Dryer and control method thereof

Abstract

The disclosed dryer comprises: a drum; a plurality of drying electrodes arranged along the outer circumferential surface of the drum; a plurality of sterilization electrodes each provided between the plurality of drying electrodes along the outer peripheral surface of the drum; a first RF power supply section and a second RF power supply section for generating an RF signal; an impedance matching circuit for performing a first impedance matching between the first RF power supply portion and the plurality of drying electrodes, or a second impedance matching between the second RF power supply portion and the plurality of sterilizing electrodes; a first switch configured to connect the impedance matching circuit to the first RF power supply portion or the second RF power supply portion; a second switch configured to connect the impedance matching circuit and the plurality of dry electrodes; a third switch configured to connect the impedance matching circuit and the plurality of sterilization electrodes; and a control portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One or more exemplary embodiments of this disclosure relate to a dryer capable of drying an object by dielectric heating and a method for controlling the dryer. Background Technology

[0002] A dryer is a device capable of drying an object by removing the moisture contained within it (e.g., clothing). Various types of drying devices exist that can dry objects. For example, there is a dryer that supplies hot air into a drum containing the object to dry it. In this method of supplying hot air into the drum, heat is transferred from air with high heat to water with low heat; therefore, the heat transfer efficiency is low, and the drying efficiency is correspondingly reduced. Furthermore, the hot air supplied into the drum is likely to damage the object.

[0003] In another example, there is a dryer capable of drying an object using dielectric heating via radio frequency (RF). Prior art dryers using dielectric heating place the object between two parallel, flat electrodes and heat the water contained within the object by generating an electric field between the two flat electrodes. However, prior art dryers using dielectric heating only provide the function of drying the object, not the function of sterilizing it. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] One or more exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide a dryer and a method for controlling the dryer, the dryer having separately arranged drying electrodes for drying an object contained in a drum and sterilizing electrodes for sterilizing the object to perform drying and sterilization operations.

[0006] One or more exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide a dryer capable of providing power suitable for drying an object and power suitable for sterilizing the object, as well as a method for controlling the dryer.

[0007] One or more exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide a dryer capable of maximizing the efficiency of drying objects and achieving a sterilizing effect on the objects, as well as a method for controlling the dryer.

[0008] Technical solution

[0009] According to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a dryer is provided, comprising: a drum; a plurality of drying electrodes arranged along a circumferential surface of the drum; a plurality of sterilizing electrodes arranged along a circumferential surface of the drum between the plurality of drying electrodes; a first radio frequency (RF) power supply and a second RF power supply configured to generate RF signals, respectively; an impedance matching circuit configured to perform a first impedance matching between the first RF power supply and the plurality of drying electrodes, or to perform a second impedance matching between the second RF power supply and the plurality of sterilizing electrodes; a first switch configured to connect the impedance matching circuit to the first RF power supply or the second RF power supply; a second switch configured to connect the impedance matching circuit to the plurality of drying electrodes; a third switch configured to connect the impedance matching circuit to the plurality of sterilizing electrodes; and a controller configured to control the first RF power supply, the second RF power supply, the impedance matching circuit, the first switch, the second switch, and the third switch to alternately perform drying and sterilization operations.

[0010] According to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a dryer is provided, the method comprising: performing a drying operation by controlling a first switch, a second switch and a third switch to connect a first RF power supply, an impedance matching circuit and a plurality of drying electrodes; performing a sterilization operation by controlling a first switch, a second switch and a third switch to connect a second RF power supply, an impedance matching circuit and a plurality of sterilization electrodes; and alternately performing the drying operation and the sterilization operation.

[0011] Beneficial effects

[0012] The dryer and its control method according to the examples of this disclosure can perform drying and sterilization operations by using separately arranged drying electrodes and sterilization electrodes.

[0013] The dryer and control method disclosed herein can provide power suitable for drying objects and power suitable for sterilizing objects.

[0014] The dryer and its control method disclosed herein can maximize the efficiency of drying the object and achieve a sterilization effect. In addition to the sterilization effect, a deodorization effect can also be achieved. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 An example of a network system including various electronic devices is shown;

[0016] Figure 2 A dryer according to one or more embodiments is shown;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a dryer according to one or more embodiments;

[0018] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The arrangement of electrodes according to one or more embodiments is shown;

[0019] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a dryer according to one or more embodiments;

[0020] Figure 7 A circuit system for drying and sterilization operations of a dryer according to one or more embodiments is shown;

[0021] Figure 8 and Figure 9 It shows Figure 7 The detailed circuit structure of the circuit system shown is as follows;

[0022] Figure 10 The circuit structure of the dryer is shown according to one or more embodiments when the dryer performs a drying operation;

[0023] Figure 11 The circuit structure of the dryer is shown according to one or more embodiments when the dryer performs a sterilization operation;

[0024] Figure 12 It is a graph used to illustrate an example of how to adjust the drying time interval related to the drying operation;

[0025] Figure 13 This is another example of a graph used to illustrate how to adjust the drying time intervals related to the drying operation;

[0026] Figure 14 This is a flowchart describing a method for controlling a dryer according to one or more embodiments;

[0027] Figure 15 It is a description of... Figure 14 A flowchart illustrating an example of time control for the drying operation in the method for controlling the dryer described in [the document]; and

[0028] Figure 16 It is a description of... Figure 14 A flowchart of another example of time control for drying operation in the method for controlling the dryer described herein. Detailed Implementation

[0029] It should be understood that the various embodiments and related terms of this disclosure are not intended to limit the technical features of this document to the specific embodiments, but rather to include various changes, equivalents or alternatives.

[0030] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals may be used for the same or related elements.

[0031] Unless the context otherwise indicates, the singular form of the noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items.

[0032] Throughout the specification, “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C” and “at least one of A, B or C” may each include any one of A, B and C or all possible combinations thereof.

[0033] Terms such as “first” and “second” can be used only to distinguish one element from another without limiting the element in any sense (e.g., in terms of importance or order).

[0034] When a component is mentioned as “coupled” or “connected” to another component, with or without the adverb “functionally” or “operably”, it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or via a third component.

[0035] It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” specify the presence of the said feature, number, step, operation, element, component or combination thereof, but do not exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0036] When an element is referred to as being "connected to," "coupled to," "supported on," or "in contact with" another element, it includes not only cases where the elements are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with each other, but also cases where the elements are connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with each other through a third element.

[0037] Throughout the specification, when it is mentioned that an element is "on" another element, it means not only that the element is adjacent to the other element, but also that there is a third element between the two elements.

[0038] The expression “and / or” is interpreted as including a combination of related elements or any related elements.

[0039] The principles and embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Figure 1 An example of a network system including various electronic devices is shown.

[0041] refer to Figure 1The home appliance 10 may include: a communication module (or communication interface) configured to communicate with another device (such as, for example, the home appliance, user equipment 2, and / or server 3); a user interface configured to receive user input and / or output information to be provided to the user; at least one processor configured to control the operation of the home appliance 10; and at least one memory configured to store a program for controlling the operation of the home appliance 10.

[0042] Household appliance 10 can be at least one of a variety of household appliances. For example, household appliance 10 may include at least one of refrigerator 11, dishwasher 12, electric stove 13, electric oven 14, air conditioner 15, garment care device 16, washing device 17, dryer 18 and / or microwave oven 19.

[0043] Home appliances 10 and above Figure 1 Examples are shown. For example, home appliance 10 may include various home appliances not shown, such as cleaning robots, vacuum cleaners, and / or televisions. The aforementioned home appliances are merely examples, and in addition to the aforementioned home appliances, any device connected to another home appliance, user equipment 2, and / or server 3 that can perform the operations described later may belong to home appliance 10 according to the embodiment.

[0044] Server 3 may include: a communication module (or communication interface) configured to communicate with another device (such as, for example, another server, home appliance 10, or user equipment 2); at least one processor configured to process data received from the other device (e.g., another server, home appliance 10, or user equipment 2); and at least one memory configured to store programs for processing the data or to store the processed data. Server 3 may be implemented using various computing devices such as workstations, clouds, data drives, data stations, etc. Server 3 may be implemented using one or more servers physically or logically classified based on functions, sub-configurations of functions, and / or data, and may send and / or receive and process data through inter-server communication.

[0045] Server 3 can perform functions such as managing user accounts, registering home appliance 10 by associating it with user accounts, and managing and / or controlling registered home appliances 10. For example, a user can access server 3 through user device 2 to create a user account. The user account can be identified by a user-created identity (ID) and password. Server 3 can register home appliance 10 to the user account according to a set procedure. For example, server 3 can register the identification information of home appliance 10 (e.g., serial number, media access control (MAC) address, etc.) associated with the user account, and manage and control home appliance 10. User device 2 may include: a communication module (or communication interface) configured to communicate with home appliance 10 and / or server 3; a user interface configured to receive user input or output information to be provided to the user; at least one processor configured to control the operation of user device 2; and at least one memory configured to store a program for controlling the operation of user device 2.

[0046] User device 2 can be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office. User device 2 may include, but is not limited to, personal computers, terminals, portable phones, smartphones, handheld devices, wearable devices, etc.

