CN114278992A

CN114278992A - Air conditioner including light source module and method of operating the same

Info

Publication number: CN114278992A
Application number: CN202210001944.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 郑栽鹤; 朱炳哲; 郑雄基; 郑相旭
Original assignee: Seoul Viosys Co Ltd
Current assignee: Seoul Viosys Co Ltd
Priority date: 2017-09-28
Filing date: 2018-09-28
Publication date: 2022-04-05
Anticipated expiration: 2038-09-28
Also published as: WO2019066550A1; CN114278992B; CN114278991B; CN114278991A; CN111183319A; CN111183319B

Abstract

The present application relates to a light source module and an air conditioner including the same. The light source module according to an embodiment of the present application includes: a substrate; a light source attached to the front surface of the substrate and emitting ultraviolet rays; a transparent portion located in a front direction of the substrate and transmitting the ultraviolet rays; and a case surrounding the substrate and the light source, wherein the case includes an opening exposing at least a portion of the light source and the substrate, the transparent portion is provided in the opening, and the light source module irradiates the ultraviolet rays between the plurality of heat exchange plates. The light source module and the air conditioner including the same according to the embodiment of the present application can effectively perform a sterilization operation on an evaporator.

Description

Air conditioner including light source module and method of operating the same

The present application is a divisional application of an invention patent application having an application date of 28/09/2018, an application number of 201880063018.2, and an invention name of "an air conditioner including a light source module and an operation method thereof".

Technical Field

The present application relates to a light source module and an air conditioner including the same.

Background

In the case of air conditioning using an air conditioner, the greatest problem is that the evaporator temperature of the air conditioner is lower than the air temperature, and thus condensed water is generated in the evaporator, thereby causing bacteria or mold to grow around the evaporator. Also, in order to improve heat exchange efficiency, air is forcibly circulated in the evaporator, so that these mold or bacteria are floated in the indoor air for air conditioning. Therefore, a technique capable of suppressing the propagation of bacteria or performing sterilization is required.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

An object of the present application is to provide a light source module capable of performing a sterilization operation on an evaporator inside an air conditioner and an air conditioner including the same.

Technical scheme

The light source module according to an embodiment of the present application includes: a substrate; a light source attached to the front surface of the substrate and emitting ultraviolet rays; a transparent portion located in a front direction of the substrate and transmitting the ultraviolet rays; and a case surrounding the substrate and the light source, wherein the case includes an opening exposing at least a portion of the light source and the substrate, the transparent portion is provided in the opening, and the light source module irradiates the ultraviolet rays between the plurality of heat exchange plates.

In an embodiment, the opening portion includes: an opening side wall inclined toward the light source; and an opening upper surface parallel to the substrate and formed at one side end of the opening sidewall, wherein the transparent part is disposed on the opening upper surface.

In an embodiment, the opening upper surface is formed at an end portion of the opening sidewall in an opposite direction of the light source, and the transparent part is spaced apart from the substrate by a predetermined distance through the opening sidewall.

In an embodiment, the opening upper surface is formed at an end portion of the opening side wall in the light source direction, and the opening upper surface is provided in contact with the substrate and the transparent portion.

In an embodiment, further comprising: and a pressurizing member that fixes the substrate and the transparent portion, wherein at least a part of the transparent portion is disposed inside the case.

In an embodiment, the case includes an upper case and a lower case having the opening formed therein, the opening includes an opening sidewall inclined toward the light source, the substrate is disposed between the upper case and the pressing member, and the transparent portion is disposed between the pressing member and the opening sidewall.

In an embodiment, the opening portion includes: an upper end of the side wall of the opening part, which inclines towards the light source direction; and an opening side wall lower end inclined toward the light source direction and forming a clip shape together with the opening side wall upper end, the transparent portion being provided between the opening side wall upper end and the opening side wall lower end.

In an embodiment, the housing further comprises: and fastening parts extending in parallel with the plurality of heat exchange plates and disposed at the interval spaces between the plurality of heat exchange plates.

In an embodiment, the housing further comprises: and spacers extending in a first direction parallel to a direction in which the plurality of heat exchange plates extend, wherein a length of the spacer in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is greater than a spacing distance in the second direction between two heat exchange plates adjacent to each other among the plurality of heat exchange plates.

In an embodiment, a length of the spacer in the first direction is greater than a length of the fastening portion in the first direction.

In an embodiment, the light source module further comprises: at least one light source attached to the front surface of the substrate; and at least one transparent part located in a front direction of the substrate, wherein the at least one transparent part corresponds to the at least one light source.

In an embodiment, further comprising: a base fixing the base plate and capable of rotating along a pivot; a pivot ring surrounding the base; and a protective tube for protecting the substrate and the light source, wherein the housing is fastened to the substrate and the base, the light source has a pointing angle with respect to a direction that changes within a predetermined angle with respect to the pivot.

In an embodiment, the base plate extends long in a direction, and the base is provided at least one of both end portions of the base plate to be fastened to the pivot ring.

In an embodiment, the pivot ring includes a stopper defining a rotation angle of the base, the stopper protruding from the pivot ring toward the base, the base having a catch table rotating within the angle defined by the stopper.

In an embodiment, further comprising: and a rotation adjusting part which controls a rotation operation of the base, wherein the rotation adjusting part rotates the base based on whether a sterilization operation time of the light source reaches a reference time.

In an embodiment, the plurality of heat exchange plates are arranged on the evaporator, and the rotation regulating part rotates the susceptor in the following manner: so that a first region of the evaporator, in which a sterilization operation is performed before a rotation operation of the susceptor is performed, and a second region of the evaporator, in which a sterilization operation is performed after the rotation operation of the susceptor is performed, do not overlap with each other.

In an embodiment, an air conditioner includes: an evaporator including a plurality of heat exchange plates; and a light source module provided to the evaporator and irradiating ultraviolet rays toward an interval space between the plurality of heat exchange plates, wherein the light source module includes: a substrate; a light source attached to the front surface of the substrate and emitting ultraviolet rays; a transparent portion located in a front direction of the substrate and transmitting the ultraviolet rays; and a case surrounding the substrate and the light source, wherein the case includes an opening portion exposing at least a part of the light source and the substrate, and the transparent portion is provided in the opening portion.

In an embodiment, the evaporator comprises a guide rail equipped with a guide groove along which the light source module is movable.

In an embodiment, further comprising: a timer for checking an air conditioner operation time; and a control part controlling the light source module and the timer, wherein the control part determines whether the operation time of the air conditioner reaches a predetermined time period based on information provided from the timer, and the light source module performs a sterilization operation according to the control of the control part when the operation time of the air conditioner reaches the predetermined time period.

In an embodiment, further comprising: and an auxiliary power supply part supplying power to the light source module when the external power supply is powered off.

Advantageous effects

The light source module and the air conditioner including the same according to the embodiment of the present application can effectively perform a sterilization operation on an evaporator.

Drawings

Fig. 1a and 1b are diagrams illustrating an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 2a is a front view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 2b is a sectional view of the air conditioner of fig. 2a taken along a sectional line I-I'.

Fig. 3a is a perspective view showing an overall appearance of the light source module.

Fig. 3b is a cross-sectional view of the light source module of fig. 3a taken along a cut-off line a-a'.

Fig. 4a is a perspective view illustrating an overall appearance of a light source module according to an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 4b is an exploded perspective view of the light source module of fig. 4 a.

Fig. 4c is a sectional view of the light source module of fig. 4a taken along a section line a1-a 1'.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view illustrating a light source module according to another embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view illustrating a light source module according to another embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view illustrating a light source module according to another embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 8a is a cross-sectional view of a light source according to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along section line A-B-B '-A' of FIG. 8 a.

Fig. 9 is a view schematically showing a pattern in which the light source module of fig. 3a to 7 is provided in the evaporator.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view illustrating a light source module according to another embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view illustrating a light source module according to another embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 12 is a sectional view illustrating a light source module according to another embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 13a is a diagram schematically showing a light source module movable along a guide rail provided to an evaporator.

Fig. 13B is a sectional view showing a section taken along a section line B-B' of fig. 13 a.

Fig. 14 is a block diagram schematically showing the entire configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of the air conditioner of fig. 14.

Fig. 16a is a schematic view showing a light source module movable along a guide rail provided to an evaporator.

Fig. 16b is a perspective view illustrating the light source module of fig. 16a in more detail.

Fig. 16c to 16e are sectional views illustrating a section of the light source module of fig. 16 b.

Fig. 17 is a block diagram schematically showing the entire configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 18 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of the air conditioner of fig. 17.

Best mode for carrying out the invention

Detailed Description

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific forms disclosed, and all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention are to be understood as included therein.

