Drying apparatus and method for controlling same

The drying device employs a controlled electric field within a chamber with electrodes to improve drying uniformity and efficiency, addressing the inefficiencies of traditional hot air drying methods by using dielectric heating for more effective moisture removal.

WO2025009955A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-01-09SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/KR2024/095808
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-10-27
Filing Date
2024-05-17
Publication Date
2025-01-09

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional drying devices using hot air for drying have low heat transfer efficiency and may damage the object being dried due to high temperature, resulting in uneven drying and inefficiency.

Method used

A drying device with a chamber containing first and second electrodes, where the second electrode has sub-electrodes, and a control unit that applies different voltages to these electrodes to create a controlled electric field for dielectric heating, improving drying uniformity by adjusting the phase and magnitude of the voltage applied.

Benefits of technology

The controlled electric field enhances moisture removal efficiency, ensuring more uniform drying and reducing the risk of damage to the object, while improving drying uniformity and efficiency compared to traditional hot air methods.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This drying apparatus comprises: a chamber; a first electrode and a second electrode provided in the chamber and disposed so as to face each other and to be spaced apart from each other; a power supply part for applying a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode; and a control part for controlling the power supply part, wherein the second electrode comprises a first sub-electrode and a second sub-electrode provided adjacent to each other on any one surface of the chamber, and the control part controls the power supply part so that a first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode, and one of the first voltage or a second voltage having a different phase from the first voltage is applied to the second sub-electrode.
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Description

Drying device and its control method

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a drying device capable of drying a drying object through genetic heating and a control method thereof.

[0002] A drying device is a device capable of drying an object by removing moisture contained in the object. Various types of drying devices exist for drying objects. For example, there is a dryer that supplies hot air into a drum containing the object to be dried. When supplying hot air into the drum, heat is transferred from air, which has a low specific heat, to water, which has a high specific heat, resulting in low heat transfer efficiency and, consequently, low drying efficiency. Furthermore, the high-temperature air supplied into the drum may damage the object to be dried.

[0003] One aspect of the present disclosure can provide a drying device that improves the uniformity of drying of a drying target.

[0004] A drying device according to the invention comprises: a chamber; a first electrode and a second electrode provided within the chamber and spaced apart from each other and facing each other; a power supply unit for applying voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode; and a control unit for controlling the power supply unit; wherein the second electrode includes a first sub-electrode and a second sub-electrode provided adjacent to each other in a direction parallel to the first electrode, and the control unit can control the power supply unit such that a first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and one of the first voltage and a second voltage having a different phase from the first voltage is applied to the second sub-electrode.

[0005] A control method of a drying device according to the invention comprises: a chamber; a first electrode and a second electrode provided within the chamber and spaced apart from each other and facing each other; a power supply unit for applying voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode; and a first sub-electrode and a second sub-electrode provided adjacent to each other in a direction parallel to the first electrode. The control method may include: a step of controlling the power supply unit so that a first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode; and a step of controlling the power supply unit so that the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and a second voltage having a different phase from the first voltage is applied to the second sub-electrode.

[0006] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, the uniformity of drying of a drying target can be improved by controlling the phase of voltage applied to a plurality of electrodes.

[0007] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, the phase of the voltage applied to a plurality of electrodes can be controlled based on the power supplied to the electrodes, thereby improving the uniformity of drying of the drying target object.

[0008] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a drying device according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a door opened in a drying device according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 is a front cross-sectional view of the drying device illustrated in Figure 1.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a front cross-sectional view of a drying device according to another embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0013] Figure 5 is a control block diagram of a drying device according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 illustrates the voltage applied to the electrode.

[0015] Figure 7 illustrates an electric field formed when a voltage is applied to an electrode according to Figure 6.

[0016] Figure 8 illustrates the voltage applied to the electrodes.

[0017] Figure 9 illustrates an electric field formed when a voltage is applied to an electrode according to Figure 8.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining a drying time of a drying device according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 11 shows the drying results according to the voltage applied to the electrode.

[0020] Figure 12 illustrates an example of determining a drying time based on user input.

[0021] Figure 13 illustrates a network system implemented by various electronic devices.

[0022] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and there may be various modified examples that can replace the embodiments and drawings of this specification at the time of filing of this application.

[0023] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments only and is not intended to limit and / or restrict the disclosed invention.

[0024] For example, in this specification, a singular expression may include a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0025] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0026] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0027] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0028] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0029] The terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0030] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0031] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0032] Additionally, terms such as "~part", "~device", "~block", "~absence", and "~module" may refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation. For example, the terms may refer to at least one hardware such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) / ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), at least one software stored in a memory, or at least one process processed by a processor.

[0033] Hereinafter, a drying device according to various embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0034] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a drying device according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a door of the drying device according to one embodiment with the door open. Fig. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of the drying device illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the drying device (1) may include a main body (10) forming an exterior and a door (20) rotatably coupled to the main body (10).

[0036] The main body (10) may be provided in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with an open front. An opening (10a) may be formed in the open front of the main body (10). A door (20) may be provided to be rotatably coupled to the main body (10) so as to open and close the open front of the main body (10). The door (20) may be coupled to the main body (10) by a hinge (21).

[0037] The main body (10) may be formed so that the length of the front side extending in the first direction (X) and the length of the side side extending in the second direction (Y) are different. That is, the length (L1) of the front side of the main body (10) may be formed longer than the length (L2) of the side side of the main body (10). Due to this, the drying device (1) may be easily installed even in a narrow hallway. The length of the front side of the main body (10) may be defined as the first length (L1), and the length of the side side of the main body (10) may be defined as the second length (L2).

[0038] The door (20) may include a user interface (400) provided on the front and / or top surface. The user interface (400) may include an input interface (410) for obtaining a user's input and / or an output interface (420) for transmitting various information related to the operation of the drying device (1) to the user.

[0039] The main body (10) may include an outer case (11) and an inner case (12) disposed inside the outer case (11). A chamber (30), which is a space for accommodating a drying object (S, see FIG. 7), may be formed inside the main body (10). For example, the inner case (12) may form a chamber (30). A holder (50) capable of holding a drying object (S) may be provided inside the chamber (30). The inner case (12) may be referred to as a case.

[0040] The chamber (30) can be formed by an upper surface (12a), a lower surface (12b), a left surface (12c), a right surface (12d), and a rear surface (12e) of the inner case (12). A drying object (S) can be accommodated and managed within the chamber (30). The upper surface (12a), lower surface (12b), left surface (12c), right surface (12d), and rear surface (12e) of the inner case (12) can be an upper wall (12a), a lower wall (12b), a left wall (12c), a right wall (12d), and a rear wall (12e) of the inner case (12).