[0047] The user device 2 may store programs (e.g., applications) for controlling the home appliance 10 in its memory. The applications may be sold while installed in the user device 2, or they may be downloaded and installed from an external server.

[0048] Users can access server 3 and create user accounts by running an application installed on user device 2, and register home appliances 10 by communicating with server 3 based on the logged-in user account.

[0049] For example, when a user operates home appliance 10 to access server 3 according to a process guided by an application installed in user device 2, server 3 can register home appliance 10 with the user account by registering the identification information of home appliance 10 (e.g., serial number or MAC address) associated with the user account.

[0050] Users can use an application installed on user device 2 to control home appliance 10. For example, when a user logs into their user account using the application installed on user device 2, they can instruct the user to use the home appliance 10 registered with their user account. When a control command is entered for home appliance 10, the control command can be forwarded to home appliance 10 via server 3.

[0051] A network can include both wired and wireless networks. A wired network can include cable networks and / or telephone networks, and a wireless network can include any network that transmits and / or receives signals via radio waves. Wired and wireless networks can be interconnected.

[0052] Networks can include wide area networks (WANs) such as the Internet, local area networks (LANs) formed around access points (APs), and / or short-range wireless networks without APs. Short-range wireless networks can include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi Direct, near field communication (NFC), Z-wave, etc.

[0053] The access point (AP) can connect home appliance 10 and / or user equipment 2 to the WAN connected to server 3. Home appliance 10 and / or user equipment 2 can also connect to server 3 via the WAN.

[0054] The AP can use wireless communication (such as Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth™ (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), etc.) to communicate with home appliance 10 or user equipment 2, and can use wired communication to access the WAN, but is not limited to these.

[0055] In one or more embodiments, the home appliance 10 may be directly connected to the user equipment 2 and / or the server 3 without going through an AP.

[0056] Home appliance 10 can connect to user equipment 2 and / or server 3 via a remote wireless network and / or a short-range wireless network.

[0057] For example, home appliance 10 can connect to user equipment 2 via a short wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct).

[0058] In another example, home appliance 10 can use a remote wireless network (e.g., a cellular communication module) to connect to user equipment 2 and / or server 3 via a WAN.

[0059] In another example, home appliance 10 can be connected to the WAN via wired communication and then connected to user equipment 2 and / or server 3 via the WAN.

[0060] When home appliance 10 can access the WAN via wired communication, home appliance 10 can operate as an access point (AP). Therefore, home appliance 10 can be used to connect another home appliance to the WAN connected to server 3. Furthermore, other home appliances can be used to establish a connection between home appliance 10 and the WAN connected to server 3.

[0061] Home appliance 10 can transmit information about its operation and / or status to another home appliance, user equipment 2, and / or server 3 via a network. For example, upon receiving a request from server 3 or when a specific event occurs in home appliance 10, home appliance 10 can periodically or in real-time send information about its operation and / or status related to the request or specific event to other home appliances, user equipment 2, and / or server 3. Upon receiving information about its operation and / or status from home appliance 10, server 3 can update the stored information about its operation and / or status and transmit the updated information about the operation and / or status of home appliance 10 to user equipment 2 via the network. Updating information can include various operations that change existing information, such as adding new information to existing information or replacing existing information with new information.

[0062] Home appliance 10 can obtain various information from another home appliance, user equipment 2, and / or server 3, and provide the obtained information to the user. For example, home appliance 10 can obtain information about the functions of home appliance 10 (e.g., cooking instructions, washing instructions, etc.) and / or various environmental information (e.g., weather, temperature, humidity, etc.), and output the obtained information through the user interface.

[0063] Home appliance 10 can operate according to control commands received from external devices (e.g., another home appliance, user equipment 2, and / or server 3). For example, when home appliance 10 receives prior approval from the user to operate according to control commands from server 3, home appliance 10 can operate according to control commands received from server 3 even without user input. Control commands received from server 3 may include, but are not limited to, control commands input by the user through user equipment 2, control commands based on preset conditions, etc.

[0064] User equipment 2 can send information about the user to home appliance 10 and / or server 3 via a communication module. For example, user equipment 2 can send information about the user's location, physical condition, preferences, schedule, etc., to server 3. User equipment 2 can send information about the user to server 3 based on the user's prior approval for sending such information.

[0065] Home appliance 10, user equipment 2, and / or server 3 can determine control commands by using technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). For example, server 3 can receive information about the operation and / or status of home appliance 10 and / or information about the user of user equipment 2, process the information using technologies such as AI, and send the processing results and / or control commands to home appliance 10 and / or user equipment 2 based on the processing results.

[0066] Figure 2 A dryer according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0067] The following will refer to Figure 2 The described dryer 1 can correspond to Figure 1 The aforementioned household appliance 10 shown.

[0068] refer to Figure 2 The dryer 1 may include a housing 1a defining the exterior and a roller 20 rotatably mounted in the housing 1a. The housing 1a may be configured in a substantially hexahedral shape. The housing 1a may include a top cover 1b providing the top of the housing 1a, a front cover 1c providing the front of the housing 1a, and a base providing the bottom of the housing 1a.

[0069] For example, the front cover 1c, top cover 1b, and base that constitute at least a portion of the housing 1a can be separately provided and assembled together. In another example, some components constituting at least a portion of the housing 1a (e.g., the front cover, top cover, and base) can be integrally formed.

[0070] An inlet 31 may be located at the front of the housing 1a (e.g., the front cover 1c) through which objects (e.g., clothing (not shown)) are placed into or removed from the drum 20. The dryer 1 may include a door 50 configured to open or close the inlet 31 located at the front cover 1c. After opening the door 50, a user can place or remove objects into or from the drum 20 through the inlet 31. When the inlet 31 is closed and the dryer 1 begins operation, a door lock may lock the door 50.

[0071] The user interface 100 can be disposed on the upper part of the front surface of the housing 1a for interaction between the user and the dryer 1. The user interface 100 can receive user input and display various information about the dryer 1. The location of the user interface 100 is not limited to the front surface. The user interface 100 can be disposed at various locations on the dryer 1.

[0072] The user interface 100 may include a display. The user interface 100 may also include an input module (or input interface) configured to receive user input related to the operation of the dryer 1. The input module may include a rotatable dial and various buttons. Furthermore, the user interface 100 may include various types of input modules and displays.

[0073] The display can 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 also include a touch screen that also serves as an input device.

[0074] The display can show information entered by the user or information to be provided to the user on various screens. The display can show information about the operation of dryer 1 in at least one of the following formats: images or text. The display can also display a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of controlling dryer 1. Specifically, the display can display user interface elements (UI elements) such as icons.

[0075] The input module can send an electrical signal (e.g., voltage or current) corresponding to the user input to the controller 300 of the dryer 1 (see [link]). Figure 6 The input module may include various buttons and / or dials. For example, the input module may include at least one of the following: a power button for turning the power to the dryer 1 on or off; a start / stop button for starting or stopping the drying operation; a drying mode button for selecting the drying mode; a temperature button for setting the drying temperature; and a time button for setting the drying time. These various buttons may be provided as mechanical buttons and / or touch buttons.

[0076] The dial included in the input module can be rotatably set. UI elements displayed on the screen can be moved sequentially by rotating the dial. Dryer 1 can perform drying according to the selected drying mode. The drying mode can include drying parameters such as drying temperature and drying time. Other drying modes can be selected depending on the position of objects in roller 20, the type of objects, and / or the number of objects.

[0077] The dryer 1 may include a filter 40 removably mounted on the front cover 1c. The filter 40 can filter out foreign matter such as lint that moves with the air circulating in the drum 20. The dryer may include a lifter 21, which will be referred to below. Figure 3 Describe it.

[0078] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a dryer according to one or more embodiments.

[0079] refer to Figure 3 A cylindrical roller 20 can be disposed within a housing 1a. The roller 20 can be configured to contain and dry objects. The roller 20 can be constructed to rotate by receiving power from a motor 72. The roller 20 can be disposed within the housing 1a to rotate about a rotation axis arranged nearly parallel to the ground.

[0080] The lifter 21 can be disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the roller 20 to lift the object as the roller 20 rotates. The operation of the object being lifted and then falling by the lifter 21 can be repeated according to the rotational speed of the roller 20. The roller 22 supporting the roller 20 to make it rotate smoothly can be disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the roller 20.

[0081] The drive unit can be located in the lower part of the housing 1a. The drive unit can be mounted on the base of the dryer 1. The drive unit may include a motor 72 and a pulley 74 and a belt 75 configured to transmit the power received from the motor 72 to the drum 20.

[0082] Pulley 74 can be connected to rotation shaft 73, which is connected to motor 72. When rotation shaft 73 rotates via motor 72, pulley 74 can rotate together with rotation shaft 73. Conveyor belt 75 can be mounted to wrap around the outer surface of pulley 74 and the outer surface of roller 20. When conveyor belt 75 rotates under the driving force of motor 72, roller 20 can rotate together with belt 75. Roller 20 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0083] A flow path 80 can be formed in the housing 1a and the roller 20, and air circulates in the flow path 80. The flow path 80 may include an air discharge path 81 and an air supply path 82. In the air discharge path 81, air is discharged from the inside of the roller 20 to the outside of the roller 20, and in the air supply path 82, air is supplied to the roller 20.