In the description of the respective drawings, like reference numerals are used for like components. In the drawings, the size of the structure is shown enlarged compared to the actual size for clarity of the present invention. The terms first, second, etc. may be used to describe various elements, but the elements should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from other constituent elements. For example, a first component may be termed a second component, and similarly, a second component may be termed a first component, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In the present application, terms such as "including" or "having" are used to refer to the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof. Also, when a part of a layer, a film, a region, a plate, or the like is referred to as being "on" another part, it includes not only a case where "directly" on "another part but also a case where another part exists therebetween. In the present specification, when it is mentioned that a portion of a certain layer, film, region, plate, or the like is formed "on" (on) another portion, the forming direction is not limited to the upper direction, and includes a case where the forming direction is formed in a side or lower direction. Conversely, when a portion of a layer, film, region, plate, or the like is referred to as being "under" another portion, it includes not only the case where "directly" under "the other portion, but also the case where another portion exists therebetween.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1a and 1b are diagrams illustrating an air conditioning system 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. Specifically, fig. 1a is a block diagram schematically illustrating an air conditioning system 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 1b is a diagram illustrating the light source module 100 and the evaporator 12_2 of fig. 1a in further detail.

Referring to fig. 1a and 1b, an air conditioning system 10 includes an outdoor unit 11 and an indoor unit 12. The outdoor unit 11 includes a compressor 11_1 and a condenser 11_2, and the indoor unit 12 includes an expansion valve 12_1, an evaporator 12_2, and a light source module 100 disposed in the evaporator 12_ 2.

Looking at the structure of the outdoor unit 11, the compressor 11_1 sucks the low-temperature low-pressure gas refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator 12_ 2. Then, the compressor 11_1 increases the pressure of the gas refrigerant, and discharges the increased pressure gas refrigerant.

The condenser 11_2 releases heat of the gas refrigerant by exchanging heat between the high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11_1 and the surrounding air or cooling water. At this time, the gas refrigerant releases heat and condenses to be liquefied. The air heated by the heat released in this process is discharged to the outside by a blower (not shown). The liquefied refrigerant flows into the indoor unit 12.

Looking at the structure of the indoor unit 12, the expansion valve 12_1 performs a function of reducing the pressure of the liquefied refrigerant. That is, the expansion valve 12_1 reduces the pressure of the liquefied refrigerant, so that evaporation is likely to occur in the evaporator 12_ 2.

The evaporator 12_2 vaporizes the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve 12_1, and the vaporized refrigerant exchanges heat with indoor air. Subsequently, the refrigerant in the gas state after the heat exchange moves to the compressor 11_ 1. The refrigerant evaporated at the evaporator 12_2 performs an effect of lowering the temperature of the indoor air by repeating the circulation process of the refrigerant as described above.

In an embodiment according to the technical idea of the present application, the light source module 100 is disposed at the evaporator 12_ 2. The light source module 100 irradiates ultraviolet rays having a wavelength with a sterilization effect to the evaporator 12_2, thereby performing a sterilization operation against bacteria or molds around the evaporator 12_ 2.

More specifically, as shown in fig. 1b, the evaporator 12_2 generally has a form in which a plurality of heat exchange plates are aligned at small intervals. For example, for a small air conditioner, the interval between the heat exchange plates may be 1 to 2 mm. As described above, since the interval between the heat exchange plates of the evaporator 12_2 is considerably narrow, the water droplets do not flow down in the gravity direction due to the surface tension of the water droplets, but remain in a condensed state as they are at the original position, whereby bacteria, mold, or the like can be propagated.

In order to perform a sterilization operation against such bacteria, mold, or the like, the light source module 100 according to the embodiment of the present application performs a sterilization operation against the evaporator 12_ 2. In particular, the light source module 100 irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the space between the plurality of heat exchange plates while being disposed at the evaporator 12_2 in such a manner as to occupy only a minimum space. For example, the light source module 100 includes fastening portions extending in a direction perpendicular to a substrate on which the light source is mounted, the fastening portions being inserted into and coupled to the spaces between the plurality of heat exchange plates, so that the light source module 100 can be disposed at the evaporator 12_ 2.

As described above, the air conditioning system 10 according to the embodiment of the present application includes the light source module 100 for performing the sterilization operation with respect to the evaporator 12_2, and the light source module 100 is disposed at the evaporator 12_2 to irradiate ultraviolet rays toward the spaced spaces between the plurality of heat exchange plates. Therefore, the air conditioning system 10 according to the embodiment of the present application may sterilize bacteria, molds, and the like, which are propagated at the evaporator 12_ 2. Furthermore, the light source module 100 according to the embodiment of the present application is closely disposed to the evaporator 12_2, thereby maintaining the sterilizing power to the maximum, and has an advantage that a separate space for disposing the light source module 100 is not required and miniaturization can be achieved.

In addition, it should be understood that the above description is exemplary, and the technical idea of the present application can be variously applied and applied. Hereinafter, various application examples and application examples of the present application will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 2a and 2b schematically show an air conditioner 20 according to an embodiment of the present application. Specifically, fig. 2a is a front view of the air conditioner 20 according to an embodiment of the present application, and fig. 2b is a sectional view of the air conditioner 20 of fig. 2a taken along a section line I-I'.

Referring to fig. 2a and 2b, the air conditioner 20 includes a main body 21, an air inflow port 22, an evaporator 23, an air circulator 24, an air discharge port 25, and a light source module 200.

The main body 21 forms an external appearance of the air conditioner 20. For example, the main body 21 may be an indoor unit of a wall-mounted air conditioner. However, this is exemplary, and the main body 21 may be an indoor unit of a floor air conditioner, and may be an indoor unit of a system air conditioner (system air conditioner).

The air inflow port 22 provides a passage for allowing indoor air to flow into the inside of the air conditioner 20. The air flowing into the inside of the air conditioner 20 through the air inflow port 22 is supplied to the evaporator 23. The evaporator 23 performs a heat exchange operation with respect to air flowing into the inside. That is, the inflowing air transfers heat to the refrigerant vaporized in the evaporator 23, thereby lowering the temperature of the inflowing air. The air of low temperature is guided to the air discharge port 25 by the air circulator 24, and is discharged into the room again through the air discharge port 25.

In an embodiment according to the technical idea of the present application, the light source module 200 is provided to the evaporator 23. The light source module 200 is closely disposed to the evaporator 23, and performs a sterilization operation with respect to the evaporator 23.

Although not shown, a filter for filtering fine particles such as dust may be additionally provided on the front surface of the evaporator 23 (i.e., between the evaporator 23 and the air inlet 22). A deodorizing filter for deodorizing the air flowing in may be additionally provided on the rear surface of the evaporator 23 (i.e., between the evaporator 23 and the main body 21).

Although not shown, in another embodiment of the present application, the air conditioner 20 may additionally include a photocatalyst layer for a photocatalyst reaction.

For example, the air conditioner 20 according to another embodiment of the present application may additionally include a photocatalyst filter, and the light source of the light source module 200 may irradiate ultraviolet rays toward the photocatalyst filter. As another example, the plurality of plates of the evaporator 23 may be coated with a photocatalytic material, and the light source of the light source module 200 may irradiate ultraviolet rays toward the region coated with the photocatalytic material. In this case, the organic compound can be decomposed by the photocatalytic reaction and the bacteria can be sterilized, thereby further improving the deodorizing and sterilizing effects.

Fig. 3a and 3b are diagrams illustrating an embodiment of the light source module 200 of fig. 2a and 2 b. Specifically, fig. 3a is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of the light source module 200, and fig. 3b is a sectional view taken along the cut-off line a-a'.

Referring to fig. 3a and 3b, the light source module 200 includes a housing 210, a fastening portion 220, a light source 230, a substrate 240, a transparent portion 250, and a connector 260.

The case 210 forms an external appearance of the light source module 200. The case 210 provides a space for receiving the substrate 240 and the light source 230 and the connector 260 attached to the front surface of the substrate 240 therein. And, the case 210 is equipped with a fastening portion 220 for insertion between a plurality of heat exchange plates included in the evaporator 23.

For example, as shown in fig. 3b, the housing 210 may be divided into an upper housing 211 and a lower housing 212, and the upper housing 211 and the lower housing 212 may be coupled to each other by hook coupling. For example, the upper housing 211 may be formed with a locking portion 213_1 extending in the longitudinal direction, and the lower housing 212 may be formed with a locking groove 213_2 to which the locking portion 213_1 is hooked. However, this is exemplary, and the upper case 211 and the lower case 212 may be implemented to be coupled by various coupling methods such as a screw coupling method, an insertion coupling method, a screw coupling method, and the like.

The housing 210 may be constructed using a variety of materials. The case 210 may be made of a polymer resin, but is not limited thereto, and may be made of another material having durability that can accommodate the light source 230 and the substrate 240. The housing 210 may be constructed using a metal material such as aluminum, stainless steel, etc. Also, the housing 210 may be formed using one material or two or more materials. For example, the lower case 212 may be formed of a metal such as aluminum, and the upper case 211 may be formed of a polymer resin or the like.

The fastening portion 220 is formed at the housing 210, particularly, at the lower surface of the lower housing 212. For example, the fastening part 220 may be formed to extend in a direction perpendicular to a plane extending along the substrate 240. As shown in fig. 9, the fastening portion 220 may be disposed in a direction parallel to a plurality of heat exchange plates of the evaporator 23 so as to be insertedly coupled to an interstitial space between the plurality of heat exchange plates.