[0041] A holder (50) and a mounting rail (51) may be provided in the chamber (30). The holder (50) and the mounting rail (51) may be installed on the left side (12c) or the right side (12d) of the inner case (12). That is, the holder (50) may be installed so that the side of the drying object (S) is visible when viewed from the front of the drying device (1). For this purpose, the length of the side of the main body (10) may be formed shorter than the length of the front of the main body (10). However, the positions of the holder (50) and the mounting rail (51) are not limited to those exemplified.

[0042] At least one holder (50) may be provided. The holder (50) may be provided in a shape such that the drying object (S) can be placed on the holder (50). In addition, the holder (50) is detachable from the chamber (30). That is, the holder (50) may be coupled to a mounting rail (51) provided on the side of the chamber (30), and may also be detachable from the mounting rail (51). For example, the holder (50) may be inserted into the mounting rail (51) along the second direction (Y). Since the holder (50) is detachable, the space within the chamber (30) may be efficiently used depending on the size of the drying object (S).

[0043] The drying device (1) may include an air outlet (31) and an air inlet (60). The air outlet (31) may be formed on a side wall of the inner case (12). For example, the air outlet (31) may be formed on the left side (12c) of the chamber (30). A plurality of air outlets (31) may be provided. The air outlets (31) may allow air passing through the duct (70) to flow out into the chamber (30).

[0044] The air inlet (60) may be formed on one side of the inner case (12). For example, the air inlet (60) may be formed on the lower surface (12b) of the inner case (12). Specifically, the air inlet (60) may be positioned in front of the lower surface (12b). Air within the chamber (30) may be introduced into the duct (70) through the air inlet (60). The air inlet (60) may be composed of a central hole (60a) and a grill (60b) including a plurality of side holes.

[0045] A duct (70) may be provided on one side of the chamber (30). For example, the duct (70) may be placed on the lower left wall (12c) and / or right wall (12d) of the chamber (30). A deodorizing device (45) and a blower fan (47) may be provided within the duct (70).

[0046] The duct (70) may include a first duct (71) positioned below the chamber (30). The first duct (71) may be connected to the air inlet (60) of the chamber (30) and may form a flow path that guides air passing through the air inlet (60) to the blower fan (47). The duct (70) may include a second duct (72) provided on the left wall (12c) and / or the right wall (12d) forming the chamber (30). The first duct (71) may be connected to the second duct (72) provided on the side wall of the main body (10).

[0047] One end of the second duct (72) can be connected to at least one air outlet (31), and the other end can be connected to the first duct (71). The second duct (72) can form an exhaust path (74) that guides air to the air outlet (31).

[0048] A blower fan (47) can be installed between the first duct (71) and the second duct (72) to circulate air. The blower fan (47) can rotate based on a predetermined RPM (Rotate per minute). Specifically, the blower fan (47) can suck in air flowing into the first duct (71) and discharge the air toward the second duct (72). The air flowing into the first duct (71) through the air inlet (60) can be discharged back into the chamber (30) through the second duct (72) and the air outlet (31).

[0049] In addition, a deodorizing device (45) may be placed within the first duct (71). The deodorizing device (45) may include a deodorizing filter (45a) and a UV LED (45b). The deodorizing filter (45a) and the UV LED (45b) may be placed at a position close to the air inlet (60) of the chamber (30). The UV LED (45b) may irradiate the deodorizing filter (45a) with light to remove odor from the air. For example, the deodorizing filter (45a) may include at least one of a ceramic filter, a photocatalytic filter, or an activated carbon filter.

[0050] A sterilizing device (49) may be further placed inside the chamber (30). The sterilizing device (49) can remove bacteria contained in the air. The sterilizing device (49) may include at least one of an ultraviolet lamp, an ultraviolet LED, a xenon lamp, an ozone generator, or a sterilizing spray.

[0051] At least one shelf (80) and at least one duct shelf (81) may be provided within the chamber (30). A drying object (S) may be placed on the shelf (80) and / or the duct shelf (81). The duct shelf (81) may have a duct passage (81b) formed therein and may include a lower hole (81a) formed on the lower surface. Air blown from the blower fan (47) through the second duct (72) may be discharged into the chamber (30) through the lower hole (81a) of the duct shelf (81). In addition, an upper hole (83) may also be provided on the upper surface of the duct shelf (81).

[0052] The side of the duct shelf (81) can be connected to a circular duct (73) placed within the second duct (72). Air can be discharged into the chamber (30) through a nozzle (73a) of the circular duct (73). The air can be supplied to the duct shelf (81) after passing through the circular duct (73). The circular duct (73) can have various shapes.

[0053] At least one first electrode (91) and at least one second electrode (92) may be provided in the chamber (30) so as to face each other and be spaced apart from each other. The first electrode (91) may be provided on one side of the chamber (30) and / or one side of the shelf (80). For example, the first electrode (91) may be provided on the upper surface (12a) of the inner case (12). As another example, the first electrode (91) may be attached to the lower surface of the shelf (80).

[0054] The second electrode (92) may be provided on one side of the chamber (30), one side of the shelf (80), and / or one side of the duct shelf (81). For example, the second electrode (92) may be provided on the upper surface of the shelf (80). As another example, the second electrode (92) may be provided on the upper surface of the duct shelf (81).

[0055] The second electrode (92) may include at least one first sub-electrode (93) and at least one second sub-electrode (94) arranged adjacent to each other in a direction parallel to the first electrode (91). For example, the first sub-electrode (93) and the second sub-electrode (94) may be arranged on the upper surface of the shelf (80) so as to be adjacent to each other in a direction parallel to the first electrode (91). For another example, the first sub-electrode (93) and the second sub-electrode (94) may be arranged side by side on the upper surface of the duct shelf (81) so as to be adjacent to each other in a direction parallel to the first electrode (91).

[0056] In addition, the first sub-electrode (93) and the second sub-electrode (94) may be positioned according to various embodiments. For example, the first sub-electrode (93) may be positioned adjacent to the second sub-electrode (94) while surrounding the outer periphery thereof. For another example, the second sub-electrode (94) may be positioned adjacent to the first sub-electrode (93) while surrounding the outer periphery thereof.