[0084] The dryer 1 may include an exhaust duct 60 forming an air exhaust path 81. A filter 40 may be disposed at the inlet 61 of the exhaust duct 60. The exhaust duct 60 may pass through the housing 1a, and the outlet 63 of the exhaust duct 60 may be exposed to the outside of the housing 1a. Air flowing in through the inlet 61 of the exhaust duct 60 may be filtered as it passes through the filter 40. The filter 40 may filter out foreign matter such as lint contained in the air.

[0085] A fan 71 can be installed in the housing 1a to circulate air. Due to the rotation of the fan 71, air can flow from inside the drum 120 into the exhaust duct 60. Furthermore, due to the rotation of the fan 71, air can be supplied to the drum 20 through the air supply path 83 and the air inlet 20b of the drum 20. The air supplied to the drum 20 can be used to dry objects.

[0086] The motor 72 can rotate not only the drum 20 but also the fan 71. The drum 20 and fan 71 are shown as being powered by… Figure 3 The drive is a single motor 72, but not limited to this. An additional fan motor (not shown) may be included to drive the fan 71. Furthermore, the motor 72 may be directly connected to the roller 20 to rotate it. When the motor 72 is directly connected to the roller 20, the pulley 74 and conveyor belt 75 can be omitted.

[0087] Multiple electrodes can be disposed between the housing 1a and the drum 20. For example, drying electrode 90a (see...) Figure 4 The drying electrode 90a and the sterilization electrode 91c can be disposed between the housing 1a and the drum 20. The drying electrode 90a and the sterilization electrode 91c can be arranged along the circumference of the drum 20 to be separate from each other. The drying electrode 90a and the sterilization electrode 91c can be arranged alternately. The drying electrode 90a and the sterilization electrode 91c can be arranged even separately from the housing 1a and the drum 20.

[0088] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The layout of electrodes according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0089] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 Multiple drying electrodes 90 and multiple sterilizing electrodes 91 can be arranged alternately along the circumference of the roller 20. The multiple drying electrodes 90 and multiple sterilizing electrodes 91 can be spaced apart from each other. Each of the multiple drying electrodes 90 and multiple sterilizing electrodes 91 can be in the form of a curved plate. The multiple drying electrodes 90 can be placed separately along the outer peripheral surface of the roller 20. The multiple sterilizing electrodes 91 can be placed between the multiple drying electrodes along the outer peripheral surface of the roller 20.

[0090] Multiple drying electrodes 90 and multiple sterilizing electrodes 91 can be fixed between the housing 1a and the drum 20. The drum 20 may not be connected to the drying electrodes 90 and sterilizing electrodes 91. Therefore, the drying electrodes 90 and sterilizing electrodes 91 do not restrict the rotation of the drum 20. Furthermore, since the drying electrodes 90 and sterilizing electrodes 91 are arranged along the circumference of the drum 20, they can generate electric fields in various regions within the drum 20. Therefore, the dryer 1 according to the embodiment of this disclosure can generate an electric field in the drum 20 through the drying electrodes 90 and sterilizing electrodes 91, and dry and sterilize the object while the drum 20 rotates.

[0091] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first drying electrode 90a, the second drying electrode 90b, and the third drying electrode 90c (collectively referred to as 90), as well as the first sterilization electrode 91a, the second sterilization electrode 91b, and the third sterilization electrode 91c (collectively referred to as 91), can be arranged along the circumference of the roller 20. The first drying electrode 90a can be positioned at the upper right relative to the roller 20. The second drying electrode 90b can be positioned at the lower part of the roller 20 (e.g., below the roller 20) adjacent to the first drying electrode 90a. The third drying electrode 90c can be positioned at the upper left relative to the roller 20, adjacent to the first drying electrode 90a.

[0092] The first sterilization electrode 91a can be disposed between the first drying electrode 90a and the second drying electrode 900b. The second sterilization electrode 91b can be disposed between the second drying electrode 90b and the third drying electrode 90c. The third sterilization electrode 91c can be disposed between the first drying electrode 90a and the third drying electrode 90c. Based on the layout of the drying electrodes 90 and the sterilization electrodes 91, the object can be dried and sterilized in the entire area of ​​the drum 20.

[0093] refer to Figure 5 Alternatively, the third sterilization electrode 91c may be omitted, and only the first sterilization electrode 91a and the second sterilization electrode 91b may be provided. In other words, a sterilization electrode may not be provided between the first drying electrode 90a and the third drying electrode 90c. During the rotation of the drum 20, objects moving in the drum 20 remain in the lower space of the drum 20 for a longer period of time due to gravity. Therefore, sterilization of the object can be performed solely based on the first sterilization electrode 91a provided between the first drying electrode 90a and the second drying electrode 90b, and the second sterilization electrode 91b provided between the second drying electrode 90b and the third drying electrode 90c.

[0094] The number and arrangement of the drying electrode 90 and the sterilization electrode 91 are not limited to Figure 4 and Figure 5The example shown. The number of each of the drying electrode 90 and the sterilizing electrode 91 can be any number, for example, one or more, or three or more.

[0095] The size of the sterilization electrode 91 can be smaller than the size of the drying electrode 90. For example, each of the plurality of drying electrodes 90 has a first area larger than the second area of ​​each of the plurality of sterilization electrodes 91. Furthermore, each of the plurality of drying electrodes 90 has a first thickness larger than the second thickness of each of the plurality of sterilization electrodes 91. When the thickness of the drying electrode 90 is greater than the thickness of the sterilization electrode 91, drying efficiency can be improved. Typically, the object to be dried requires more energy and time than the object to be sterilized. The relatively larger area of ​​the drying electrode 90 can mean a wider area over which an electric field is generated during the drying operation. The relatively larger thickness of the drying electrode 90 can increase the intensity of the electric field generated during the drying operation.

[0096] The power required for drying may differ from that required for sterilization. To achieve a drying effect using electrodes, a relatively low voltage and a relatively high current need to be applied. Conversely, to achieve a sterilization effect using electrodes, a relatively high voltage and a relatively low current need to be applied. Therefore, it may not be possible to achieve both drying and sterilization effects simultaneously using the same electrodes and the same circuitry.

[0097] In embodiments of this disclosure, the dryer 1 may have separately arranged drying electrodes 90 and sterilizing electrodes 91, and has a circuit structure for supplying power suitable for the drying electrodes 90 and the sterilizing electrodes 91. The dryer 1 may apply a relatively low voltage and a relatively high current to the drying electrodes 90. The dryer 1 may apply a relatively high voltage and a relatively low current to the sterilizing electrodes 91. When power is supplied to each of the drying electrodes 90 and the sterilizing electrodes 91, an electric field can be generated inside the drum 20.

[0098] The electric field generated inside the drum 20 by the drying electrode 90 causes the dielectric material (e.g., water molecules) contained in the object to vibrate. When the dielectric material (e.g., water molecules) vibrates, dipole frictional heat is generated, thereby heating the dielectric material. As the heated dielectric material evaporates, the object can be dried. The evaporated dielectric material can be discharged from the drum 20 along with the air supplied to it.

[0099] The electric field generated by the sterilization electrode 91 inside the drum 20 can remove microorganisms such as bacteria by disrupting their cell membranes. When a strong electric field is applied to microorganisms, the potential difference between the cell membranes increases, and since the charges generated on the two surfaces of the cell membrane are opposite, an attractive force may exist between the charges on the two surfaces. This attractive force can compress the cell membrane and reduce its thickness. When the cell membrane thickness decreases, pores may form in the cell membrane, disrupting it and leading to bacterial extinction. The electric field generated by the sterilization electrode 91 can effectively sterilize even for a short period of time.

[0100] The electric field generated by the sterilization electrode 91 inside the roller 20 can also deodorize the object. When a relatively high voltage is applied to the sterilization electrode 91, corona discharge may sometimes occur. Corona discharge is a discharge phenomenon that occurs when gas particles on the electrode surface are excited and ionized due to the high voltage applied between the two electrodes. When an object containing odor particles (such as clothing) is exposed to a high-voltage electric field, the odor particles may separate from the object due to the corona discharge phenomenon. The object can then be deodorized accordingly.

[0101] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a dryer according to one or more embodiments. The operation of dryer 1 will now be described in detail.

[0102] refer to Figure 6 The dryer 1 may include a circuit system configured to perform drying and sterilization operations. For example, the dryer 1 may include an electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter 110, a power factor compensation circuit 120, a direct current (DC) converter 130, a first radio frequency (RF) power supply 140, a second RF power supply 150, an impedance matching circuit 160, a first switch SM, a second switch SE1, a third switch SE2, a drying electrode 90, a sterilization electrode 91, and a controller 300. Furthermore, the dryer 1 may include a motor 72 for the rotating drum 20 and the fan 71, a user interface 100, and a communication interface 200.

[0103] The user interface 100 can receive user input and display various information about the operation of the dryer 1. The user interface 100 may include an input module (or input interface) configured to receive user input and a display configured to display information. The user interface 100 may also include an output interface configured to output information (e.g., a speaker configured to output sound).