The fastening parts 220 may be formed, for example, to be symmetrically disposed at both edge portions of the lower case 212. For example, as shown in the drawings, the fastening portion 220 may include a first fastening portion 221 and a second fastening portion 222, and the first fastening portion 221 and the second fastening portion 222 may be formed to face each other at both edge portions of the lower case 212.

The first fastening portion 221 and the second fastening portion 222 may be formed to include a plurality of fastening legs, respectively. For example, as shown in fig. 3a, the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion may be formed to include three fastening legs, respectively. However, this is exemplary, and the shape, pattern, number, etc. of the fastening portions 220 are not particularly limited as long as they can be fastened between a plurality of heat exchange plates of the evaporator 23.

The light source 230 is attached to the substrate 240 and irradiates ultraviolet rays. For example, the light source 230 may emit ultraviolet rays having a sterilizing effect toward the evaporator 23. For example, the Light source 230 may be a Light emitting diode chip (Light emitting diode chip) that emits ultraviolet Light in a wavelength band of 200nm to 280nm, which is a UVC region. However, this is exemplary, and the type and emission wavelength of the light source 230 are not limited as long as the emitted ultraviolet rays have a sterilizing effect.

The light source 230 may be provided in the form of a metal can or injection molded lead frame package that can be surface mounted on the substrate 240, or in the form of a Through Hole mounting (Through Hole mounting). Also, the light source 230 may be mounted in a Bare (Bare) chip or flip chip type, and thus may constitute a Chip On Board (COB) package, and may also be provided in a form of being attached to a Sub-mount (Sub-mount) used for improving heat dissipation characteristics or electrical characteristics.

The substrate 240 extends in one direction and has the light source 230 attached to the front surface thereof. The substrate 240 may be electrically connected to the light source 230 and supply power received from the outside to the light source 230. To this end, a connector 260 for supplying an external power may be additionally attached to the front surface of the substrate 240.

The substrate 240 may be, for example, a circuit substrate, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), a metal substrate, or a ceramic substrate. However, this is exemplary, and the type and material of the substrate 240 are not particularly limited as long as they can be electrically connected to the light source 230. The substrate 240 may be formed in a Plate (Plate) shape having a predetermined thickness and strength so as not to be bent by the weight of the substrate 240 and the weight of the light source 230 in a state where at least one of both ends in the longitudinal direction thereof is supported.

The transparent part 250 is disposed at an opening part formed at the lower case 212. For example, the transparent part 250 may be formed in a shape corresponding to an opening part formed in the lower case 212. For example, when the opening formed in the lower case 212 is formed in a quadrangular shape, the transparent part 250 may be formed in a quadrangular shape. However, this is exemplary, and the shape of the transparent part 250 is not particularly limited.

The transparent part 250 is formed of a material that transmits ultraviolet rays, so that the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 230 can be irradiated to the outside of the light source module 200. For example, the transparent part 250 may be formed of at least one of quartz (quartz), fused silica (fused silica), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin, and fluorine-based polymer resin.

Fig. 4a to 4c are diagrams illustrating a light source module 200_1 according to another embodiment of the present application. Specifically, fig. 4a is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of the light source module 200_ 1. Fig. 4b is an exploded perspective view of the light source module 200_1 of fig. 4 a. Fig. 4c is a sectional view of the light source module 200_1 of fig. 4a taken along a section line a1-a 1'.

The light source module 200_1 of fig. 4a to 4c is similar to the light source module 200 of fig. 3a and 3 b. Therefore, the same or similar constituent elements are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and the same or similar description is omitted below for the sake of simplicity of description.

Referring to fig. 4a to 4c, the light source module 200_1 includes a housing 210, a first fastening portion 221, a second fastening portion 222, a light source 230, a substrate 240, and a transparent portion 250.

The case 210 forms an external appearance of the light source module 200_1, and provides a space for receiving the substrate 240 and the light source 230 and the

connectors

260a and 260b attached to the front surface of the substrate 240 therein. The housing 210 includes an upper housing 211 and a lower housing 212.

The upper case 211 includes a first reinforcing member 211a and a second reinforcing member 211 b. The first and second reinforcing

members

211a and 211b improve the structural rigidity of the upper case 211. For example, as shown in fig. 4b, the first reinforcing member 211a and the second reinforcing member 211b have a shape protruding from the upper surface of the upper case 211 to cross each other, and thus external force applied to the upper case 211 in the lateral or longitudinal direction can be dispersed. However, this is exemplary, and the first reinforcing member 211a and the second reinforcing member 211b may be provided in other various forms other than the orthogonal form.

The first reinforcing member 211a and the second reinforcing member 211b may be provided in plurality, respectively. For example, the number of the first and second reinforcing

members

211a and 211b formed at the upper case 211 may be appropriately adjusted according to the size of the light source module 200_ 1. For example, the larger the upper case 211 is, the more the first and second reinforcing

members

211a and 211b may be provided, so that the structural rigidity of the upper case 211 can be ensured.

In addition, as shown in fig. 4b, the first and second reinforcing

members

211a and 211b may have a step corresponding to the shape of the substrate 240. In this case, the substrate 240 may be stably seated on the upper case 211 by means of a step difference formed at the first and second reinforcing

members

211a and 211 b. Therefore, not only the substrate 240 can be prevented from vertically shaking, but also the substrate 240 can be prevented from laterally shaking.

The lower case 212 includes an opening portion exposing the light source 230. The opening may be defined by an opening side wall 212h and an opening upper surface 212e provided in the lower case 212.

The opening side wall 212h may have, for example, an inclined shape. When the opening sidewall 212h has an inclined shape, the opening may have a tapered shape (taper) toward the light source 230. The opening portion has a tapered shape, and light emitted from the light source 230 can be emitted at a wide angle of directivity without being blocked by the lower case 212.

The opening portion upper surface 212e is formed substantially parallel to the upper surface of the upper case 211, and is provided at one side end of the opening portion side wall 212 h. As shown in fig. 4c, the opening upper surface 212e has a flat shape, so that the transparent part 250 can be stably seated on the lower case 212. The opening portion upper surface 212e and the opening portion side wall 212h are integrally connected to each other.

The locking portion 213_1 and the locking groove 213_2 couple and fix the upper housing 211 and the lower housing 212. The locking portions 213_1 and the locking grooves 213_2 are formed on one side of the upper case 211 and the lower case 212, respectively, and the upper case 211 and the lower case 212 are coupled by a hook coupling method. However, this is exemplary, and the upper case 211 and the lower case 212 may be implemented to be coupled by various coupling methods such as a screw coupling method, an insertion coupling method, a screw coupling method, and the like.

The through holes 215, 215' provide a path for leading out the wires connected to the

connectors

260a, 260b to the outside. For example, the light source module 200_1 may include a first through hole 215 and a second through hole 215' disposed at positions facing each other.

The external power may be supplied to the light source module 200_1 through the wire drawn through the first through hole 215 or the second through hole 215'. Also, the electric wire drawn through the first through hole 215 and/or the second through hole 215' may be provided to other light source modules adjacent to the light source module 200_1, so that the two light source modules may be electrically connected to each other.

For example, as described in more detail, the wire drawn through the first through hole 215 may be connected to an external power source, and the wire drawn through the second through hole 215' may be connected to an adjacent light source module. As another example, the wires drawn through the first through hole 215 and the wires drawn through the second through hole 215' may be electrically connected to different light source modules adjacent to the light source module 200_ 1.

The first through hole 215 and the second through hole 215' may be provided at both side surfaces of the case 210. For example, a first through hole 215 may be provided at one side of the case 210, and a second through hole 215' may be provided at the other side of the case 210.

The first through-hole 215 and the second through-hole 215' can be formed by coupling the upper case 211 and the lower case 212. For example, as shown in fig. 4b, the first through hole 215 may be formed by coupling the first through hole upper part 215a provided in the upper case 211 and the first through hole lower part 215b provided in the lower case 212.

The first fastening portion 221 and the second fastening portion 222 fix the light source module 200_1 to the evaporator. The first fastening portion 221 and the second fastening portion 222 may be provided integrally with the lower case 212 and include a plurality of fastening legs extending in a light exit direction from the light source 230. For example, the first fastening portion 221 may include three fastening legs 221_1, 221_2, 221_3, and the second fastening portion 222 may include three fastening legs 222_1, 222_2, 222_ 3.

The substrate 240 extends in one direction and has the light source 230 attached to the front surface. The substrate 240 is disposed between the upper case 211 and the lower case 212. For example, as shown in fig. 4c, the substrate 240 may be fixed by the first and second reinforcing

members

211a and 211b formed on the upper case 211 and the opening side wall 212h formed on the lower case 212. In this case, the substrate 240 is disposed in a manner to match a step formed at the first and second reinforcing

members

211a and 211b, so as to be fixed without lateral shaking.