[0057] When voltage is applied to the first electrode (91) and the second electrode (92), an electric field can be formed between the first electrode (91) and the second electrode (92). When an electric field is formed between the first electrode (91) and the second electrode (92), polar molecules such as water molecules inside the drying object (S) exposed to the electric field vibrate, and heat is generated due to the vibration of the polar molecules. Since moisture generally has a high permittivity, moisture contained in the drying object (S) exposed to the electric field is relatively quickly heated and evaporated. Therefore, moisture in the drying object can be removed.

[0058] The first electrode (91) can function as a common electrode for the first sub-electrode (93) and the second sub-electrode (94). For example, when the first electrode (91) and the first sub-electrode (93) are a pair of electrodes and voltage is applied to the first electrode (91) and the first sub-electrode (93), an electric field can be formed between the first electrode (91) and the first sub-electrode (93), and when the first electrode (91) and the second sub-electrode (94) are a pair of electrodes and voltage is applied to the first electrode (91) and the second sub-electrode (94), an electric field can be formed between the first electrode (91) and the second sub-electrode (94).

[0059] FIG. 4 is a front cross-sectional view of a drying device according to another embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 4, the first electrode (91) may be formed inside the shelf (80). The second electrode (92) may be formed on the upper surface (12a) of the inner case (12) and / or the upper surface of the duct shelf (81).

[0061] The first electrode (91) can perform the function of a common electrode of a plurality of second electrodes (92). For example, the first electrode (91) can perform the function of a common electrode of the second electrode (92) provided on the upper surface (12a) of the inner case (12) and the second electrode (92) provided on the upper surface of the duct shelf (81).

[0062] Fig. 5 is a control block diagram of a drying device according to one embodiment. Fig. 6 illustrates a voltage applied to an electrode according to one embodiment. Fig. 7 illustrates an electric field formed by applying a voltage to an electrode according to Fig. 6. Fig. 8 illustrates a voltage applied to an electrode. Fig. 9 illustrates an electric field formed by applying a voltage to an electrode according to Fig. 8.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 5, the drying device (1) may include an electrode (90), a power supply unit (200) that applies voltage to the electrode (90) so that an electric field is formed in a chamber (30), a user interface (400) that obtains a user's input or displays various information related to the operation of the drying device (1), a power sensor (500) that measures voltage and / or current supplied by or to each component of the drying device (1), a communication interface (600) that establishes communication with an external device, and / or a control unit (300) that controls the power supply unit (200), the user interface (400), the power sensor (500), and / or the communication interface (600).

[0064] The power supply unit (200) may include a DC power supply unit (210) that transmits DC power to an RF power supply unit (220), an RF power supply unit (220) that generates an RF signal for applying voltage to an electrode (90), and / or a matching circuit (230) for matching the output impedance of the RF power supply unit (220) and the electrode impedance of each of the plurality of electrodes (90).

[0065] The DC power supply unit (210) can convert AC power supplied from a commercial power source (C) into DC power and supply it to the RF power supply unit (220).

[0066] The RF power supply unit (220) can generate an RF signal and apply the RF signal to the electrode (90). A matching circuit (230) can be provided between the RF power supply unit (220) and a plurality of electrodes (90). The RF signal generated by the RF power supply unit (220) can be transmitted to the electrode (90) through the matching circuit (230). A sinusoidal voltage can be applied to the electrode (90) by the RF signal.

[0067] The matching circuit (230) can match the output impedance of the RF power supply (220) and the electrode impedance of each of the plurality of electrodes (90). The matching circuit (230) can include a variable inductor and a variable capacitor. If there is a difference between the output impedance of the RF power supply (220) and the electrode impedance of the electrode (90), reflected power is generated from the electrode (90), and power transmission efficiency is reduced. In order to minimize the reflected power, matching of the output impedance of the RF power supply (220) and the electrode impedance of the electrode (90) needs to be performed. The control unit (300) can control the matching circuit (230) to perform impedance matching.

[0068] The DC power supply (210), the RF power supply (220), and the matching circuit (230) may be provided as a single power module. In other words, the DC power supply (210) and the matching circuit (230) may be included in the RF power supply (220). A single power module may be common to a plurality of electrodes (90), and the plurality of electrodes (90) may be connected in parallel to a single power module.

[0069] Additionally, a plurality of DC power supplies (210), a plurality of RF power supplies (220), and a plurality of matching circuits (230) corresponding to a plurality of electrodes (90) may be provided. That is, a plurality of power modules including a DC power supply (210), an RF power supply (220), and a matching circuit (230) may be provided. Each of the plurality of electrodes (90) may be independently connected to each power module.

[0070] The control unit (300) may include a processor (310) and a memory (320). The memory (320) may include volatile memory (e.g., S-RAM, D-RAM) and non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, EPROM). The processor (310) and the memory (320) may be implemented as separate chips or as a single chip. In addition, a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories may be provided. The processor (310) may process various data and various signals using instructions, data, programs, and / or software stored in the memory (320). The processor (310) may generate control signals for controlling components of the drying device (1). The processor (310) may include one core or a plurality of cores.

[0071] The control unit (300) can control the DC power supply unit (210) to adjust the magnitude of the voltage applied to the electrode (90). As the power supplied to the RF power supply unit (220) increases, the amplitude of the RF signal increases, and the magnitude of the voltage applied to the electrode (90) can increase. The magnitude of the voltage can be expressed as an effective value.

[0072] The control unit (300) can control the RF power supply unit (220) to adjust the phase of the voltage applied to the electrode (90).

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the first electrode (91) can be connected to a ground terminal (95).

[0074] The control unit (300) can control the power supply unit (200) so that a ground voltage having a magnitude of 0 V and a phase of 0° is applied to the first electrode (91) through the ground terminal (95). The first electrode (91) can perform the function of a common electrode of the first sub-electrode (93) and the second sub-electrode (94).

[0075] The control unit (300) can control the power supply unit (200) so that voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode (93) and / or the second sub-electrode (94). The voltage applied to the second electrode (92) can include an AC voltage whose strength and direction change periodically over time.

[0076] The control unit (300) applies a first voltage (V) to the first sub-electrode (93) and the second sub-electrode (94). a ) can be controlled to apply a first voltage (V) having the same magnitude and phase. a ) can be applied to the first sub-electrode (93) and the second sub-electrode (94), respectively.

[0077] A first voltage (V) having the same magnitude and phase is applied to the first sub-electrode (93) and the second sub-electrode (94). a ) is applied, at any point in time, the potential difference between the first sub-electrode (93) and the first electrode (91) and the potential difference between the second sub-electrode (94) and the first electrode (91) are the same. For example, at the first point in time (t a ), the potential difference (V1) between the first sub-electrode (93) and the first electrode (91) is equal to the potential difference (V1) between the second sub-electrode (93) and the first electrode (91), and at the first time point (t a ) and the second time point (t b ), the potential difference (V2) between the first sub-electrode (93) and the first electrode (91) is the same as the potential difference (V2) between the second sub-electrode (93) and the first electrode (91).