[0104] User interface 100 may display operating information for dryer 1. For example, user interface 100 may display the drying mode, drying temperature, expected drying time, and / or remaining time until drying is complete. The drying mode may include pre-determined drying settings (e.g., drying level, extra time for wrinkle prevention, and drying time) based on the type of object (e.g., shirt, bedding, or underwear) and material (e.g., cotton or wool). For example, standard drying may include drying settings applicable to most objects to be dried, and bedding drying may include drying settings optimized for drying bedding. The drying settings of the drying mode may include sterilization time and sterilization intensity.

[0105] The user interface 100 can also display the sterilization mode separately from the drying settings. Users can operate the user interface 100 to select a sterilization mode. When a sterilization mode is selected, the dryer 1 can perform the sterilization operation either simultaneously with or separately from the drying operation.

[0106] Communication interface 200 can communicate with at least one of user equipment 2 and / or server 3 via a network. Controller 300 can obtain various information, signals, and / or data from user equipment 2 and / or server 3 through communication interface 200. For example, communication interface 200 can receive remote control signals from user equipment 2. Controller 300 can obtain firmware and / or software for the operation of dryer 1 from server 3 through communication interface 200.

[0107] The communication interface 200 may include various communication circuits. The communication interface 200 may include wireless communication circuits and / or wired communication circuits. For example, communication circuits supporting wireless communication solutions such as wireless LAN, home RF, infrared communication, ultra-wideband (UWB) communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth™, and Zigbee.

[0108] The controller 300 can be electrically connected to the components of the dryer 1 to control the components of the dryer 1. For example, the controller 300 can control the motor 72 to rotate the drum 20 and the fan 71. The controller 300 can control the EMI filter 110, the power factor compensation circuit 120, the DC converter 130, the first RF power supply 140, the second RF power supply 150, the impedance matching circuit 160, the first switch SM, the second switch SE1, and the third switch SE2 to supply power to each of the drying electrode 90 and the sterilizing electrode 91.

[0109] The controller 300 may include a processor 310 and a memory 320. The memory 320 may include volatile memory (e.g., static random access memory (S-RAM) or dynamic RAM (D-RAM)) and non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM) or erasable programmable ROM (EPROM)). The processor 310 and memory 320 may be implemented on separate chips or on a single chip. Furthermore, multiple processors and multiple memories may exist. The processor 310 may process various data and various signals based on instructions, data, programs, and / or software stored in the memory 320. The processor 310 may generate control signals to control the components of the dryer 1. The processor 310 may include one or more cores.

[0110] EMI filter 110 removes noise contained in alternating current (AC) power supplied from commercial AC power sources. EMI filter 110 can be provided as a circuit in which various electrical components such as capacitors, inductors, and / or diodes are connected in parallel and / or series. EMI filter 110 can release noise contained in AC power via a ground wire. EMI filter 110 can be provided as a passive or active filter.

[0111] The power factor compensation circuit 120 can compensate for the power factor of AC power. The power factor compensation circuit 120 compensates for the power factor by removing reactive power from the effective power and reactive power constituting the AC power. Power factor compensation can reduce power loss. The power factor compensation circuit 120 can be configured as a circuit in which various electrical components such as capacitors, inductors, and / or diodes are connected in parallel and / or in series. The power factor compensation circuit 120 can be controlled by a controller 300.

[0112] DC converter 130 can convert the power output from power factor compensation circuit 120 into DC power suitable for first RF power supply 140 and second RF power supply 150. DC converter 130 can send the converted DC power to first RF power supply 140 and second RF power supply 150. DC converter 130 can be configured as a circuit in which various electrical components such as transistors, inductors and / or diodes are connected in parallel and / or in series.

[0113] The controller 300 can control the DC converter 130 to adjust the magnitude of the voltage applied to the drying electrode 90 and / or the sterilizing electrode 91. When the power supplied to the first RF power supply 140 and the second RF power supply 150 increases, the amplitude of the RF signal can increase, and the magnitude of the voltage applied to the drying electrode 90 and / or the sterilizing electrode 91 can increase. The voltage amplitude can be represented by an effective value.

[0114] The first RF power supply 140 can generate an RF signal and apply it to the drying electrode 90. Due to the RF signal, sinusoidal power can be applied to the drying electrode 90. The controller 300 can control the first RF power supply 140 to adjust the RF power applied to the drying electrode 90. When RF power is supplied to the drying electrode 90, an electric field can be generated in the drum 20 to dielectrically heat the object.

[0115] The phase of the RF power applied to each of the plurality of drying electrodes 90 can be different. When RF power with different phases is applied to the plurality of drying electrodes 90, a rotating electric field can be generated in the drum 20. In other words, the intensity of the electric field generated between two adjacent drying electrodes 90 can be periodically increased and decreased repeatedly.

[0116] The second RF power supply 150 can generate an RF signal and apply it to the sterilization electrode 91. Due to the RF signal, sinusoidal power can be applied to the sterilization electrode 91. The controller 300 can control the second RF power supply 150 to adjust the RF power applied to the sterilization electrode 91. When RF power is supplied to the sterilization electrode 91, an electric field can be generated in the drum 20 to sterilize the object.

[0117] The phase of the RF power applied to each of the plurality of sterilizing electrodes 91 can be different. When RF power with different phases is applied to the plurality of sterilizing electrodes 91, a rotating electric field can be generated in the drum 20. In other words, the intensity of the electric field generated between two adjacent sterilizing electrodes 91 can periodically increase and decrease repeatedly.

[0118] The controller 300 can control the first RF power supply 140, so that a relatively low voltage and a relatively high current are applied to the drying electrode 90. The controller 300 can control the second RF power supply 150, so that a relatively high voltage and a relatively low current are applied to the sterilization electrode 91. The voltage applied to the drying electrode 90 can be referred to as the first voltage. The current applied to the drying electrode 90 can be referred to as the first current. The voltage applied to the sterilization electrode 91 can be referred to as the second voltage. The current applied to the sterilization electrode 91 can be referred to as the second current. The first voltage can be lower than the second voltage. The amplitude of the first current can be greater than the amplitude of the second current.

[0119] Impedance matching circuit 160 can be disposed between the first RF power supply 140 and the drying electrode 90, and between the second RF power supply 150 and the sterilization electrode 91. RF signals generated by the first RF power supply 140 can be provided to the drying electrode 90 through impedance matching circuit 160. RF signals generated by the second RF power supply 150 can be provided to the sterilization electrode 91 through impedance matching circuit 160.

[0120] Impedance matching circuit 160 can match the output impedance of RF power supply 140 or 150 and the electrode impedance of each electrode 90 and 91. Impedance matching circuit 160 can match the output impedance of the first RF power supply 140 and the electrode impedance of the drying electrode 90. Impedance matching circuit 160 can match the output impedance of the second RF power supply 150 and the electrode impedance of the sterilization electrode 91.

[0121] When there is a difference between the output impedance of RF power supply 140 or 150 and the electrode impedance of electrode 90 or 91, reflected power may be generated from electrode 90 or 91, potentially reducing power transmission efficiency. To minimize reflected power, the output impedance of RF power supply 140 or 150 and the electrode impedance of electrode 90 or 91 need to be matched. Controller 300 can control impedance matching circuit 160 to perform impedance matching.

[0122] The controller 300 can determine the electrode impedance of the drying electrode 90 or the sterilization electrode 91 based on the magnitude of the voltage detected at the output of the impedance matching circuit 160. Since the drying electrode 90 and the sterilization electrode 91 have different sizes, the electrode impedance of the drying electrode 90 can be different from that of the sterilization electrode 91. Therefore, impedance matching for the drying electrode 90 and the sterilization electrode 91 needs to be performed separately. The controller 300 can control the impedance matching circuit 160 to perform a first impedance matching between the first RF power supply 140 and the drying electrode 90, or a second impedance matching between the second RF power supply 150 and the sterilization electrode 91.

[0123] The electrode impedance of each of the drying electrode 90 and the sterilizing electrode 91 can vary depending on various factors, such as the amount of object contained in the drum 20, the type of object, the size of the object, the amount of water contained in the object, the distribution of the object, etc. For example, when a dielectric with a high dielectric constant (e.g., water) is present between the multiple electrodes 90 and 91, charge can accumulate on the dielectric, thus reducing the strength of the electric field formed between the electrodes 90 and 91. When the strength of the electric field decreases, the magnitude of the voltage detected from the electrode 90 or 91 can decrease, and the electrode impedance can decrease. As the water contained in the object decreases and / or is removed as the drying process progresses, an increasing electrode impedance can be detected.

[0124] In other words, as drying proceeds, the difference between the amplitude of the voltage detected from the drying electrode 90 and / or the sterilization electrode 91 and the amplitude of the reference voltage can gradually decrease. The controller 300 can determine the degree of drying of the object based on the change in the voltage amplitude detected from the drying electrode 90 and / or the sterilization electrode 91 and / or the change in electrode impedance. The controller 300 can determine that drying is complete based on the object's dryness level reaching a tolerance range of a preset reference dryness level. Furthermore, the controller 300 can determine that drying is complete when the electrode impedance of the drying electrode 90 and / or the sterilization electrode 91 is greater than or equal to a preset threshold.