The transparent part 250 is provided on the lower case 212 and transmits light emitted from the light source 230. For example, as shown in fig. 4c, the transparent part 250 may be disposed on the opening upper surface 212e so as to be disposed to cover the opening. In this case, the transparent part 250 is disposed outside the case 210, not inside the case 210, so that a structure for supporting the transparent part 250 is not formed inside the case 210. Accordingly, the longitudinal dimension of the lower housing 212 can be reduced. Also, as the longitudinal size of the lower housing 212 is reduced, the distance between the evaporator 23 and the light source 230, at which the sterilization operation is to be performed, becomes shorter, with the result that the sterilization power of the light source module 200_1 can be improved.

The adhesive member 251 adheres the transparent part 250 and the lower case 212. For example, the adhesive member 251 may be disposed on the opening portion upper surface 212e to adhere the opening portion upper surface 212e and the transparent portion 250. In this case, the adhesive member 251 may be provided in a shape corresponding to the opening portion upper surface 212 e. For example, as shown in fig. 4b, when the opening upper surface 212e is in the form of a rectangular ring, the adhesive member 251 may be provided in the form of a corresponding rectangular ring.

Further, the adhesive member 251 can provide a waterproof function to the light source module 200_1 by hermetically sealing and adhering the transparent part 250 and the lower case 212. Accordingly, water or moisture can be prevented from penetrating between the transparent part 250 and the lower case 212.

As the adhesive member 251, Acrylic resins (Acrylic resin), anaerobic Acrylic resins (Acrylic resin and Acrylic resin), Acrylic resin emulsions (Acrylic emulsion), Urethane resins (Polyurethane resin), Urethane resin emulsions (Urethane emulsion), Urethane resin Hot melt adhesives (TPU: Polyurethane Hot melt), reactive Hot melt adhesive (R-HM), cellulose ethers (Ethercellulose), Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer emulsions (Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer Hot melt adhesives (Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer Hot melt adhesives), Epoxy resins (Epoxy resin), Epoxy resin emulsions (Epoxy emulsion), vinyl Chloride resin solvents (Polyvinyl Chloride solvent type), Polychloroprene rubbers (Polychloroprene rubber), cyanoacrylates (α -cyanoacrylates), silicones (Silicone adhesives), Modified silicones (Modified Silicone adhesives), and the like.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view illustrating a light source module 200_2 according to another embodiment of the present application.

The light source module 200_2 of fig. 5 is similar to the light source module 200_1 of fig. 4a to 4 c. Therefore, the same or similar constituent elements are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted below for the sake of simplicity of description.

The light source module 200_2 of fig. 5 is provided with a smaller-sized transparent part 250 than the light source module 200_1 of fig. 4a to 4 c. Also, the transparent part 250 of the light source module 200_2 of fig. 5 is disposed closer to the light source 230 than the light source module 200_1 of fig. 4a to 4 c.

To explain in more detail, the opening upper surface 212e on which the transparent portion 250 is provided is formed at an end portion of the opening side wall 212h in the light source 230 direction. The transparent part 250 is disposed adjacent to the light source 230, and the substrate 240 on which the light source 230 is mounted and the transparent part 250 are spaced apart from each other by the opening upper surface 212 e. In this case, since the distance between the transparent part 250 and the light source 230 is short, the light emitted from the light source 230 can be externally irradiated without loss.

Also, since the opening portion upper surface 212e of fig. 5 where the transparent portion 250 is disposed has a smaller size than the opening portion upper surface of fig. 4a to 4c, the transparent portion 250 provided at the opening portion upper surface 212e of fig. 5 has a smaller size than the transparent portion of fig. 4a to 4 c. Accordingly, the possibility of water or moisture penetrating between the transparent part 250 and the lower case 212 is reduced, so that the waterproof performance of the light source module 200_2 can be improved.

In addition, similar to fig. 4a to 4c, the longitudinal dimension of the lower case 212 of the light source module 200_2 of fig. 5 can be formed small, whereby the distance between the evaporator 23 and the light source 230, at which the sterilization operation is to be performed, becomes short, so that the sterilization power of the light source module 200_2 can be improved.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view illustrating a light source module 200_3 according to another embodiment of the present application.

The light source module 200_3 of fig. 6 is similar to the light source modules 200_1 and 200_2 of fig. 4a to 4c and fig. 5. Therefore, the same or similar constituent elements are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and overlapping description is omitted below for simplicity of description.

Unlike the light source modules 200_1 and 200_2 of fig. 4a to 4c and 5, the transparent part 250 of the light source module 200_3 of fig. 6 is disposed inside the housing 210. For example, the transparent part 250 may be inserted into the case 210, and the light source module 200_3 may further include a supporting part 214 and a pressing member 217 for fixing the transparent part 250 and/or the substrate 240.

The support portion 214 may fix the substrate 240 together with the first reinforcing member 211 a. For example, the support portion 214 may be provided integrally with the lower housing 212 and formed to extend in the longitudinal direction. The support portion 214 may have, for example, a bridge shape, and the wires connected to the

connectors

260a and 260b may be drawn out of the light source module 200_3 through the through holes 215 and 215' through the opening formed in the bridge-shaped support portion 214.

The pressing member 217 may fix the substrate 240 and the transparent part 250. For example, the pressing member 217 may fix the substrate together with the first reinforcing member 211a and the supporting portion 214, and fix the transparent portion 250 together with the opening side wall 212 h. For example, the pressing member 217 may be formed using an elastic member such as a rubber ring, but is not limited thereto.

As another example, the pressing member 217 may be integrally formed with the upper housing 211. In this case, the substrate 240 may be fixed between the first reinforcing member 211a of the upper case 211 and the pressing member 217 of the upper case 211 by an interference fit, and the transparent part 250 may be fixed between the pressing member 217 of the upper case 211 and the opening portion sidewall 212h of the lower case 212 by a pressing manner.

As another example, the pressing member 217 may be integrally formed with the lower case 212. In this case, the substrate 240 may be fixed by pressing between the first reinforcing member 211a of the upper case 211 and the pressing member 217 of the lower case 212, and the transparent part 250 may be fixed by interference fit between the pressing member 217 of the lower case 212 and the opening portion side wall 212h of the lower case 212.

The structural stability and rigidity of the light source module 200_3 can be improved by including the support portion 214 and the pressing member 217. Further, the transparent part 250 is provided inside the case 210, so that the possibility of the transparent part 250 being damaged by external impact can be reduced.

Furthermore, in comparison with the light source modules 200_1 and 200_2 of fig. 4a to 4c and 5, the light source module 200_3 of fig. 6 may further include a pressurizing member 217 extending in a longitudinal direction, so that a distance between the evaporator 23 and the light source 230 to perform a sterilization operation is increased to correspond to a longitudinal length of the pressurizing member 217. As a result, by increasing the distance between the sterilization object and the light source 230, the sterilization operation for a larger area can be performed.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view illustrating a light source module 200_4 according to another embodiment of the present application.

The light source module 200_4 of fig. 7 is similar to the light source modules 200_1, 200_2, and 200_3 of fig. 4a to 6. Therefore, the same or similar constituent elements are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted below for the sake of simplicity of description.

Referring to fig. 7, the transparent part 250 may be disposed outside the case 210 and fixed to the opening part sidewall 212h by a hook coupling manner.

More specifically, the opening sidewall 212h may be composed of an opening sidewall upper end 2121 and an opening sidewall lower end 2122. The opening side wall upper end 2121 and the opening side wall lower end 2122 may be formed in a clip or hook state.

The opening side wall lower end 2122 is disposed between the substrate 240 and the transparent part 250. The opening side wall lower end 2122 fixes the substrate 240 together with the first reinforcing member 211a, and fixes the transparent portion 250 together with the opening side wall upper end 2121.

The transparent part 250 is fixed to the opening side wall upper end 2121 and the opening side wall lower end 2122. The opening side wall upper end 2121 may be formed of a flexible material so that the transparent part 250 can be easily inserted and coupled between the opening side wall upper end 2121 and the opening side wall lower end 2122 without any other means. In this case, the opening side wall 212h in the hook state firmly fixes the transparent part 250, and therefore, even in the case where there is no adhesive member, the transparent part 250 can be fixed to the case 210. Accordingly, the manufacturing process of the light source module 200_4 can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost of the light source module 200_4 can be reduced.

In addition, the opening side wall upper end 2121 may be formed to have the same or similar inclination as the pointing angle of the light source 230. Accordingly, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 230 can be irradiated to the outside of the light source module 200_4 without being blocked by the opening side wall upper end 2121, and as a result, the sterilizing power can be improved.

FIG. 8a illustrates a cross-section of a light source 230 according to an embodiment of the present application, and FIG. 8B illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along section line A-B-B '-A' of FIG. 8 a. Referring to fig. 8a and 8b, the light source 230 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a mesa M including a first conductive type semiconductor layer 1111, an active layer 1112, and a second conductive type semiconductor layer 1113, a first insulating layer, a first electrode 1140, and a second insulating layer 1150, and may further include a growth substrate 1100 and a second electrode 1120.

The growth substrate 1100 is not limited as long as it can grow the first conductivity-type semiconductor layer 1111, the active layer 1112, and the second conductivity-type semiconductor layer 1113, and may be, for example, a sapphire substrate, a silicon carbide substrate, a gallium nitride substrate, an aluminum nitride substrate, a silicon substrate, or the like. The side surface of the growth substrate 1100 may include an inclined surface, so that the extraction of light generated at the active layer 1112 can be improved.