[0078] At any point in time, when the potential difference between the first sub-electrode (93) and the first electrode (91) and the potential difference between the second sub-electrode (94) and the first electrode (91) are the same, an equipotential surface is formed in a direction parallel to the first electrode (91) and the second electrode (92), and an electric field can be formed in a direction perpendicular to the first electrode (91) and the second electrode (92), which is a direction perpendicular to the equipotential surface. In other words, a vertical electric field can be formed.

[0079] When a vertical electric field is formed, the electric field may be distorted at the edge portion (S1) of the drying object (S), so that the electric field may be concentrated at the edge portion (S2) of the drying object (S). Accordingly, the drying degree may be higher at the edge portion (S2) of the drying object (S) than at the center portion (S1) of the drying object (S).

[0080] Referring to Fig. 8, the control unit (300) applies a first voltage (V) to the first sub-electrode (93). a ) is applied, and a first voltage (V) is applied to the second sub-electrode (94). a ) and a second voltage (V) that is out of phase with b ) can be controlled to allow the power supply (200) to be applied. The first voltage (V a ) and the second voltage (V b ) can be determined as 90° phase difference.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 9, when voltages with different phases are applied to the first sub-electrode (93) and the second sub-electrode (94), the potential difference between the first sub-electrode (93) and the first electrode (91) and the potential difference between the second sub-electrode (121) and the first electrode (91) at a specific point in time may have different values. For example, at a first point in time (t a ) the potential difference (V1) between the voltage (V1) applied to the first sub-electrode (93) and the ground voltage (0V) applied to the first electrode (91) and the potential difference (V3) between the voltage (V3) applied to the second sub-electrode (93) and the ground voltage (0V) applied to the first electrode (91) may be different from each other. For another example, at the second time point (t b ) the potential difference (V2) between the voltage (V2) applied to the first sub-electrode (93) and the ground voltage (0V) applied to the first electrode (91) and the potential difference (V4) between the voltage (V4) applied to the second sub-electrode (93) and the ground voltage (0V) applied to the first electrode (91) may be different from each other.

[0082] Accordingly, when the potential difference between the first sub-electrode (93) and the first electrode (91) is higher than the potential difference between the second sub-electrode (94) and the first electrode (91), the electric field may be formed in a counterclockwise direction (T1) from the first sub-electrode (93) through the first electrode (91) to the second sub-electrode (94), and when the potential difference between the second sub-electrode (94) and the first electrode (91) is higher than the potential difference between the first sub-electrode (93) and the first electrode (91), the electric field may be formed in a clockwise direction (T2) from the second sub-electrode (94) through the first electrode (91) to the first sub-electrode (93). That is, a rotating electric field may be formed in which the electric field rotates in the space between the first electrode (91) and the second electrode (92).

[0083] When a rotating electric field is formed, distortion of the electric field occurs in the center portion (S1) of the drying object (S), so that the electric field can be concentrated in the center portion (S1) of the drying object (S). Accordingly, the electric field can be applied to a deeper depth in the center portion (S1) of the drying object (S) than when a vertical electric field is formed, so that the drying degree of the center portion (S1) of the drying object (S) can be improved.

[0084] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) applies a first voltage (V) to the first sub-electrode (93). a ) is applied, and a first voltage (V) is applied to the second sub-electrode (94). a ) or first voltage (V a ) and a second voltage (V) that is out of phase with b ) can be controlled to allow the power supply unit (200) to be authorized.

[0085] For example, the control unit (300) applies a first voltage (V) to the first sub-electrode (93). a ) is applied to the second sub-electrode (94) while a first voltage (V) having the same magnitude and phase a ) is applied, or a second voltage (V) of the same magnitude but different phase is applied. b ) can be controlled to allow the power supply unit (200) to be authorized.

[0086] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) applies a ground voltage to the first electrode (91),

[0087] The first voltage (V) is applied to the first sub-electrode (93) and the second sub-electrode (94) so ​​that a vertical electric field is formed between the first electrode (91) and the second electrode (92). a ) is applied to the first sub-electrode (93) so that a rotating electric field is formed between the first electrode (91) and the second electrode (92). a ) is applied, and a second voltage (V) is applied to the second sub-electrode (93). b ) can be controlled to allow the power supply unit (200) to be authorized.

[0088] For example, the control unit (300) applies a first voltage (V) having the same magnitude and phase to the first sub-electrode (93) and the second sub-electrode (94) while a ground voltage is applied to the first electrode (91). a ) can be controlled to apply a first voltage (V) to the first sub-electrode (93). a ) is applied, and the first voltage (V a ) and a second voltage (V) that is out of phase with b ) can be controlled to allow the power supply unit (200) to be authorized.

[0089] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) applies a first voltage (V) to the first sub-electrode (93). a ) is applied, and a first voltage (V) is applied to the second sub-electrode (94). a ) and the second voltage (V b ) can be controlled to alternately apply the power supply unit (200).

[0090] For example, the control unit (300) applies a first voltage (V) to the first sub-electrode (93). a ) is applied to the second sub-electrode (94) while the first voltage (V a ) is applied to the second sub-electrode (94), after controlling the power supply (200) so that a second voltage (V) of the same magnitude but different phase is applied to the second sub-electrode (94).b ) can be controlled to allow the power supply unit (200) to be authorized.

[0091] For another example, the control unit (300) applies a first voltage (V) to the first sub-electrode (93). a ) is applied to the second sub-electrode (94) while the first voltage (V a ) is applied to the second sub-electrode (94), after controlling the power supply (200) so that a second voltage (V) of the same magnitude but different phase is applied to the second sub-electrode (94). b ) is applied to the second sub-electrode (94), after which the power supply (200) is controlled so that the first voltage (V a ) can be controlled to allow the power supply unit (200) to be authorized.

[0092] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) applies a first voltage (V) to the first sub-electrode (93) and the second sub-electrode (94) during the first drying time. a ) is applied, and a first voltage (V) is applied to the first sub-electrode (93) during the second drying time. a ) is applied, and a second voltage (V) is applied to the second sub-electrode (94). b ) can be controlled to allow the power supply (200) to be applied. The total drying time may be the sum of the first drying time and the second drying time.