[0125] The electrode impedance detected from each of the plurality of electrodes 90 and 91 may vary depending on the position of the object in the drum 20. The controller 300 can obtain information about the distribution of the object based on the electrode impedance of each of the plurality of electrodes 90 and 91. Furthermore, the controller 300 can determine the amount of water contained in the object (e.g., moisture content) based on the detected electrode impedance.

[0126] The first switch SM can electrically connect the impedance matching circuit 160 to either the first RF power supply 140 or the second RF power supply 150. The controller 300 can be electrically connected to the first switch SM to control the first switch SM. Depending on the switching of the first switch SM, the first RF power supply 140 can be electrically connected to the impedance matching circuit 160, or the second RF power supply 150 can be electrically connected to the impedance matching circuit 160.

[0127] The first switch SM can be referred to as a mode switching switch. The controller 300 can control the first switch SM to switch the operating mode of the dryer 1 to either drying mode or sterilization mode. The dryer 1 can perform the drying operation corresponding to the drying mode. The dryer 1 can perform the sterilization operation corresponding to the sterilization mode.

[0128] The second switch SE1 can electrically connect the impedance matching circuit 160 to the drying electrode 90. The controller 300 can be electrically connected to the second switch SE1 to control the second switch SE1. When the second switch SE1 is closed, the impedance matching circuit 160 is electrically connected to the drying electrode 90. When the second switch SE1 is open, the impedance matching circuit 160 is disconnected from the drying electrode 90. The second switch SE1 can be referred to as the drying electrode switch.

[0129] The third switch SE2 can electrically connect the impedance matching circuit 160 to the sterilization electrode 91. The controller 300 can be electrically connected to the third switch SE2 to control the third switch SE2. When the third switch SE2 is closed, the impedance matching circuit 160 is electrically connected to the sterilization electrode 91. When the third switch SE2 is open, the impedance matching circuit 160 is disconnected from the sterilization electrode 91. The third switch SE2 can be referred to as the sterilization electrode switch.

[0130] The second switch SE1 and the third switch SE2 are shown arranged separately, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the second switch SE1 and the third switch SE2 may be configured as a single electrode selection switch. In this case, depending on the switching of the electrode selection switch, the impedance matching circuit 160 may be connected to the drying electrode 90, or the impedance matching circuit 160 may be connected to the sterilization electrode 91.

[0131] The controller 300 can alternately perform a drying operation for objects in the drying drum 20 and a sterilization operation for sterilizing the objects. In order to alternately perform the drying and sterilization operations, the controller 300 can control a first RF power supply 140, a second RF power supply 150, an impedance matching circuit 160, a first switch SM, a second switch SE1, and a third switch SE2.

[0132] The controller 300 can alternately perform drying and sterilization operations multiple times. The total operating time of the dryer 1 can be divided into drying time and sterilization time. The drying time can indicate the sum of the drying time intervals of multiple drying operations. The sterilization time can indicate the sum of the sterilization time intervals of multiple sterilization operations. The sterilization time intervals can remain constant. The drying time can be set to be longer than the sterilization time to maximize drying efficiency.

[0133] The controller 300 can adjust the drying time interval for each of the multiple drying operations while alternately performing multiple drying operations and multiple sterilization operations. For example, the controller 300 can linearly or non-linearly decrease the drying time interval during a preset intensive drying time and maintain a constant drying time interval based on the elapsed preset intensive drying time. In another example, the controller 300 can maintain a constant drying time interval during a preset intensive drying time and decrease the drying time interval based on the elapsed preset intensive drying time.

[0134] When dryer 1 begins the first drying operation, the object can be dried relatively quickly, and after a certain period of time, the drying process can slow down relatively. In other words, the moisture content of the object can decrease rapidly at the start of drying, and the change in the moisture content of the object can decrease as drying progresses. In this disclosure, dryer 1 can adjust the drying time interval by taking into account the change in the moisture content of the object, thereby improving drying efficiency and sterilization efficiency.

[0135] Figure 7 A circuit system for drying and sterilization operations of a dryer according to one or more embodiments is shown. Figure 8 and Figure 9 It shows Figure 7 The detailed circuit structure of the circuit system shown is illustrated.

[0136] refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 The EMI filter 110 can be connected to a commercial AC power supply and can remove noise from the AC power supplied from the commercial AC power supply. The EMI filter 110 can provide noise-removed AC power to the power factor correction circuit 120. The EMI filter 110 can be configured as a circuit in which various components are connected in parallel and / or in series. For example, the EMI filter 110 may include multiple capacitors C1 and C2 connected in parallel, multiple inductors L1 and L2 acting as a transformer, and multiple diodes D1, D2, D3, and D4 forming a bridge. The circuit structure of the EMI filter 110 is not limited to the example shown herein. The circuit structure of the EMI filter 110 can be configured in various ways depending on the design.

[0137] Power factor compensation circuit 120 can compensate for the power factor of AC power supplied from EMI filter 110. Power factor compensation circuit 120 can supply power with a compensated power factor to DC converter 130. Power factor compensation circuit 120 can be provided as a circuit in which various components are connected in parallel and / or in series. For example, power factor compensation circuit 120 may include multiple electrolytic capacitors Cpf1 and Cpf2, inductor Lpf, diode Dpf, and switching device SW_pf. Switching device SW_pf may correspond to transistor. Transistor allows or blocks the flow of current according to the voltage applied thereto. The circuit structure of power factor compensation circuit 120 is not limited to the example shown herein. The circuit structure of power factor compensation circuit 120 can be configured in various ways according to design.

[0138] DC converter 130 converts power output from power factor correction circuit 120 into DC power. DC converter 130 then supplies the converted DC power to first RF power supply 140 and second RF power supply 150. DC converter 130 can be configured as a circuit in which various components are connected in parallel and / or series. For example, DC converter 130 may include a switching device SW_dc, an inductor Ldc, and a diode Ddc. The switching device SW_dc may correspond to a transistor. The circuit structure of DC converter 130 is not limited to the example shown herein. The circuit structure of DC converter 130 can be configured in various ways depending on the design.

[0139] The first RF power supply 140 can be configured as a circuit including various components for generating RF signals. For example, the first RF power supply 140 may include an electrolytic capacitor Cpa11, a capacitor Cpa12, multiple inductors Lpa11 and Lpa12, and a switching device SW_pa1. The electrolytic capacitor Cpa11 can connect node Vpa to ground GND. The switching device SW_pa1 and inductor Lpa11 can be connected in series between node Vpa and ground GND. The series-connected inductor Lpa12 and capacitor Cpa12 can be positioned between node N1 and the first switch SM, with the switching device SW_pa1 connected to inductor Lpa11 at node N1.

[0140] The switching device SW_pa1 of the first RF power supply 140 can correspond to a transistor and can be referred to as the first switching device. The controller 300 can control the switching device SW_pa1 to activate or deactivate the first RF power supply 140. The controller 300 can control the operation of the first RF power supply 140 by adjusting the voltage applied to the switching device SW_pa1. When the switching device SW_pa1 is turned on, the operation of the first RF power supply 140 can be activated. When the switching device SW_pa1 is turned off, the operation of the first RF power supply 140 can be deactivated.

[0141] The circuit structure of the second RF power supply 150 can be equal to that of the first RF power supply 140. For example, the second RF power supply 150 may include an electrolytic capacitor Cpa21, a capacitor Cpa22, multiple inductors Lpa21 and Lpa22, and a switching device SW_pa2. The electrolytic capacitor Cpa21 can connect node Vpa to ground GND. The switching device SW_pa2 and the inductor Lpa21 can be connected in series between node Vpa and ground GND. The series-connected inductor Lpa22 and capacitor Cpa22 can be disposed between node N2 and the first switch SM, and the switching device SW_pa2 is connected to the inductor Lpa21 at node N2.

[0142] The switching device SW_pa2 of the second RF power supply 150 can correspond to a transistor and can be referred to as the second switching device. The controller 300 can control the switching device SW_pa2 to activate or deactivate the second RF power supply 150. The controller 300 can control the operation of the second RF power supply 150 by adjusting the voltage applied to the switching device SW_pa2. When the switching device SW_pa2 is turned on, the operation of the second RF power supply 150 can be activated. When the switching device SW_pa2 is turned off, the operation of the second RF power supply 150 can be deactivated.

[0143] The controller 300 can activate the first RF power supply 140 and deactivate the second RF power supply 150 during the drying operation. The controller 300 can deactivate the first RF power supply 140 and activate the second RF power supply 150 during the sterilization operation.

[0144] The first switch SM can be connected to the output of the first RF power supply 140 or the output of the second RF power supply 150. The first switch SM can also be connected to the impedance matching circuit 160. The first switch SM can connect the impedance matching circuit 160 to either the first RF power supply 140 or the second RF power supply 150.

[0145] The controller 300 can control the first switch SM to connect the first RF power supply 140 to the impedance matching circuit 160 to perform a drying operation. The controller 300 can also control the first switch SM to connect the second RF power supply 150 to the impedance matching circuit 160 to perform a sterilization operation.

