on a drying course corresponding to a first moisture content among the first drying course corresponding to the first weight, in response to the weight of the object to be dried accommodated in the drum being the second weight and the moisture content of the object to be dried being the first moisture content which is less than the reference moisture content.

[0171] The at least one processor may be configured to: in a case where the drying process history based on the drying course corresponding to the moisture content of the object to be dried less than the reference moisture content among the second drying course within the drying process history information stored in the memory is greater than or equal to the preset number of times, perform a drying process based on a drying course corresponding to a second moisture content among the first drying course corresponding to the first weight, in response to the weight of the object to be dried accommodated in the drum being the second weight and the moisture content of the object to be dried being the second moisture content which is less than the reference moisture content.

[0172] The at least one processor may be configured to: in a case where the drying process history based on the drying course corresponding to the moisture content of the object to be dried less than the reference moisture content among the second drying course within the drying process history information stored in the memory is greater than or equal to the preset number of times, perform a drying process based on a drying course corresponding to a third moisture content or a fourth moisture content among the second drying course corresponding to the second weight, in response to the weight of the object to be dried accommodated in the drum being the second weight and the moisture content of the object to be dried being the third moisture content or the fourth moisture content which is greater than or equal to the reference moisture content.

[0173] The at least one processor may be configured to maintain the drying course being performed, in a case where a drying process history based on a drying course, corresponding to the moisture content of the object to be dried less than a reference moisture content among the second drying course within the drying process history information stored in the memory, is less than the preset number of times.

[0174] The at least one processor may be configured to determine the weight of the object to be dried during a drying process, and then determine the moisture content of the object to be dried after a reference period of time.

[0175] The at least one processor may be configured to determine a target temperature inside the drum, a time of the drying process, and a rotation speed of a fan, based on a drying course corresponding to the weight and the moisture content of the object to be dried.

[0176] According to the disclosure, a weight and a moisture content of an object to be dried during a drying process may be detected and an optimized drying time and drying specifications may be provided, thereby performing an optimized drying process.

[0177] The second weight may be heavier than the first weight, and the second moisture content may be greater than the first moisture content.

[0178] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in a method for controlling a dryer including a main body, a drum provided inside the main body, and memory, the method may include: selecting a drying course of an object to be dried accommodated in the drum based on a drying course stored in the memory; performing the selected drying course; and maintaining or changing the drying course being performed based on drying process history information stored in the memory.

[0179] The drying course may include a first drying course for which a weight of the object to be dried is a first weight and a second drying course for which the weight of the object to be dried is a second weight, and the first drying course and the second drying course may each include a plurality of drying courses based on a moisture content of the object to be dried.

[0180] The changing of the drying course being performed may include changing the drying course being performed, in a case where a drying process history based on a drying course, corresponding to the moisture content of the object to be dried less than a reference moisture content among the second drying course within the drying process history information stored in the memory, is greater than or equal to a preset number of times.

[0181] The changing of the drying course being performed may include: in a case where the drying process history based on the drying course corresponding to the moisture content of the object to be dried less than the reference moisture content among the second drying course within the drying process history information stored in the memory is greater than or equal to the preset number of times, performing a drying process based on a drying course corresponding to a first moisture content among the first drying course corresponding to the first weight, in response to the weight of the object to be dried accommodated in the drum being the second weight and the moisture content of the object to be dried being the first moisture content which is less than the reference moisture content.

[0182] The changing of the drying course being performed may include: in a case where the drying process history based on the drying course corresponding to the moisture content of the object to be dried less than the reference moisture content among the second drying course within the drying process history information stored in the memory is greater than or equal to the preset number of times, performing a drying process based on a drying course corresponding to a second moisture content among the first drying course corresponding to the first weight, in response to the weight of the object to be dried accommodated in the drum being the second weight and the moisture content of the object to be dried being the second moisture content which is less than the reference moisture content.

[0183] The maintaining of the drying course being performed may include: in a case where the drying process history based on the drying course corresponding to the moisture content of the object to be dried less than the reference moisture content among the second drying course within the drying process history information stored in the memory is greater than or equal to the preset number of times, performing a drying process based on a drying course corresponding to a third moisture content or a fourth moisture content among the second drying course corresponding to the second weight, in response to the weight of the object to be dried accommodated in the drum being the second weight and the moisture content of the object to be dried being the third moisture content or the fourth moisture content which is greater than or equal to the reference moisture content.

[0184] The maintaining of the drying course being performed may include: maintaining the drying course being performed, in a case where a drying process history based on a drying course, corresponding to the moisture content of the object to be dried less than a reference moisture content among the second drying course within the drying process history information stored in the memory, is less than the preset number of times.

[0185] The method may further include: determining the weight of the object to be dried during the drying process, and then determining the moisture content of the object to be dried after a reference period of time.

[0186] The method may further include determining a target temperature inside the drum, a time of the drying process, and a rotation speed of a fan, based on a drying course corresponding to the weight and the moisture content of the object to be dried.

[0187] The second weight may be heavier than the first weight, and the second moisture content may be greater than the first moisture content.

[0188] According to the disclosure, by detecting a weight and a moisture content of an object to be dried during a drying process and providing an optimized drying time and drying specifications, an optimized drying process may be performed.

[0189] In addition, by automatically changing a drying course based on a user's drying history, a drying process optimized for an object to be dried may be provided and energy efficiency may be improved.

[0190] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium that stores instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program codes, and when executed by a processor, the instructions may create a program module to perform operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0191] The computer-readable recording medium may include all kinds of recording media storing instructions that may be interpreted by a computer. For example, the computer-readable recording medium may be read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, flash memory, an optical data storage device, and the like.

[0192] While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.