[0093] For example, the control unit (300) applies a first voltage (V) having the same magnitude and phase to the first sub-electrode (93) and the second sub-electrode (94) during the first drying time during the entire drying time. a ) is applied, and a first voltage (V) having the same magnitude but different phase is applied to the first sub-electrode (93) and the second sub-electrode (94) during the second drying time during the entire drying time. a ) and the second voltage (V b ) can be controlled to allow each of the power supply units (200) to be authorized.

[0094] The user interface (400) may include an input interface (410) for obtaining user input and / or an output interface (420) for transmitting various information related to the operation of the drying device (1) to the user.

[0095] The input interface (410) can convert input information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0096] The input interface (410) may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0097] The output interface (420) can transmit various information related to the operation of the drying device (1) to the user.

[0098] Information related to the operation of the drying device (1) can be output through a screen, indicator, voice, etc. The output interface (420) can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0099] The power sensor (500) may include a voltage sensor (510) that measures the voltage supplied to or supplied to each component of the drying device (1) and / or a current sensor (520) that measures the current supplied to or supplied to each component of the drying device (1).

[0100] The voltage sensor (510) is connected to the DC power supply (210) and the RF power supply (210) and can measure the voltage supplied by the DC power supply (210) to the RF power supply (220). The current sensor (520) is connected to the DC power supply (210) and the RF power supply (210) and can measure the current supplied by the DC power supply (210) to the RF power supply (220).

[0101] The control unit (300) can determine the power supplied to the first electrode (91) and the second electrode (92) based on the voltage measured by the voltage sensor (510) and the current measured by the current sensor (520).

[0102] The communication interface (600) can connect to an external device via a network. The control unit (300) can obtain various information, signals, and / or data from the external device via the communication interface (600). For example, the communication interface (600) can receive a remote control signal from the external device. The control unit (300) can obtain firmware and / or software for the operation of the drying device (1) from the external device via the communication interface (600).

[0103] The communication interface (600) may include various communication circuits. The communication interface (600) may include wireless communication circuits and / or wired communication circuits. For example, a communication circuit supporting wireless communication methods such as wireless local area network (WLAN), home radio frequency (RF), infrared communication, ultra-wide band (UWB) communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee may be provided.

[0104] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining a drying time of a drying device according to one embodiment.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 10, the control unit (300) applies a first voltage (V) to the first sub-electrode (93) and the second sub-electrode (94) during a first reference time. a ) can be controlled to apply the power supply (200) (1000). The power sensor (500) can measure the first power supplied to the first electrode (91) and the second electrode (92) during a first reference time (1100). The first power measured by the power sensor (500) may be a value corresponding to the product of the voltage supplied by the DC power supply (210) to the RF power supply (220) during the first reference time measured by the voltage sensor (510) and the current supplied by the DC power supply (210) to the RF power supply (220) during the first reference time measured by the current sensor (520).

[0106] The control unit (300) applies a first voltage (V) to the first sub-electrode (93) for a second reference time. a ) is applied, and a second voltage (V) is applied to the second sub-electrode (94). b ) can be controlled to apply the power supply (200) (1200). The power sensor (500) can measure the second power supplied to the first electrode (91) and the second electrode (92) during a second reference time (1300). The second power measured by the power sensor (500) may be a value corresponding to the product of the voltage supplied by the DC power supply (210) to the RF power supply (220) during the second reference time measured by the voltage sensor (510) and the current supplied by the DC power supply (210) to the RF power supply (220) during the second reference time measured by the current sensor (520).

[0107] The first reference time and the second reference time may be the same time, and the order of the first reference time and the second reference time is not limited to the above. For example, the control unit (300) may apply a first voltage (V) to the first sub-electrode (93) during the second reference time. a ) is applied, and a second voltage (V) is applied to the second sub-electrode (94). b) is applied to the first sub-electrode (93) and the second sub-electrode (94) for a first reference time. a ) can be controlled to allow the power supply unit (200) to be authorized.

[0108] The control unit (300) can determine the first drying time and the second drying time based on the power supplied to the first electrode (91) and the second electrode (92).

[0109] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can determine the first drying time and the second drying time based on the first power and the second power (1400).

[0110] In order to apply the same power to the first electrode (91) and the second electrode (92) during the first drying time and the second drying time, the control unit (300) can determine the first drying time and the second drying time based on the ratio of the second power to the first power.

[0111] For example, the control unit (300) can determine the first drying time and the second drying time such that the ratio of the second drying time to the first drying time has a value corresponding to the reciprocal of the ratio of the second power to the first power.

[0112] The control unit (300) applies a first voltage (V) to the first sub-electrode (93) and the second sub-electrode (94) during the determined first drying time. a ) can be controlled to allow the power supply (200) to be authorized (1500).

[0113] The control unit (300) applies a first voltage (V) to the first sub-electrode (93) during the determined second drying time. a ) is applied, and a second voltage (V) is applied to the second sub-electrode (94). b ) can be controlled to allow the power supply (200) to be authorized (1600).

[0114] The order of the first drying time and the second drying time is not limited to the above. For example, the control unit (300) applies a first voltage (V) to the first sub-electrode (93) during the second drying time. a ) is applied, and a second voltage (V) is applied to the second sub-electrode (94). b ) is applied to the first sub-electrode (93) and the second sub-electrode (94) during the first drying time. a ) can be controlled to allow the power supply unit (200) to be authorized.

[0115] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) applies a first voltage (V) to the first sub-electrode (93) and the second sub-electrode (94) for a first reference time every reference period (e.g., 15 minutes). a ) is applied to the power supply (200), and a first voltage (V) is applied to the first sub-electrode (93) for a second reference time. a ) is applied, and a second voltage (V) is applied to the second sub-electrode (94). b ) is applied, and a first drying time and a second drying time are determined based on the first power supplied to the first electrode (91) and the second electrode (92) for the first reference time and the second power supplied to the first electrode (91) and the second electrode (92) for the second reference time, and a first voltage (V) is applied to the first sub-electrode (93) and the second sub-electrode (94) for the determined first drying time. a ) is applied, and a first voltage (V) is applied to the first sub-electrode (93) during the second drying time. a ) is applied, and a second voltage (V) is applied to the second sub-electrode (94). b ) can be controlled to allow the power supply unit (200) to be authorized.

[0116] For example, if the ratio of the measured first power and the measured second power has changed after a reference period (e.g., 15 minutes) has elapsed, the control unit (300) may re-determine the first drying time and the second drying time, and control the power supply unit (200) to apply voltage to the first sub-electrode (93) and the second sub-electrode (94) according to the re-determined first drying time and the second drying time.

[0117] Figure 11 shows the drying results according to the voltage applied to the electrode.