[0146] Impedance matching circuit 160 can be configured as a circuit in which multiple inductors L, multiple capacitors C, and multiple switches are connected in series and / or parallel. The multiple switches included in impedance matching circuit 160 can be opened or closed under the control of controller 300. Impedance matching can be performed when multiple switches are controlled. Figure 9 The diagram shows three inductors L connected in parallel, three capacitors C connected in parallel, and nine switches, but is not limited to this. The structure of the impedance matching circuit 160 can be varied in various ways depending on the design.

[0147] The second switch SE1 and the third switch SE2 can be connected to the output of the impedance matching circuit 160. The second switch SE1 connects the impedance matching circuit 160 to the drying electrode 90. The third switch SE2 connects the impedance matching circuit 160 to the sterilization electrode 91. An inductor Ldr positioned between the second switch SE1 and the drying electrode 90 prevents sparking when the second switch SE1 is closed. An inductor Lst positioned between the third switch SE2 and the sterilization electrode 91 prevents sparking when the third switch SE2 is closed.

[0148] In order to connect multiple drying electrodes 90 and multiple sterilization electrodes 91 to the impedance matching circuit 160, multiple second switches SE1 and multiple third switches SE2 can be connected to the output of the impedance matching circuit 160.

[0149] Impedance matching circuits 160 can also be configured in multiple ways to correspond to multiple drying electrodes 90 and multiple sterilization electrodes 91. For example, a single drying electrode 90, a single sterilization electrode 91, and a single impedance matching circuit 160 can be configured in groups. Each of the multiple impedance matching circuits 160 can be connected to a first RF power supply 140 for drying operation and to a second RF power supply 150 for sterilization operation.

[0150] The controller 300 can control the impedance matching circuit 160 to match the output impedance of the first RF power supply 140 and the electrode impedance of the drying electrode 90 to perform the drying operation. The impedance matching between the first RF power supply 140 and the drying electrode 90 used for the drying operation can be referred to as the first impedance matching.

[0151] The controller 300 can control the impedance matching circuit 160 to match the output impedance of the second RF power supply 150 and the electrode impedance of the sterilization electrode 91 to perform a sterilization operation. The impedance matching between the second RF power supply 150 and the sterilization electrode 91 used for the sterilization operation can be referred to as the second impedance matching.

[0152] Dryer 1 can alternately perform drying and sterilization operations. For this purpose, controller 300 can control impedance matching circuit 160 to perform a second impedance matching operation after the drying operation and before the sterilization operation. Controller 300 can also control impedance matching circuit 160 to perform a first impedance matching operation after the sterilization operation and before the drying operation.

[0153] Figure 10 The circuit structure of the dryer is shown according to one or more embodiments when the dryer performs a drying operation.

[0154] refer to Figure 10 The controller 300 of the dryer 1 can control the first switch SM, the second switch SE1 and the third switch SE2 to connect the first RF power supply 140, the impedance matching circuit 160 and the drying electrode 90 to perform the drying operation.

[0155] The controller 300 can control the first switch SM to connect the first RF power supply 140 to the impedance matching circuit 160 to perform a drying operation. The controller 300 can close the second switch SE1 to connect the impedance matching circuit 160 to the drying electrode 90. The controller 300 can open the third switch SE2 to disconnect the impedance matching circuit 160 from the sterilization electrode 91.

[0156] Furthermore, the controller 300 can activate the first RF power supply 140 and deactivate the second RF power supply 150 during the drying operation. The controller 300 can control the first RF power supply 140 to apply a first voltage and a first current to the drying electrodes 90 during the drying operation. The first voltage and the first current can be applied to each of the plurality of drying electrodes 90. Therefore, an electric field for the object being dried can be generated in the drum 20 during the drying operation.

[0157] Figure 11 The circuit structure of the dryer is shown according to one or more embodiments when the dryer performs a sterilization operation.

[0158] refer to Figure 11 The controller 300 of the dryer 1 can control the first switch SM, the second switch SE1 and the third switch SE2 to connect to the second RF power supply 150, the impedance matching circuit 160 and the sterilization electrode 91 to perform sterilization operation.

[0159] The controller 300 can control the first switch SM to connect the second RF power supply 150 to the impedance matching circuit 160 to perform a sterilization operation. The controller 300 can open the second switch SE1 to disconnect the impedance matching circuit 160 from the drying electrode 90. The controller 300 can close the third switch SE2 to connect the impedance matching circuit 160 to the sterilization electrode 91.

[0160] Furthermore, the controller 300 can deactivate the first RF power supply 140 and activate the second RF power supply 150 during the sterilization operation. The controller 300 can control the second RF power supply 150 to apply a second voltage and a second current to the sterilization electrode 91 during the sterilization operation. The second voltage and the second current can be applied to each of the plurality of sterilization electrodes 91. Therefore, during the sterilization operation, an electric field for sterilizing the object can be generated in the roller 20.

[0161] The first voltage applied to the drying electrode 90 for drying operation can be lower than the second voltage applied to the sterilization electrode 91 for sterilization operation. The first current applied to the drying electrode 90 for drying operation can be greater than the second current applied to the sterilization electrode 91 for sterilization operation.

[0162] Figure 12 This is a graph illustrating an example of how to control the drying time intervals associated with the drying operation. Figure 13 This is another example of a graph used to describe how to control the drying time intervals associated with the drying operation.

[0163] As described above, the controller 300 of dryer 1 can alternately perform drying and sterilization operations multiple times. The entire operation time of dryer 1 can be divided into drying time and sterilization time. The drying time can indicate the sum of the drying time intervals of multiple drying operations. The sterilization time can indicate the sum of the sterilization time intervals of multiple sterilization operations. The drying time can be set to be longer than the sterilization time to maximize drying efficiency.

[0164] refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 The drying and sterilization operations can be performed alternately from the start time t1 of dryer 1 to the end time t_end of dryer 1. That is, the drying and sterilization operations can be repeated alternately. For example, the drying operation can be performed from t1 to t2, and the sterilization operation can be performed from t3 to t4. Impedance matching Im1 between the second RF power supply 150 and the sterilization electrode 91 can be performed between t2 and t3. Impedance matching can be achieved by simply changing the inductance and capacitance of the impedance matching circuit 160; therefore, the time required for impedance matching can be very short.

[0165] The sterilization operation ends at t4, and impedance matching Im2 between the first RF power supply 140 and the drying electrode 90 can be performed between t4 and t5. The drying operation can be performed again from t5 to t6. When the drying operation ends at t6, impedance matching Im3 between the second RF power supply 150 and the sterilization electrode 91 can be performed again between t6 and t7, and then the sterilization operation can be performed from t7 to t8. When the sterilization operation ends, impedance matching Im4 between the first RF power supply 140 and the drying electrode 90 can be performed again between t8 and t9, and subsequently, the drying operation can be performed from t9 to t10.

[0166] The entire operation time of dryer 1 from t1 to t_end can include multiple drying time intervals and multiple sterilization time intervals. Dryer 1 can control the drying time interval of each of the multiple drying operations while alternately performing multiple drying operations and multiple sterilization operations.

[0167] While performing multiple drying operations, the moisture content of an object can decrease linearly or non-linearly. At the start of drying, the moisture contained in the object may be removed rapidly, and the change in the object's moisture content may gradually decrease, converging to zero over time. By adjusting the drying time interval based on changes in moisture content, both drying efficiency and sterilization efficiency can be improved.

[0168] For example, such as Figure 12As shown, dryer 1 can linearly or non-linearly reduce the drying time interval from t1 to tn during the intensive drying time. Comparing the first drying time interval Dr1 from t1 to t2, the second drying time interval Dr2 from t5 to t6, and the third drying time interval Dr3 from t9 to t10, the first drying time interval Dr1 can be the longest, and the third drying time interval Dr3 can be the shortest. The second drying time interval Dr2 can be shorter than the first drying time interval Dr1 and longer than the third drying time interval Dr3. N drying operations can be performed within the intensive drying time. The first drying time interval Dr1 of the first drying operation can be set to the longest, and the nth drying time interval Dr_n of the nth drying operation can be set to the shortest.

[0169] Dryer 1 can maintain a constant drying time interval after the intense drying time has elapsed, instead of decreasing it. In other words, the drying time intervals for drying operations performed after tn can all be the same. Furthermore, the drying time interval for drying operations performed after tn can be equal to the sterilization time interval. The (n+1)th drying time interval Dr_n+1 of the (n+1)th drying operation can be equal to the nth drying time interval Dr_n.

[0170] During the entire operation time of dryer 1, multiple sterilization time intervals can all be set to the same value. That is, the sterilization time intervals can remain constant. For example, in... Figure 12 and Figure 13 In this process, the first sterilization time interval St1 from t3 to t4, the second sterilization time interval St2 from t7 to t8, the third sterilization time interval St3 from t11 to t12, and the nth sterilization time interval St_n after tn can all be the same. Furthermore, the nth sterilization time interval St_n can be equal to the nth drying time interval Dr_n.

[0171] The sterilization time interval is not limited to the above, and multiple sterilization time intervals can be adjusted.