The second conductive type semiconductor layer 1113 may be disposed on the first conductive type semiconductor layer 1111, and the active layer 1112 may be disposed between the first conductive type semiconductor layer 1111 and the second conductive type semiconductor layer 1113. The first conductive type semiconductor layer 1111, the active layer 1112, and the second conductive type semiconductor layer 1113 may include a group III-V series compound semiconductor, for example, a nitride-based semiconductor such as (Al, Ga, In) N. The first conductive type semiconductor layer 1111 may include an n-type impurity (e.g., Si), and the second conductive type semiconductor layer 1113 may include a p-type impurity (e.g., Mg). And, the opposite is also possible. Active layer 1112 may include a multiple quantum well structure (MQW). When a forward bias is applied to the light source 230, electrons and holes combine in the active layer 1112 to emit light. The first conductive type semiconductor layer 1111, the active layer 1112, and the second conductive type semiconductor layer 1113 may be grown on the growth substrate 1100 using a Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) or Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) technique.

The light source 230 may include at least one mesa M including the active layer 1112 and the second conductive type semiconductor layer 1113. The table top M may include a plurality of protrusions, and the plurality of protrusions may be spaced apart from each other. Without being limited thereto, the light source 230 may also include a plurality of mesas M spaced apart from each other. The side surface of the mesa M may be formed obliquely by using a technique such as a photoresist reflow, and the oblique side surface of the mesa M can improve the light emitting efficiency generated at the active layer 1112.

The first conductive type semiconductor layer 1111 may include a first contact region R1 and a second contact region R2 exposed through the mesa M. Since the mesa M is formed by removing the active layer 1112 and the second conductive type semiconductor layer 1113 disposed on the first conductive type semiconductor layer 1111, a portion other than the mesa M becomes a contact region which is an exposed upper surface of the first conductive type semiconductor layer 1111. The first electrode 1140 is in contact with the first contact region R1 and the second contact region R2, and can be electrically connected to the first conductive type semiconductor layer 1111. The first contact region R1 may be disposed around the mesa M along the outline of the first conductive type semiconductor layer 1111, and in particular, may be disposed along the outline of the upper surface of the first conductive type semiconductor layer between the mesa M and the side of the light source 230. The second contact region R2 may be at least partially surrounded by the mesa M.

The length of the second contact region R2 in the long axis direction may be 0.5 times or more the length of one side of the light source 230. In this case, since the region where the first electrode 1140 and the first conductive type semiconductor layer 1111 are in contact with each other can be increased, the current flowing from the first electrode 1140 to the first conductive type semiconductor layer 1111 can be dispersed more effectively, and the forward voltage can be further reduced.

The second electrode 1120 is disposed on the second conductive type semiconductor layer 1113, and may be electrically connected to the second conductive type semiconductor layer 1113. The second electrode 1120 may be formed on the mesa M and may have the same shape according to the shape of the mesa M. The second electrode 1120 may include a reflective metal layer 1121, and may further include a barrier metal layer 1122, and the barrier metal layer 1122 may cover the upper surface and the side surface of the reflective metal layer 1121. For example, by patterning the reflective metal layer 1121 and forming the barrier metal layer 1122 thereon, the barrier metal layer 1122 can be formed so as to cover the upper surface and the side surfaces of the reflective metal layer 1121. For example, the reflective metal layer 1121 may be formed by depositing and patterning Ag, Ag alloy, Ni/Ag, NiZn/Ag, TiO/Ag layers.

The barrier metal layer 1122 may be formed using Ni, Cr, Ti, Pt, Au, or a composite layer thereof, and specifically may be formed on the second metal layerThe upper surface of the semiconductor layer 1113 of two conductivity types is sequentially made of Ni/Ag/[ Ni/Ti ]]₂The composite layer of/Au/Ti, more specifically, at least a portion of the upper surface of the second electrode 1120 may include

A thick Ti layer. In the case where the region of the upper surface of the second electrode 1120, which is in contact with the first insulating layer, is formed using a Ti layer, the adhesion between the first insulating layer and the second electrode 1120 can be improved, thereby improving the reliability of the light source 230.

An electrode protection layer 1160 may be disposed on the second electrode 1120, and the electrode protection layer 1160 may be the same material as the first electrode 1140, but is not limited thereto.

A first insulating layer may be arranged between the first electrode 1140 and the mesa M. The first electrode 1140 and the mesa M may be insulated by the first insulating layer, and the first electrode 1140 and the second electrode 1120 may be insulated. The first insulating layer may partially expose the first and second contact regions R1 and R2. Specifically, the first insulating layer may expose a portion of the second contact region R2 through the opening 1130a, and the first insulating layer may cover only a partial region of the first contact region R1 between the outline of the first conductive type semiconductor layer 1111 and the mesa M, so that at least a partial region of the first contact region R1 is exposed.

The first insulating layer may be disposed along the outline of the second contact region R2 on the second contact region R2. Meanwhile, the first insulating layer may be disposed more adjacently defined to the mesa M than the region where the first contact region R1 meets the first electrode 1140.

The first insulating layer may have an opening portion 1130b exposing the second electrode 1120. The second electrode 1120 can be electrically connected to a pad or a bump through the opening 1130 b.

A region where the first contact region R1 meets the first electrode 1140 is disposed along the entire outline of the upper surface of the first conductive type semiconductor layer. Specifically, a region where the first contact region R1 meets the first electrode 1140 may be disposed adjacent to all of the four sides of the first conductive type semiconductor layer 1111, and may completely surround the mesa M. In this case, since the region where the first electrode 1140 and the first conductive type semiconductor layer 1111 are in contact with each other can be increased, the current flowing from the first electrode 1140 to the first conductive type semiconductor layer 1111 can be dispersed more effectively, and the forward voltage can be further reduced.

In an embodiment of the present application, the first electrode 1140 and the second electrode 1120 of the light source 230 can be attached to the substrate 240 directly or through a pad.

For example, in the case where the light source 230 is mounted on the substrate 240 through a pad, two pads disposed between the light source 230 and the substrate 240 may be provided, and the two pads may be connected to the first electrode 1140 and the second electrode 1120, respectively. For example, the pad may be solder or Eutectic alloy (Eutectic Metal), but is not limited thereto, and AuSn, for example, may be used as the Eutectic alloy.

As another example, in the case where the light source 230 is directly attached to the substrate 240, the first electrode 1140 and the second electrode 1120 of the light source 230 may be directly bonded to the wiring on the substrate 240. In this case, the bonding substance may include an adhesive substance having a conductive property. For example, the bonding substance may include at least any one of conductive materials of silver (Ag), tin (Sn), and copper (Cu). However, this is exemplary, and the joining material may include various materials having conductivity. However, this is exemplary, and the bonding substance may include various substances having conductivity.

As described above, the growth substrate 1100 of the light source 230 of the present application is arranged to be located in the opposite direction to the substrate 240. That is, the light source 230 according to an embodiment of the present application may be implemented in a flip chip form.

Fig. 9 is a schematic view showing a pattern in which the light source modules 200, 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4 of fig. 3a to 7 are provided in the evaporator 23.

As shown in fig. 9, fastening portions 221_2, 222_2 extending in a direction perpendicular to the base plate 240 are formed on the lower surface of the lower case 212, and the fastening portions 221_2, 222_2 are inserted and fixed to the interval spaces between the plurality of heat exchange plates included in the evaporator 23. In this case, the fastening parts 221_2, 222_2 and the plurality of heat exchange plates may be arranged in parallel with each other to increase a contact area, and thus the light source module 200 may be stably fixed to the evaporator 23.

In a state where the light source modules 200, 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4 are fixed to the evaporator 23, if power is supplied from the outside, the sterilization operation of the light source modules 200, 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4 is performed. That is, the electric wire 1 may be drawn out to the outside through the through hole 215 formed at the upper case 211, and the external power is supplied to the light source modules 200, 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, 200_4 through the electric wire 1. In this case, the light source 230 of the light source module 200, 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, 200_4 emits ultraviolet rays, which are provided to the evaporator 23 through the transparent part 250.

In this case, the sterilization area a sterilized by ultraviolet rays may be different according to the pointing angle of the light source 230. For example, if the light source 230 has a pointing angle Q of a predetermined angle, the sterilization zone a may be proportional to the pointing angle Q.

In an embodiment of the present application, as described above in fig. 8a and 8b, the growth substrate 1100 of the light source 230 may be mounted to be located in a direction opposite to the substrate 240. That is, the light source 230 may be flip-chip mounted on the substrate 240. In this case, since the ultraviolet rays are emitted through the growth substrate 1100, the directivity angle of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 230 can be larger than that of a general light source. As a result, the light source 230 according to the embodiment of the present application may have a larger pointing angle than general cases, so that the sterilization area a of the evaporator 23 may be larger.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view illustrating a light source module 200' according to another embodiment of the present application. The light source module 200' of fig. 10 is similar to the light source modules 200, 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, 200_4 of fig. 3a to 9. Therefore, the same or similar constituent elements are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted below for the sake of simplicity of description.