[0118] Referring to Fig. 11, a first voltage (V) having the same magnitude and phase is applied to the first sub-electrode (93) and the second sub-electrode (94) during the entire drying time. a ) is applied, a vertical electric field is formed in the space between the first electrode (91) and the second electrode (92), so that the dryness of the edge portion (S2) of the drying target (S) may be higher than that of the center portion (S1) (P1).

[0119] A first voltage (V) is applied to the first sub-electrode (93) during the entire drying time. a ) is applied, and a first voltage (V) is applied to the second sub-electrode (94). a ) and a second voltage (V) that is out of phase with b ) is applied, a rotating electric field is formed in the space between the first electrode (91) and the second electrode (92), so that the dryness of the center portion (S1) of the drying target (S) may be higher than that of the edge portion (S2) (P2).

[0120] During the entire drying time, the first voltage (V) is applied to the first sub-electrode (93). a ) is applied, and a first voltage (V) is applied to the second sub-electrode (94). a ) and the second voltage (V b ) are alternately applied, a vertical electric field and a rotating electric field are alternately formed in the space between the first electrode (91) and the second electrode (92), so that the center portion (S1) and the edge portion (S2) of the drying target (S) can be uniformly dried (P3).

[0121] Figure 12 illustrates an example of determining a drying time based on user input.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 12, the user interface (400) may display a power button (401) for turning on / off the power of the drying device (1), a start / stop button (402) for starting or stopping the drying operation, a drying course button (403) for selecting a drying course, and / or a drying time input button (404) for setting the total drying time.

[0123] In various embodiments, the control unit (300) can perform various functions based on control signals received through the user interface (400).

[0124] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can turn the power of the drying device (1) on / off based on a user's power on / off input signal.

[0125] For example, the control unit (300) can turn the power of the drying device (1) on / off based on an input signal generated when a user presses the power button (401).

[0126] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can start or stop the operation of the drying device (1) based on a start or stop input signal of the user's operation of the drying device (1).

[0127] For example, the control unit (300) can control the power supply unit (200) to apply or not apply voltage to the plurality of electrodes (90) based on an input signal generated when a user presses the start / stop button (402).

[0128] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can control the power supply unit (200) to apply voltage to the plurality of electrodes (90) based on the total drying time input by the user.

[0129] For example, the control unit (300) can control the power supply unit (200) to apply voltage to a plurality of electrodes (90) based on an input signal corresponding to a drying time button (405) pressed by the user among the drying time buttons (404).

[0130] In various embodiments, the control unit (300) may control the power supply unit (200) to apply voltage to the plurality of electrodes (90) based on a drying course selected by the user. The drying course may include a first course (403a) and / or a second course (403b) in which a drying time is determined according to the drying purpose of the object (S) to be dried. The first course (403a) may be a drying course selected when more drying of the central portion (S1) of the object (S) to be dried is required (e.g., a course for drying a thick object to be dried). The second course (403b) may be a drying course selected when more drying of the edge portion (S2) of the object (S) to be dried is required (e.g., a course for drying wet shoes).

[0131] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) determines a first drying time and a second drying time based on a drying course selected by the user, and applies a first voltage (V) to the first sub-electrode (93) and the second sub-electrode (94) during the first drying time. a ) is applied, and a first voltage (V) is applied to the first sub-electrode (93) during the second drying time. a ) is applied, and a second voltage (V) is applied to the second sub-electrode (94). b ) can be controlled to allow the power supply unit (200) to be authorized.

[0132] For example, the control unit (300) applies a first voltage (V) to the first sub-electrode (93) and the second sub-electrode (94) during the first drying time based on the user's selection of the first course (403a). a ) is applied, and a first voltage (V) is applied to the first sub-electrode (93) for a second drying time that is longer than the first drying time. a) is applied, and a second voltage (V) is applied to the second sub-electrode (94). b ) can be controlled to allow the power supply unit (200) to be authorized.

[0133] For another example, the control unit (300) applies a first voltage (V) to the first sub-electrode (93) during the second drying time based on the user's selection of the second course (403b). a ) is applied, and a second voltage (V) is applied to the second sub-electrode (94). b ) is applied, and a first voltage (V) is applied to the first sub-electrode (93) and the second sub-electrode (94) for a first drying time that is longer than the second drying time. a ) can be controlled to allow the power supply unit (200) to be authorized.

[0134] For another example, the control unit (300) applies a first voltage (V) to the first sub-electrode (93) during the entire drying time based on the user's selection of the first course (403a). a ) is applied, and a second voltage (V) is applied to the second sub-electrode (94). b ) can be controlled to allow the power supply unit (200) to be authorized.

[0135] For another example, the control unit (300) applies a first voltage (V) to the first sub-electrode (93) and the second sub-electrode (94) during the entire drying time based on the user's selection of the second course (403a). a ) can be controlled to allow the power supply unit (200) to be authorized.

[0136] Figure 13 illustrates a network system implemented by various electronic devices.

[0137] The drying device (1) described above may correspond to the home appliance (100) described below.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 13, the home appliance (100) may include a communication interface (e.g., communication interface (600)) for communicating with another home appliance, a user device (2), or a server (3). The home appliance (100) may include a user interface (e.g., user interface (400)) for receiving user input or outputting information to a user. The home appliance (100) may include a processor (e.g., processor (310)) for controlling the operation of the home appliance (100), and may include a memory (e.g., memory (320)) for storing a program for controlling the operation of the home appliance (100).

[0139] The home appliance (100) may be at least one of various types of home appliances. For example, the home appliance (100) may include at least one of a refrigerator (101), a dishwasher (102), an electric range (103), an electric oven (104), an air conditioner (105), a shoe care machine (106), a washing machine (107), a dryer (108), a microwave oven (109), and a clothes care machine (110), as illustrated.

[0140] The home appliance (100) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 13. For example, the home appliance (100) may include various home appliances, such as a cleaning robot, a vacuum cleaner, and a television, not illustrated in the drawing. Furthermore, the aforementioned home appliances are merely examples, and in addition to the aforementioned home appliances, other home appliances, devices that are connected to a user device (2), or a server (3) and can perform the operations described below may be included in the home appliance (100) according to one embodiment.

[0141] The server (3) can communicate with other servers, home appliances (100), or user devices (2). The server (3) can process data received from other servers, home appliances (100), or user devices (2), and can store programs for processing data or processed data. The server (3) can be implemented as various computing devices such as a workstation, a cloud, a data drive, or a data station. The server (3) can be implemented as one or more servers that are physically or logically separated based on function, detailed configuration of function, or data, and can transmit and receive data and process the transmitted and received data through communication between each server.