[0172] In another example, such as Figure 13 As shown, the controller 300 can maintain a constant drying time interval during a preset high-intensity drying time, and reduce the drying time interval based on the elapsed preset high-intensity drying time. Figure 13A comparison is made between the first drying time interval Dr1, the second drying time interval Dr2, the third drying time interval Dr3, and the nth drying time interval Dr_n. These three intervals can be the same. In other words, the drying time intervals for all n drying operations performed during the intensive drying period can be set to the same value. Furthermore, the drying time interval for each of the multiple drying operations performed during the intensive drying period can be longer than the sterilization time interval.

[0173] Compare Figure 12 and Figure 13 The number of sterilization operations performed during the intensive drying time can vary. Specifically, it can be... Figure 12 Performing a greater number of sterilization operations during the intensive drying time. While the sterilization effect may be slightly reduced when the initial drying interval remains constant during the intensive drying time, the drying effect can be maximized.

[0174] Dryer 1 can reduce the drying time interval after the intense drying time has passed. After tn, the nth sterilization time interval St_n and the (n+1)th drying time interval Dr_n+1 can be the same.

[0175] Simultaneously, the intensive drying time and drying interval can be adjusted based on the quantity of the object or user input. For example, when the quantity of the object is relatively small or when the sterilization intensity is set to high based on user input, dryer 1 can linearly or non-linearly reduce the drying interval within the intensive drying time, such as in combination with... Figure 12 As described. Conversely, when the quantity of the object is relatively large or the sterilization intensity is set to low based on user input, dryer 1 can maintain a constant drying time interval during intense drying, such as in combination with Figure 13 As described.

[0176] Figure 14 This is a flowchart describing a method for controlling a dryer according to an embodiment.

[0177] refer to Figure 14 In 1401, the dryer 1 can perform a drying operation to dry objects contained in the drum 20. The controller 300 can control a first switch SM to connect a first RF power supply 140 to an impedance matching circuit 160 to perform the drying operation. The controller 300 can close a second switch SE1 to connect the impedance matching circuit 160 to the drying electrode 90. The controller 300 can open a third switch SE2 to disconnect the impedance matching circuit 160 from the sterilization electrode 91. The controller 300 can activate the first RF power supply 140 and deactivate the second RF power supply 150 during the drying operation. The drying operation can be performed during drying time intervals.

[0178] Although not shown, the dryer 1 may perform impedance matching (first impedance matching) before performing the drying operation in 1401 to match the output impedance of the first RF power supply 140 and the electrode impedance of the drying electrode 90.

[0179] In 1402, the dryer 1 can perform impedance matching (second impedance matching) to match the output impedance of the second RF power supply 150 and the electrode impedance of the sterilization electrode 91 before the sterilization operation and after the drying operation.

[0180] After impedance matching between the second RF power supply 150 and the sterilization electrode 91, in step 1403, the dryer 1 can perform a sterilization operation to sterilize the object. The controller 300 can control the first switch SM to connect the second RF power supply 150 to the impedance matching circuit 160 to perform the sterilization operation. The controller 300 can open the second switch SE1 to disconnect the impedance matching circuit 160 from the drying electrode 90. The controller 300 can close the third switch SE2 to connect the impedance matching circuit 160 to the sterilization electrode 91. Furthermore, the controller 300 can deactivate the first RF power supply 140 and activate the second RF power supply 150 during the sterilization operation. The sterilization operation can be performed during sterilization time intervals.

[0181] In 1404, the dryer 1 can perform impedance matching again (first impedance matching) after the sterilization operation to match the output impedance of the first RF power supply 140 and the electrode impedance of the drying electrode 90.

[0182] In step 1405, the dryer 1 can determine whether the drying of the object is complete. For example, the controller 300 of the dryer 1 can determine the degree of drying of the object based on changes in the voltage amplitude detected from the drying electrode 90 and / or the sterilization electrode 91 and / or the electrode impedance of the drying electrode 90 and / or the sterilization electrode 91. The controller 300 can determine that drying is complete based on the object's degree of dryness reaching a tolerance range of a preset reference degree of dryness. Furthermore, the controller 300 can determine that drying is complete when the electrode impedance of the drying electrode 90 and / or the sterilization electrode 91 is greater than or equal to a preset threshold.

[0183] Dryer 1 can continue the drying operation while the drying of the object is not yet complete. Dryer 1 can alternate between drying and sterilization operations once or multiple times until drying is determined to be complete.

[0184] Figure 15 It is a description of... Figure 14 A flowchart illustrating an example of time control for drying operations in the method for controlling a dryer described herein.

[0185] refer to Figure 15Operations 1501, 1502, 1503, 1504, and 1505 can be used with... Figure 14 Operations 1401, 1402, 1403, 1404, and 1405 described herein are the same. If it is determined in 1505 that the drying of the object is not complete after the drying operation was performed during the drying time interval, the dryer 1 may determine in 1506 whether the intensive drying time has elapsed.

[0186] When it is determined in step 1506 that the intense drying time has not yet passed, in step 1507, the controller 300 of dryer 1 can reduce the drying time interval of the drying operation. The controller 300 can reduce the drying time interval of each of the multiple drying operations performed during the intense drying time linearly or non-linearly. The controller 300 can keep the drying time interval of drying operations performed after the intense drying time has passed constant. In other words, dryer 1 can gradually reduce the drying time interval during the intense drying time, and can stop reducing the drying time interval after the intense drying time has passed. Therefore, dryer 1 can improve drying efficiency and sterilization efficiency.

[0187] Figure 16 It is a description of... Figure 14 A flowchart of another example of time control for drying operation in the method for controlling the dryer described herein.

[0188] refer to Figure 16 Operations 1601, 1602, 1603, 1604, and 1605 can be used with... Figure 14 Operations 1401, 1402, 1403, 1404, and 1405 described herein are the same. Operation 1606 can be... Figure 15 The operation described in section 1506 is the same.

[0189] The controller 300 of dryer 1 can keep the drying time interval constant for each of the multiple drying operations performed during the intensive drying time. The drying time interval for all n drying operations performed during the intensive drying time can be set to be the same. In this case, the drying time interval for each of the multiple drying operations performed during the intensive drying time can be longer than the sterilization time interval. In 1607, the controller 300 can reduce the drying time interval for drying operations performed after the intensive drying time has elapsed.

[0190] According to an embodiment, the dryer 1 may include: a drum; a plurality of drying electrodes arranged separately along the circumferential surface of the drum; a plurality of sterilizing electrodes arranged along the circumferential surface of the drum between the plurality of drying electrodes, wherein the size of the plurality of sterilizing electrodes is smaller than the size of the plurality of drying electrodes; a first RF power supply and a second RF power supply configured to generate RF signals respectively; an impedance matching circuit configured to perform a first impedance matching between the first RF power supply and the plurality of drying electrodes, or to perform a second impedance matching between the second RF power supply and the plurality of sterilizing electrodes; a first switch configured to connect the impedance matching circuit to the first RF power supply or the second RF power supply; a second switch configured to connect the impedance matching circuit to the plurality of drying electrodes; a third switch configured to connect the impedance matching circuit to the plurality of sterilizing electrodes; and a controller configured to control the first RF power supply, the second RF power supply, the impedance matching circuit, the first switch, the second switch, and the third switch to alternately perform drying and sterilization operations.

[0191] The controller can perform drying and sterilization operations alternately multiple times (e.g., two or more times). The controller can adjust the drying time interval for each of the multiple drying operations while alternating between multiple drying and sterilization operations.

[0192] The controller can linearly or non-linearly reduce the drying time interval of each drying operation performed during a preset high-intensity drying time, and maintain a constant drying time interval based on the preset high-intensity drying time.

[0193] The controller can maintain a constant drying time interval for each drying operation performed during a preset high-intensity drying time, and reduce the drying time interval based on the elapsed preset high-intensity drying time.

[0194] The controller can activate the first RF power supply and deactivate the second RF power supply during the drying operation. The controller can also activate the first RF power supply and the second RF power supply during the sterilization operation.

[0195] The controller can control a first RF power supply to apply a first voltage and a first current to multiple drying electrodes during the drying operation. The controller can also control a second RF power supply to apply a second voltage and a second current to multiple sterilization electrodes during the sterilization operation. The first voltage may be lower than the second voltage, and the first current may be greater than the second current.

[0196] The controller can control the impedance matching circuit to perform a second impedance matching operation after the drying operation and before the sterilization operation. The controller can control the impedance matching circuit to perform a first impedance matching operation after the sterilization operation and before the drying operation. The controller can control a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch to connect a first RF power supply, the impedance matching circuit, and multiple drying electrodes to perform the drying operation. The controller can control the first switch, the second switch, and the third switch to connect a second RF power supply, the impedance matching circuit, and multiple sterilization electrodes to perform the sterilization operation.

[0197] The controller can control a first switch to connect a first RF power supply to an impedance matching circuit, close a second switch to connect the impedance matching circuit to multiple drying electrodes, and open a third switch to disconnect the impedance matching circuit from multiple sterilization electrodes to perform a drying operation.

[0198] The controller can control a first switch to connect a second RF power supply to an impedance matching circuit, open a second switch to disconnect the impedance matching circuit from multiple drying electrodes, and close a third switch to connect the impedance matching circuit to multiple sterilization electrodes.

[0199] The first area of ​​each of the plurality of drying electrodes can be set to be greater than the second area of ​​each of the plurality of sterilizing electrodes.