The light source module 200' of fig. 10 is implemented to have a larger sterilization region B as compared to the light source modules 200, 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, 200_4 of fig. 3a to 9. For this, the light source module 200' of fig. 10 may be implemented to minimize the distance d1 between the light source 230 and the transparent part 250. Also, a spacer 216 may be provided that forms a predetermined spacing distance d2 between the lower case 212 and the evaporator 23.

First, in order to have a larger sterilization region B, the light source module 200' of fig. 10 may be implemented to minimize a distance d1 between the light source 230 and the transparent part 250. In this case, the length of the support part 214 in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 240 may be implemented to be shorter than that of fig. 9.

To be more specific, the pointing angle Q (see fig. 9) of the light source generally indicates an angle at which the amount of ultraviolet light is 50% with respect to a point at which the amount of ultraviolet light is maximum. Therefore, even for the region located at an angle exceeding the pointing angle Q, the ultraviolet rays can be irradiated from the light source. If the transparent portion 250 is not formed sufficiently large, the ultraviolet rays irradiated to the region beyond such a directive angle Q collide with the inner surface of the housing and are lost. However, the transparent part 250 is largely manufactured, which causes problems such as an increase in manufacturing cost and a decrease in strength of the case.

In order to minimize the loss of the ultraviolet rays as described above, it may be implemented to minimize the distance d1 between the transparent part 250 and the light source 230. For example, by minimizing the length d2 of the support 214 between the base plate 240 and the lower housing 212, the distance d1 can be minimized. For example, the length d2 of the support part 214 in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 240 may be set such that the distance d1 between the light source 230 and the transparent part 250 is about 200 μm or more and 2mm or less.

Also, in order to have a larger sterilization zone B, a spacer 216 may be provided that forms a predetermined spacing distance d2 between the lower case 212 and the evaporator 23. The spacer 216 can not only prevent the transparent part 250 from directly contacting the evaporator 23 to reduce the sterilization area, but also maintain a proper sterilization power.

To be more specific, if the transparent part 250 of the light source module 200' is directly contacted to the evaporator 23, the ultraviolet rays are irradiated only to the heat exchange plate contacted to the transparent part, thereby reducing the sterilization area. Further, if the light source module 200' is spaced too far from the evaporator 23, the sterilizing power may be reduced to a normal level or lower.

In order to prevent the reduction of the sterilization area and the decrease of the sterilization power as described above, a spacer 216 may be provided to form a predetermined spacing distance d2 between the lower case 212 and the evaporator 23. For example, the length d2 of the spacer 216 in the direction perpendicular to the base plate 240 may be set to a length that is smaller than the length of the

fastening portions

221, 222 and maintains a suitable sterilizing power. Also, the width of the spacer 216 in a direction parallel to the substrate 240 may be formed to be greater than the interval distance between the heat exchange plates adjacent to each other, thereby forming an interval space between the evaporator 23 and the lower case 212.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view illustrating a light source module 200 ″ according to another embodiment of the present application. The light source module 200 ″ of fig. 11 is similar to the light source modules 200, 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, 200_4 of fig. 3a to 9. Therefore, the same or similar constituent elements are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted below for the sake of simplicity of description.

Unlike the case where the light source modules 200, 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, 200_4 of fig. 3a to 9 are equipped with one light source 230, the light source module 200 ″ of fig. 11 is equipped with a plurality of light sources 230_1, 230_ 2. For example, as shown in fig. 11, two light sources 230_1 and 230_2 may be mounted on a substrate 240 of the light source module 200 ″. However, this is exemplary, and more than three light sources may be mounted on the light source module 200 ″.

Also, the light source module 200 ″ may include a plurality of transparent parts 250_1 and 250_2 corresponding to the plurality of light sources 230_1 and 230_2, respectively. For example, as shown in fig. 11, a first transparent part 250_1 corresponding to the first light source 230_1 and a second transparent part 250_2 corresponding to the second light source 230_2 may be provided. However, this is exemplary, and the light source module 200 ″ may be provided with a transparent portion. In this case, for example, the length of the one transparent portion in the direction parallel to the substrate 240 may be long enough to cover the ultraviolet rays emitted from the first light source 230_1 and the second light source 230_ 2. As another example, the light source module 200 ″ may include three or more transparent portions.

As described above, the light source module 200 "is equipped to include a plurality of light sources and a plurality of transparent parts corresponding thereto, so that the light source module 200" can perform a sterilization operation for a larger area.

Fig. 12 is a sectional view illustrating a light source module 200' ″ according to another embodiment of the present application. The light source module 200' ″ of fig. 12 is similar to the light source modules 200, 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4 of fig. 3a to 9. Therefore, the same or similar constituent elements are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted below for the sake of simplicity of description.

Referring to fig. 12, the light source module 200' ″ includes a plurality of sub light source modules electrically connected to each other. For example, the light source module 200 "' includes a first sub light source module 200" ' _1 and a second sub light source module 200 "' _2 electrically connected to each other.

In this case, the respective sub light source modules 200'″ _1, 200' ″ _2 may be provided with through holes at one side surface and/or the other side surface of the case, and may be electrically connected to each other by wires drawn through the through holes. For example, a through hole 215_1 may be formed at one side surface of the first sub light source module 200'″ 1, and power may be supplied to the first sub light source module 200' ″ 1 through the electric wire 1 drawn through the through hole 215_ 1.

A through hole (not shown) may be formed at one side surface of the second sub light source module 200 "' 2, and the first sub light source module 200" ' 1 and the second sub light source module 200 "' 2 may be electrically connected to each other by a wire drawn through the through hole. Also, a through hole 215_2 may be formed at the other side surface of the second sub light source module 200'″ _2, and power may be supplied to the second sub light source module 200' ″ 2 through the electric wire 1 drawn through the through hole 215_ 2.

As described above, the light source module 200' ″ includes a plurality of sub light source modules, thereby being capable of performing a sterilization operation for a larger area.

In addition, although a case where a plurality of sub light source modules are connected in series with each other is illustrated in fig. 12, the technical idea of the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of sub light source modules may be connected in parallel with each other, or may be electrically connected in a mixed manner of series connection and parallel connection.

Fig. 13a and 13b are diagrams illustrating an embodiment of an air conditioner 30 according to an embodiment of the present application and a light source module 300 provided in the air conditioner 30. Specifically, fig. 13a is a diagram schematically showing the light source module 300 movable along the guide rails 36_1 and 36_2 provided to the evaporator 33, and fig. 13B is a sectional view showing a section taken along a section line B-B' of fig. 13 a.

The air conditioner 30 and the light source module 300 of fig. 13a and 13b are similar to the light source modules 200, 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4 of fig. 3a to 9. Therefore, the same or similar constituent elements are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted below for the sake of simplicity of description.

Referring to fig. 13a and 13b, the evaporator 33 is provided with a guide rail 36. For example, the guide rail 36 may be provided in a direction parallel to a direction in which the plurality of heat exchange plates of the evaporator 33 extend. However, this is exemplary, and the guide rail 36 may be provided in various directions such as a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the plurality of heat exchange plates extend.

The light source module 300 is disposed on the guide rail 36. For example, as shown in fig. 13b, the fastening portions 321_1 and 321_2 of the light source module 300 may be respectively inserted and fastened to the guide grooves 36_11 and 36_21 formed in the guide rails 36_1 and 36_ 2. In this case, as shown in the drawing, the surfaces of the guide grooves 36_11, 36_21 may be formed concavely, but are not limited thereto. For example, the guide grooves 36_11, 36_21 may be formed to protrude from the surface. As another example, the guide grooves 36_11 and 36_21 may have grooves formed on both side surfaces thereof. As described above, the guide grooves 36_11 and 36_21 can be formed in various forms.

The light source module 300 is implemented to be movable along the guide rail 36. For example, rollers for reducing friction may be provided at the fastening parts 321_1 and 321_2 of the light source module 300, respectively, and the light source module 300 may move along the guide rail 36 and perform a sterilization operation when the sterilization operation is performed. Accordingly, the sterilization area C to be sterilized by the light source module 300 becomes significantly large in the direction in which the guide rail 36 extends.

In addition, the sterilization operation of the light source module 300 may be performed periodically or non-periodically. For example, the light source module 300 may periodically move along the guide rail 36 based on a predetermined time period and perform a sterilization operation. As another example, the light source module 300 may also perform a sterilization operation when the power supply to the air conditioner 30 is interrupted.

Fig. 14 is a block diagram schematically showing the entire configuration of an air conditioner 40 according to an embodiment of the present application. For example, the air conditioner 40 of fig. 14 may support a mobile sterilization operation similar to the air conditioner 30 and the light source module 300 described in fig. 13a and 13 b. The air conditioner 40 and the light source module 400 of fig. 14 are similar to the air conditioner 30 and the light source module 300 of fig. 13a and 13b, and therefore, for simplicity of description, repeated description is omitted below.

Referring to fig. 14, the air conditioner 40 includes an evaporator 43, a light source module 400, an auxiliary power supply unit 430, a timer 440, and a control unit 450.