[0142] The server (3) can perform functions such as managing user accounts, registering home appliances (100) by linking them to user accounts, and managing or controlling registered home appliances (100). For example, a user can access the server (3) through a user device (2) and create a user account. The user account can be identified by an ID and password set by the user. The server (3) can register home appliances (100) to the user account according to a set procedure. For example, the server (3) can link identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the home appliance (100) to the user account, thereby registering, managing, and controlling the home appliance (100). The user device (2) can communicate with the home appliance (100) or the server (3). The user device (2) can receive user input or output information to the user.

[0143] The user device (2) may be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office, etc. The user device (2) may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer, a terminal, a portable telephone, a smart phone, a handheld device, a wearable device, etc.

[0144] The user device (2) can store a program, i.e., an application, for controlling a home appliance (100). The application can be sold installed on the user device (2) or downloaded and installed from an external server.

[0145] A user can access a server (3) by executing an application installed on a user device (2), create a user account, and communicate with the server (3) based on the logged-in user account to register a home appliance (100).

[0146] For example, if the home appliance (100) is operated so that the home appliance (100) can be connected to the server (3) according to the procedure guided by the application installed on the user device (2), the home appliance (100) can be registered in the user account by registering the identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the home appliance (100) in the corresponding user account on the server (3).

[0147] A user can control a home appliance (100) using an application installed on the user device (2). For example, when a user logs into a user account using an application installed on the user device (2), a home appliance (100) registered to the user account appears, and when a control command for the home appliance (100) is input, the control command can be transmitted to the home appliance (100) via the server (3).

[0148] A network can include both wired and wireless networks. Wired networks include cable networks or telephone networks, while wireless networks can include any network that transmits and receives signals via radio waves. Wired and wireless networks can be interconnected.

[0149] The network may include a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an Access Point (AP), and / or a short-range wireless network that does not pass through an Access Point (AP). Short-range wireless networks may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC), Z-Wave, etc., for example.

[0150] An access point (AP) can connect a home appliance (100) or a user device (2) to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server (3) is connected. The home appliance (100) or a user device (2) can be connected to the server (3) via the wide area network (WAN).

[0151] The access point (AP) can communicate with a home appliance (100) or user device (2) using wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), or Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), and can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, but is not limited thereto.

[0152] According to various embodiments, the home appliance (100) may be directly connected to the user device (2) or server (3) without going through an access point (AP).

[0153] The home appliance (100) can be connected to a user device (2) or a server (3) via a long-distance wireless network or a short-distance wireless network.

[0154] For example, the home appliance (100) can be connected to the user device (2) via a short-range wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct).

[0155] As another example, a home appliance (100) can be connected to a user device (2) or a server (3) via a wide area network (WAN) using a long-distance wireless network (e.g., a cellular communication module).

[0156] As another example, a home appliance (100) can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication and be connected to a user device (2) or a server (3) through the wide area network (WAN).

[0157] If the home appliance (100) can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, it can also function as an access relay. Accordingly, the home appliance (100) can connect other home appliances to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected. In addition, other home appliances can connect the home appliance (100) to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected.

[0158] A home appliance (100) can transmit information about its operation or status to another home appliance, a user device (2), or a server (3) via a network. For example, the home appliance (100) can transmit information about its operation or status to another home appliance, a user device (2), or the server (3) when a request is received from the server (3), when a specific event occurs in the home appliance (100), or periodically or in real time. When information about its operation or status is received from the home appliance (100), the server (3) can update the information about the operation or status of the home appliance (100) that has been stored therein, and transmit the updated information about the operation and status of the home appliance (100) to the user device (2) via a network. Here, updating information can include various operations that change existing information, such as an operation of adding new information to existing information, an operation of replacing existing information with new information, etc.

[0159] The home appliance (100) can obtain various information from other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3), and provide the obtained information to the user. For example, the home appliance (100) can obtain information related to the functions of the home appliance (100) (e.g., cooking methods, washing instructions, etc.) and various environmental information (e.g., weather, temperature, humidity, etc.) from the server (3), and output the obtained information.

[0160] The home appliance (100) can operate according to a control command received from another home appliance, a user device (2), or a server (3). For example, if the home appliance (100) has obtained prior approval from the user to operate according to a control command from the server (3) even without user input, the home appliance (100) can operate according to a control command received from the server (3). Here, the control command received from the server (3) may include, but is not limited to, a control command input by the user through the user device (2) or a control command based on preset conditions.

[0161] The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the home appliance (100) or the server (3) via the communication module. For example, the user device (2) can transmit information about the user's location, the user's health status, the user's preferences, the user's schedule, etc. to the server (3). The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the server (3) with the user's prior consent.

[0162] The home appliance (100), user device (2), or server (3) may determine a control command using technology such as artificial intelligence. For example, the server (3) may receive information regarding the operation or status of the home appliance (100) or information regarding the user of the user device (2), process the information using technology such as artificial intelligence, and transmit the processing result or control command to the home appliance (100) or user device (2) based on the processing result.

[0163] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a drying device comprises: a chamber; a first electrode and a second electrode provided within the chamber and spaced apart from each other and facing each other; a power supply unit for applying a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode; and a control unit for controlling the power supply unit; wherein the second electrode includes a first sub-electrode and a second sub-electrode provided adjacent to each other in a direction parallel to the first electrode, and the control unit can control the power supply unit so that a first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and one of the first voltage and a second voltage having a different phase from the first voltage is applied to the second sub-electrode.

[0164] The control unit may control the power supply unit so that a ground voltage is applied to the first electrode and the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode so that a vertical electric field is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode, or so that the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the second voltage is applied to the second sub-electrode so that a rotating electric field is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0165] The control unit can control the power supply unit so that the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the first voltage and the second voltage are alternately applied to the second sub-electrode.

[0166] The control unit can control the power supply unit so that the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode during a first drying time, and the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the second voltage is applied to the second sub-electrode during a second drying time.

[0167] The control unit can determine the first drying time and the second drying time based on the power supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0168] The control unit may control the power supply unit so that the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode during a first reference time, the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode during a second reference time, and the second voltage is applied to the second sub-electrode, and may determine the first drying time and the second drying time based on the first power supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode during the first reference time and the second power supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode during the second reference time.

[0169] The control unit can determine the first drying time and the second drying time based on a ratio of the second power to the first power.

[0170] The control unit can determine the first drying time and the second drying time based on the power supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode for each reference cycle.