[0200] The first thickness of each of the plurality of drying electrodes can be set to be greater than the second thickness of each of the plurality of sterilizing electrodes.

[0201] A method for controlling a dryer is provided, the dryer including a drum, a plurality of drying electrodes separately arranged along the circumferential surface of the drum, and a plurality of sterilizing electrodes arranged between the plurality of drying electrodes along the circumferential surface of the drum, wherein the dryer may include: a first switch configured to connect an impedance matching circuit to a first RF power supply or a second RF power supply; a second switch configured to connect the impedance matching circuit to the plurality of drying electrodes; and a third switch configured to connect the impedance matching circuit to the plurality of sterilizing electrodes.

[0202] According to an embodiment, a method for controlling a dryer includes: performing a drying operation by controlling a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch to connect a first RF power supply, an impedance matching circuit, and a plurality of drying electrodes; performing a sterilization operation by controlling a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch to connect a second RF power supply, an impedance matching circuit, and a plurality of sterilization electrodes; and alternately performing the drying operation and the sterilization operation.

[0203] Alternating drying and sterilization operations can include adjusting the drying time interval for each of the multiple drying operations while alternating between multiple drying and sterilization operations.

[0204] Adjusting the drying time interval for each of multiple drying operations can include: linearly or non-linearly reducing the drying time interval during a preset high-intensity drying time; and maintaining a constant drying time interval based on the duration of a preset high-intensity drying time.

[0205] Adjusting the drying time interval for each of multiple drying operations can include: maintaining a constant drying time interval during a preset high-intensity drying time; and reducing the drying time interval based on the elapsed preset high-intensity drying time.

[0206] Performing a drying operation may include controlling a first RF power supply to apply a first voltage and a first current to a plurality of drying electrodes. Performing a sterilization operation may include controlling a second RF power supply to apply a second voltage and a second current to a plurality of sterilization electrodes. The first voltage may be lower than the second voltage, and the first current may be higher than the second current.

[0207] Alternating between drying and sterilization operations may include: controlling an impedance matching circuit to perform a first impedance matching between a first RF power supply and a plurality of drying electrodes after a drying operation has been performed and before a sterilization operation to be performed; and controlling an impedance matching circuit to perform a second impedance matching between a second RF power supply and a plurality of sterilization electrodes after a sterilization operation has been performed and before a drying operation to be performed.

[0208] Performing the drying operation may include: controlling a first switch to connect a first RF power supply to an impedance matching circuit; closing a second switch to connect the impedance matching circuit to a plurality of drying electrodes; and opening a third switch to disconnect the impedance matching circuit from the plurality of sterilization electrodes.

[0209] Performing a sterilization operation may include: controlling a first switch to connect a second RF power supply to an impedance matching circuit; disconnecting a second switch to disconnect the impedance matching circuit from a plurality of drying electrodes; and closing a third switch to connect the impedance matching circuit to a plurality of sterilization electrodes.

[0210] The dryer and its control method disclosed herein can perform drying and sterilization operations by using separately arranged drying electrodes and sterilization electrodes.

[0211] The dryer and control method disclosed herein can provide power suitable for drying objects and power suitable for sterilizing objects.

[0212] The dryer and its control method disclosed herein can maximize the efficiency of drying the object and achieve a sterilization effect. In addition to the sterilization effect, a deodorization effect can also be achieved.

[0213] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in the form of a storage medium for storing instructions to be executed by a computer. The instructions can be stored as program code, and when executed by a processor, program modules can be generated to perform the operations of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0214] Machine-readable storage media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. The term "non-transitory storage media" can refer to a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves) and may not be able to distinguish between semi-permanent and temporary data storage in the storage medium. For example, non-transitory storage media may include buffers for temporary data storage.

[0215] The methods described above according to one or more example embodiments of this disclosure may be provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be a commercial product that can be traded between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be in the form of a storage medium (e.g., a CD-ROM), through an app store (e.g., the Play Store™), directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones), or online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable application) may be at least temporarily stored or arbitrarily created in a storage medium that can be read by means such as a manufacturer's server, an app store's server, or a relay server.

[0216] Example embodiments of this disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this disclosure can be implemented in other forms than those described above without altering the technical concept or essential characteristics of this disclosure. The above embodiments of this disclosure are merely exemplary and should not be construed as restrictive.

Claims

1. A dryer, comprising: roller; Multiple drying electrodes are arranged along the circumferential surface of the roller; Multiple sterilization electrodes are arranged between the multiple drying electrodes along the circumferential surface of the roller; The first radio frequency (RF) power supply and the second RF power supply are configured to generate RF signals respectively; An impedance matching circuit is configured to perform a first impedance matching between a first RF power supply and the plurality of drying electrodes, or to perform a second impedance matching between a second RF power supply and the plurality of sterilizing electrodes. The first switch is configured to connect the impedance matching circuit to a first RF power supply or a second RF power supply. A second switch is configured to connect an impedance matching circuit to the plurality of dry electrodes; A third switch is configured to connect an impedance matching circuit to the plurality of sterilization electrodes; and The controller is configured to control a first RF power supply, a second RF power supply, an impedance matching circuit, a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch to alternately perform drying and sterilization operations.

2. The dryer according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is also configured as follows: Perform drying and sterilization operations alternately two or more times; and When alternating between multiple drying operations and multiple sterilization operations, the drying time interval of each of the multiple drying operations is adjusted.

3. The dryer according to claim 2, wherein, The controller is also configured as follows: The drying time interval for each drying operation performed during a preset high-intensity drying time is reduced linearly or non-linearly; and For each drying operation performed after a preset high-intensity drying time, the drying time interval is kept constant.

4. The dryer according to claim 2, wherein, The controller is also configured as follows: For each drying operation performed during the preset high-intensity drying time, the drying time interval is kept constant; and Reduce the drying time interval between each drying operation performed after a preset high-intensity drying time.

5. The dryer according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is also configured as follows: During the drying operation, the first RF power supply is activated and the second RF power supply is deactivated; and During the sterilization process, the first RF power supply is activated and the second RF power supply is activated.

6. The dryer according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is also configured as follows: Control the first RF power supply to apply a first voltage and a first current to the drying electrodes during the drying operation, and The second RF power supply is controlled to apply a second voltage and a second current to the sterilization electrode during the sterilization operation, and In this configuration, the first voltage is lower than the second voltage, and the first current is greater than the second current.

7. The dryer according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is also configured as follows: Control the impedance matching circuit to perform a second impedance matching operation after the drying operation has already been performed and before the sterilization operation to be performed. Control the impedance matching circuit to perform the first impedance matching after the sterilization operation has been performed and before the drying operation to be performed.

8. The dryer according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is also configured as follows: The first switch, the second switch, and the third switch are connected to the first RF power supply, the impedance matching circuit, and multiple drying electrodes to perform the drying operation. as well as The first, second, and third switches are controlled to connect to a second RF power supply, an impedance matching circuit, and multiple sterilization electrodes to perform a sterilization operation.

9. The dryer according to claim 8, wherein, The controller is also configured to control a first switch to connect a first RF power supply to an impedance matching circuit, close a second switch to connect the impedance matching circuit to the plurality of drying electrodes, and open a third switch to disconnect the impedance matching circuit from the plurality of sterilizing electrodes to perform a drying operation.

10. The dryer according to claim 8, wherein, The controller is also configured to control a first switch to connect a second RF power supply to an impedance matching circuit, open a second switch to disconnect the impedance matching circuit from the plurality of drying electrodes, and close a third switch to connect the impedance matching circuit to the plurality of sterilizing electrodes to perform a sterilization operation.

11. The dryer according to claim 1, wherein, The first area of ​​each of the plurality of drying electrodes is set to be larger than the second area of ​​each of the plurality of sterilizing electrodes.

12. The dryer according to claim 1, wherein, The first thickness of each of the plurality of drying electrodes is set to be greater than the second thickness of each of the plurality of sterilizing electrodes.

13. A method for controlling a dryer, the dryer comprising a drum, a plurality of drying electrodes arranged along the circumferential surface of the drum, and a plurality of sterilizing electrodes arranged between the plurality of drying electrodes along the circumferential surface of the drum, wherein, The dryer includes: a first switch configured to connect an impedance matching circuit to a first radio frequency (RF) power supply or a second RF power supply; a second switch configured to connect an impedance matching circuit to the plurality of drying electrodes; and a third switch configured to connect an impedance matching circuit to the plurality of sterilizing electrodes, the method comprising: The drying operation is performed by controlling the first switch, the second switch and the third switch to connect the first RF power supply, the impedance matching circuit and multiple drying electrodes. The sterilization operation is performed by controlling the first, second, and third switches to connect the second RF power supply, impedance matching circuit, and multiple sterilization electrodes; and Drying and sterilization operations are performed alternately.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, Alternating execution includes: When alternating between multiple drying operations and multiple sterilization operations, the drying time interval for each of the multiple drying operations is adjusted.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, Adjusting the drying time interval includes: The drying time interval for each drying operation performed during a preset high-intensity drying time is reduced linearly or non-linearly; and Based on a preset high-intensity drying time, the drying time interval is kept constant.

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