The evaporator 43 includes a plurality of heat exchange plates. A guide rail 36 (see fig. 13a) is provided on one surface of the evaporator 43, and a path along which the light source module 400 can move along the guide rail 36 is provided.

The light source module 400 is closely attached to the evaporator 43. For example, the light source module 400 may be installed at the guide rail 36 provided at the evaporator 43, and may be implemented to perform a sterilization operation with respect to the evaporator 43 while reciprocating along the guide rail 36. The light source module 400 includes an ultraviolet irradiation unit 410 and a moving unit 420.

The ultraviolet irradiation unit 410 irradiates ultraviolet rays having a sterilization effect toward the evaporator 43. For example, as shown in fig. 3a to 13b, the light source, the substrate on which the light source is mounted, and the transparent portion disposed toward the front surface of the light source may be referred to as an ultraviolet irradiation portion 410. However, this is exemplary, and only the light source may be referred to as the ultraviolet irradiation section 410. As another example, the light source and the substrate may be referred to as an ultraviolet irradiation unit 410. As another example, the light source, the substrate, the transparent portion, and the case may be referred to as an ultraviolet irradiation portion 410.

The moving part 420 moves the light source module 400 along the guide rail 36. For example, the moving part 420 may be implemented to include a small motor electrically driven and a wheel connected to the small motor. The moving part 420 is connected to the fastening parts 321_1 and 321_2 (refer to fig. 13b) of the light source module 400 so that the light source module 400 can move along the guide rail 36.

The auxiliary power supply part 430 supplies power to the light source module 400. In particular, when the power cut-off of the supply of the external power source is blocked, the auxiliary power supply part 430 performs the role of supplying power, so that the light source module 400 can perform a sterilization operation. The auxiliary power supply unit 430 may be implemented using, for example, a small battery, a large-capacity capacitor, a super capacitor, or the like.

The timer 440 checks the operation time of the air conditioner 40. For example, the timer 440 may check the time during which the air conditioner 40 operates and provide it to the control part 450.

The control part 450 controls the overall operation of the air conditioner 40. In particular, the control part 450 may control the sterilization operation of the light source module 400 based on the information on the air conditioner operation time provided from the timer 440 of the air conditioner 40 and the information on whether the power is turned off or not supplied from the outside.

For example, in the case where the operation time of the air conditioner reaches a predetermined time period, the control part 450 controls the light source module 400 to perform a sterilization operation. In particular, as described in fig. 13a and 13b, the light source module 400 may move along the guide rail 36 and perform a sterilization operation. After the sterilization operation is ended, the control part 450 may reset the (reset) timer 440 again, and the timer 440 may check the air-conditioning operation time again from the beginning.

As another example, when receiving a power-off signal for blocking power supplied from the outside, the control part 450 controls the auxiliary power part 430 to supply power of the auxiliary power part 430 to the light source module 400. The control unit 450 controls the light source module 400 to perform a sterilization operation. In this case, too, the light source module 400 may move along the guide rail 36 and perform the sterilization operation.

As described above, the air conditioner 40 according to an embodiment of the present application may periodically perform the sterilization operation, and may also non-periodically perform the sterilization operation as in the case of receiving the power-off signal or the like. As described above, the air conditioner 40 automatically performs the sterilization operation without an external command, so that the air conditioner 40 of the present application can improve user convenience.

Fig. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the air conditioner 40 of fig. 14.

In step S110, power is supplied to the air conditioner 40, and in step S120, the air conditioner 40 performs an operation. For example, the air conditioner 40 performs a cooling operation after power is input.

In step S130, the timer 440 starts operating. For example, the timer 440 may supply power to the air conditioner 40 in response to the control of the control part 450 while checking the operation time of the air conditioner 40. As another example, the timer 440 may check the operation time of the air conditioner 40 after a predetermined time elapses after the power is supplied to the air conditioner 40.

In step S140, the control part 450 determines whether the air-conditioning operation time Tc received from the timer 440 reaches a predetermined time period Tr.

In the case where the air-conditioning operation time Tc reaches the predetermined time period Tr, the control part 450 controls the light source module 400 so that the sterilization operation for the evaporator 43 is performed. That is, in step S150, the light source module 400 moves along the guide rail provided to the evaporator 43 and performs the sterilization operation. After that, after the sterilization operation is ended, the control part 450 resets the timer 440 in step S160. Thereafter, the timer 440 restarts the check time with respect to the air conditioner operation time.

In step S145, the control unit 450 determines whether the external power supply is off. For example, the control part 450 may receive information on whether the external power is blocked based on a power-off signal received from the outside.

If the external power is blocked, the control part 450 controls the auxiliary power part 430 and the light source module 400, thereby performing a sterilization operation with respect to the evaporator 43. That is, in step S170, the auxiliary power supply part 430 supplies power to the light source module 400 in response to the control of the control part 450. Thereafter, in step S180, the light source module 400 moves along the guide rail provided to the evaporator 43 and performs a sterilization operation.

In addition, if the external power is not blocked, the timer 440 continuously checks the operation time of the air conditioner.

In addition, the above description is exemplary, and the technical idea of the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the order of operations in fig. 15 may be changed in part according to a designer. For example, step S145 of determining whether the external power is powered off may be performed before step S140 of comparing the air conditioner operation time with a predetermined time period.

Fig. 16a to 16e are diagrams illustrating an embodiment of an air conditioner 50 according to an embodiment of the present application and a light source module 500 provided to the air conditioner 50. Specifically, fig. 16a is a schematic view showing the light source module 500 movable along the guide rail 36 provided to the evaporator 53, and fig. 16b is a perspective view showing the light source module 500 of fig. 16a in more detail. Fig. 16c to 16e are cross-sectional views showing cross-sections of the light source module 500 of fig. 16 b.

The air conditioner 50 and the light source module 500 of fig. 16a to 16e are similar to the air conditioner 30 and the light source module 300 of fig. 13a and 13 b. Therefore, the same or similar constituent elements are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted below for the sake of simplicity of description.

First, referring to fig. 16a, the evaporator 53 is provided with a guide rail 56. The guide rail 56 may be provided in a direction parallel to a direction in which the plurality of heat exchange plates of the evaporator 53 extend. However, this is exemplary, and the guide rail 56 may be provided in various directions such as a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the plurality of heat exchange plates extend. The light source module 500 may be fastened to the guide rail 56, move along the guide rail 56, and periodically or non-periodically perform a sterilization operation.

In an embodiment of the present application, the light source module 500 includes a light source part emitting ultraviolet rays, and an ultraviolet ray emitting direction of the light source part may be changed according to a direction of the light source part. That is, the light source module 500 according to the embodiment of the present application provides a rotation function of the light source section capable of changing the ultraviolet ray emission direction.

As described above, the ultraviolet ray emission direction implemented as the light source part may be varied, so that the light source module 500 according to the embodiment of the present application can perform the sterilization operation for a larger area. For example, as shown in fig. 16a, the light source module 500 may implement not only sterilization for the area D by controlling the light source part toward the upper part 53_1 of the evaporator 53 but also a sterilization operation for the area E by controlling the light source part toward the lower part 53_2 of the evaporator 53. In this case, the regions D and E may not overlap with each other, and thus a sterilization operation for a larger region can be performed.

Referring to fig. 16b, a light source module 500 is illustrated. The light source module 500 includes a housing 510 and a light source unit 520, and fastening units 525_1 and 525_2 fastened to guide grooves of the guide rail 56 are formed in the housing 510.

The light source unit 520 includes a light source 521, a substrate 522, a protective tube 523 for protecting the light source 521 and the substrate 522, and susceptors 524_1 and 524_2 provided at both ends of the protective tube 523, and has a cylindrical shape as a whole. The light source 520 is rotatable about the center axis of the cylinder. Accordingly, the light can be emitted in a substantially upward direction, but the light emission direction can be changed depending on whether the light source unit 520 is rotated.

The light source 520 is disposed at one side of the housing 510. The case 510 forms an external appearance of the light source module 500, and provides a space in which the light source part 520, a printed circuit board driving the light source part 520, wiring, and the like can be arranged.

The housing 510 is provided with a pivot ring as a ring-shaped structure that surrounds both ends of the light source unit 520 and supports the light source unit 520. The light source 520 is inserted into the pivot ring and is rotatably fixed inside the pivot ring. A fastening member for fastening the light source module to an external component is provided in the housing 510.

The housing 510 may be provided as an assembly body in which a plurality of parts fastened to each other are assembled. For example, the housing 510 includes an upper housing and a lower housing facing and fastened to each other. However, the housing 510 may be constructed of a greater number of components.

The fastening portions 525_1 and 525_2 are formed in the upper housing and can be inserted into the guide rail 56 to move linearly. However, this is exemplary, and the fastening portions 525_1, 525_2 may be formed at any place of the upper case or the lower case in consideration of the shape or arrangement of the external constituent elements to be fastened.

Referring to fig. 16c to 16e, the light source unit 520 is rotatable about a pivot axis which is a central axis in the longitudinal direction. When the light source unit 520 rotates, the light source 521 mounted inside thereof may rotate to the same extent as the rotation of the bases 524_1 and 524_ 2.