[0171] The above control unit can determine the first drying time and the second drying time based on the drying course selected by the user.

[0172] A method for controlling a drying device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a chamber, a first electrode and a second electrode provided within the chamber and spaced apart from each other while facing each other, a power supply unit for applying a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode, and a first sub-electrode and a second sub-electrode provided adjacent to each other in a direction parallel to the first electrode, the method comprising: a step of controlling the power supply unit so that a first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode; and a step of controlling the power supply unit so that the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and a second voltage having a different phase from the first voltage is applied to the second sub-electrode.

[0173] The step of controlling the power supply so that a first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode; and the step of controlling the power supply so that the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and a second voltage having a different phase from the first voltage is applied to the second sub-electrode; may include the step of controlling the power supply so that a ground voltage is applied to the first electrode and the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode so that a vertical electric field is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode, or the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the second voltage is applied to the second sub-electrode so that a rotating electric field is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0174] The step of controlling the power supply so that a first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode; and the step of controlling the power supply so that the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and a second voltage having a different phase from the first voltage is applied to the second sub-electrode; may include the step of controlling the power supply so that the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the first voltage and the second voltage are alternately applied to the second sub-electrode.

[0175] The step of controlling the power supply so that a first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode; and the step of controlling the power supply so that the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and a second voltage having a different phase from the first voltage is applied to the second sub-electrode; may include the step of controlling the power supply so that the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode during a first drying time, and the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the second voltage is applied to the second sub-electrode during a second drying time.

[0176] The method may further include a step of determining the first drying time and the second drying time based on the power supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0177] The step of determining the first drying time and the second drying time based on the power supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode may include the step of controlling the power supply so that the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode for a first reference time; the step of controlling the power supply so that the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the second voltage is applied to the second sub-electrode for a second reference time; and the step of determining the first drying time and the second drying time based on the first power supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode for the first reference time and the second power supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode for the second reference time.

[0178] The step of determining the first drying time and the second drying time based on the first power supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode during the first reference time and the second power supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode during the second reference time may include the step of determining the first drying time and the second drying time based on a ratio of the second power to the first power.

[0179] The step of determining the first drying time and the second drying time based on the power supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode may include the step of determining the first drying time and the second drying time based on the power supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode for each reference period.

[0180] It may further include determining the first drying time and the second drying time based on the drying course selected by the user.

[0181] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0182] Computer-readable storage media include all types of storage media that store instructions that can be deciphered by a computer. Examples include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disks, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

[0183] Additionally, a computer-readable recording medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0184] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated on a machine-readable recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0185] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. Chamber; A first electrode and a second electrode are provided in the chamber and are spaced apart from each other and facing each other; A power supply unit for applying voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode; and A control unit for controlling the above power supply unit is included; The second electrode includes a first sub-electrode and a second sub-electrode which are arranged adjacent to each other in a direction parallel to the first electrode, The above control unit, A drying device that controls the power supply so that a first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and one of the first voltage and a second voltage having a different phase from the first voltage is applied to the second sub-electrode.

2. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A ground voltage is applied to the first electrode, The first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode so that a vertical electric field is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode, or A drying device that controls a power supply unit so that the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the second voltage is applied to the second sub-electrode so that a rotating electric field is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

3. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A drying device that controls the power supply unit so that the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the first voltage and the second voltage are alternately applied to the second sub-electrode.

4. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A drying device that controls the power supply unit so that the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode during a first drying time, and the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the second voltage is applied to the second sub-electrode during a second drying time.

5. In paragraph 4, The above control unit, A drying device that determines the first drying time and the second drying time based on the power supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode.

6. In paragraph 5, The above control unit, Controlling the power supply unit so that the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode during a first reference time, and so that the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the second voltage is applied to the second sub-electrode during a second reference time, A drying device that determines the first drying time and the second drying time based on the first power supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode during the first reference time and the second power supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode during the second reference time.

7. In paragraph 6, The above control unit, A drying device that determines the first drying time and the second drying time based on a ratio of the second power to the first power.

8. In paragraph 5, The above control unit, A drying device that determines the first drying time and the second drying time based on the power supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode for each reference cycle.

9. In paragraph 4, The above control unit, A drying device that determines a first drying time and a second drying time based on a drying course selected by a user.

10. A method for controlling a drying device comprising a chamber, a first electrode and a second electrode provided in the chamber and spaced apart from each other and facing each other, a power supply unit for applying voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode, and a first sub-electrode and a second sub-electrode provided adjacent to each other in a direction parallel to the first electrode, A step of controlling the power supply unit so as to apply a first voltage to the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode; and A method for controlling a drying device, comprising: a step of controlling the power supply unit so that the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and a second voltage having a different phase from the first voltage is applied to the second sub-electrode.

11. In paragraph 10, A step of controlling the power supply unit so as to apply a first voltage to the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode; and A step of controlling the power supply so that the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and a second voltage having a different phase from the first voltage is applied to the second sub-electrode; A ground voltage is applied to the first electrode, The first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode so that a vertical electric field is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode, or A control method for a drying device, comprising: a step of controlling a power supply unit so that the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the second voltage is applied to the second sub-electrode so that a rotating electric field is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

12. In paragraph 10, A step of controlling the power supply unit so as to apply a first voltage to the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode; and A step of controlling the power supply so that the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and a second voltage having a different phase from the first voltage is applied to the second sub-electrode; A method for controlling a drying device, comprising: a step of controlling the power supply unit so that the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the first voltage and the second voltage are alternately applied to the second sub-electrode.

13. In paragraph 10, A step of controlling the power supply unit so as to apply a first voltage to the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode; and A step of controlling the power supply so that the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and a second voltage having a different phase from the first voltage is applied to the second sub-electrode; A control method for a drying device, comprising: a step of controlling the power supply unit so that the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode during a first drying time, and the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the second voltage is applied to the second sub-electrode during a second drying time; 14. In paragraph 13, A method for controlling a drying device, further comprising: a step of determining the first drying time and the second drying time based on the power supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode.

15. In paragraph 14, A step of determining the first drying time and the second drying time based on the power supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode; A step of controlling the power supply so that the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode during a first reference time; A step of controlling the power supply so that the first voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode and the second voltage is applied to the second sub-electrode during a second reference time; and A method for controlling a drying device, comprising: a step of determining the first drying time and the second drying time based on the first power supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode during the first reference time and the second power supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode during the second reference time.

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