The bases 524_1 and 524_2 may be provided with locking bases 531 protruding toward the side surface of the upper case in the direction of the light source unit 520. The locking table 531 can rotate around the insertion boss 532 positioned on the pivot of the light source unit as the light source unit 520 rotates.

In an embodiment of the present invention, in order to change the direction of the light emitted from the light source 521 within a predetermined angle with reference to the pivot, a pair of stoppers 533 for limiting the rotation angle of the light source 520 may be provided. The stopper 533 is disposed at a position blocking the rotation direction of the catch stage 531, thereby limiting the rotation range of the catch stage 531. At this time, the locking platform 531 may be disposed between the pair of stoppers 533, so that when the locking platform 531 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise, the rotation angle is limited by being stopped by the stoppers 533. The position of the stopper 533 can be set differently depending on the emission direction of the light emitted from the light source unit 520 and the directivity angle of the emitted light.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the shapes of the locking stage 531 and the stopper 533 may be variously changed. For example, as shown in the figure, the locking step 531 may extend radially from the insertion projection 532 when viewed in cross section. The surface of the locking step 531 that contacts the pivot ring may have a shape of a portion of a circle (e.g., a semicircle or an arc) so as to be easily rotated. However, the shape of the locking platform 531 is not limited to this, and may be any shape as long as the movement can be prevented by the stopper 533, and the shape in cross section may have various shapes such as a quadrangle, a circle, and an ellipse. As shown in the drawing, the stopper 533 is illustrated as a pair of strip shapes, but is not limited thereto as long as it can prevent the rotation of the locking platform 531.

Fig. 16c illustrates a state where the light source unit 520 is not rotated, and illustrates a state where the substrate 522 of the light source 521 is parallel to the bottom surface portion of the lower case when viewed in cross section. The light source 521 emits light upward (i.e., in the first direction D1) perpendicular to the upper surface of the light source module.

Fig. 16d illustrates a state where the light source unit 520 is rotated maximally in the clockwise direction, and illustrates a state where the substrate 522 of the light source 521 is inclined with respect to the bottom surface portion of the case 510 when viewed in cross section. The light source unit 520 can rotate in the clockwise direction until the locking table 531 is locked by the stopper 533. At this time, the light source 521 emits light in a direction inclined clockwise (i.e., the second direction D2) from an upper direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the light source module.

Fig. 16e illustrates a state where the light source unit 520 is rotated at the maximum in the counterclockwise direction, and illustrates a state where the substrate 522 of the light source 521 is inclined in the opposite direction to that of fig. 16 d. The light source unit 520 can be rotated counterclockwise until the locking table 531 is locked by the stopper 533. At this time, the light source 521 emits light in a direction inclined counterclockwise (i.e., the third direction D3) from an upper direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the light source module.

As a result, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the light source unit 520 can emit light at an angle from the second direction D2 to the third direction D3. Here, the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 are based on only the direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate 522 of the light source 521, and thus it should be understood that the angle of the actually emitted light is larger than the angle between the second direction D2 and the third direction D3.

With the light source module according to an embodiment of the present invention having the above-described structure, the light source part 520 can be rotated, so that the direction of light emitted from the light source part 520 can be variously adjusted. In particular, the light source part 520 is rotated when the light source module 500 periodically or non-periodically performs a sterilization operation with respect to the evaporator, so that the sterilized region can be greatly expanded.

Fig. 17 is a block diagram schematically showing the entire configuration of an air conditioner 60 according to an embodiment of the present application. For example, the air conditioner 60 of fig. 17 may adjust the direction of the emitted light similarly to the air conditioner 50 and the light source module 500 described in fig. 16a to 16 e.

The air conditioner 60 and the light source module 600 of fig. 17 are similar to the

air conditioners

40 and 50 and the

light source modules

400 and 500 of fig. 14 and 16a to 16e, and therefore, for the sake of simplicity of description, repeated description will be omitted below. Referring to fig. 17, the air conditioner 60 includes an evaporator 63, a light source module 600, an auxiliary power supply unit 630, a timer 640, and a control unit 650.

Unlike the light source module 400 of fig. 14, the light source module 600 of fig. 17 further includes a rotation adjusting part 625. The rotation adjusting unit 625 performs an operation of rotating the light source unit 520 (see fig. 16a to 16e) included in the light source module 600 to adjust the direction of the emitted light. For example, the rotation adjusting part 625 may be connected to a pivot shaft that is a central axis in the longitudinal direction of the light source part 520, and performs an operation of rotating the light source part 520 according to the control of the control part 650.

The rotation adjusting part 625 may rotate the light source part 520 based on whether the sterilization operation time for a specific direction reaches the reference time.

For example, the control part 650 may receive information of the sterilization operation time for the first region of the evaporator 63 from a timer. The control part 650 may determine whether the sterilization operation time for the first region reaches the reference time by comparing the sterilization operation time for the first region with the reference time. If the sterilization operation time for the first region reaches the reference time, the rotation adjustment part 625 may rotate the light source part 520 in response to the control of the control part 650, thereby performing the sterilization operation for the second region that does not overlap with the first region.

The rotation adjusting unit 625 may perform a sterilization operation in cooperation with the moving unit 620. That is, when the sterilization operation is performed, the light source module 600 can perform the reciprocating linear motion along the guide rail provided to the evaporator 63 by means of the moving part 620, and the direction of the emitted ultraviolet rays can be adjusted by means of the rotation adjusting part 625.

For example, the rotation adjusting unit 625 may rotate the light source unit 520 to first irradiate ultraviolet rays toward the upper portion of the evaporator 63. Then, the light source module 600 can be linearly moved back and forth along the guide rail by the moving unit 620 in a state where the light source unit 520 is fixed so that the emission direction of the ultraviolet rays is directed to the upper portion of the evaporator 63. Accordingly, the sterilization operation for the region D (refer to fig. 16a) may be performed first.

After that, when the sterilization operation time for the region D reaches a predetermined reference time, the rotation adjusting unit 625 may rotate the light source unit 520 such that the emission direction of the ultraviolet rays is directed toward the lower portion of the evaporator 63. Then, the light source module 600 can be linearly moved back and forth along the guide rail by the moving unit 620 in a state where the light source unit 520 is fixed so that the emission direction of the ultraviolet rays is directed to the lower portion of the evaporator 63. Accordingly, the sterilization operation for the area E (refer to fig. 16a) can be performed.

As described above, the air conditioner 60 according to the embodiment of the present application may not only adjust the direction of the emitted ultraviolet rays when the sterilization operation is performed with respect to the evaporator 63, but also may perform the sterilization operation while moving the light source module 600. Accordingly, the light source module 600 can effectively perform a sterilization operation for a large area.

Fig. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the air conditioner 60 of fig. 17.

In step S210, power is supplied to the air conditioner 60, and in step S220, a cooling operation of the air conditioner 60 is performed. In step S230, the timer 640 starts operating. For example, the timer 640 may check the operation time of the air conditioner 60.

In step S240, the control part 650 determines whether the air-conditioning operation time Tc received from the timer 60 reaches a predetermined time period Tr.

In the case where the air-conditioning operation time Tc reaches the predetermined time period Tr, the control part 650 controls the light source module 600 so that the sterilization operation for the first region of the evaporator 63 is performed.

That is, in step S251, the rotation adjusting part 625 rotates the light source part 520 so that the emission direction of the ultraviolet rays is directed toward the first region, and the light source module 600 moves along the guide rail provided to the evaporator 63 and performs the sterilization operation with respect to the first region.

Thereafter, in step S252, the control unit 650 determines whether or not the sterilization operation time for the first region reaches the first reference time.

If the reference time is not reached, the light source module 600 continues to perform the sterilization operation with respect to the first region.

If the reference time is reached, the control part 650 controls the light source module 600 to perform the sterilization operation with respect to the second region of the evaporator 63.

That is, in step S253, the control part 650 rotates the light source part 520 so that the emission direction of the ultraviolet rays is directed toward the second area of the evaporator 63, and the light source module 600 moves along the guide rail provided to the evaporator 63 and performs the sterilization operation with respect to the second area.

Thereafter, in step S254, the control part 650 determines whether the sterilization operation time for the second region reaches a preset second reference time.

If the second reference time is not reached, the light source module 600 continues to perform the sterilization operation for the second area.

If the second reference time is reached, the control part 650 determines that the sterilization operation is finished and stops the sterilization operation. In this case, in step S260, the timer 640 is reset, and thereafter the timer 640 restarts checking the operation time of the air conditioner 60.

In addition, if the air-conditioning operation time Tc does not reach the predetermined time period Tr in step S240, the control unit 650 determines whether a power-off signal of the external power source is received in step S245.

If the power-off signal of the external power is received, the control part 650 controls the auxiliary power part 630 and the light source module 600 to perform the sterilization operation with respect to the evaporator 63.

That is, in step S270, the auxiliary power supply part 630 supplies power to the light source module 600 in response to the control of the control part 650. Thereafter, in step S280, the light source module 600 moves along the guide rail provided to the evaporator 63 and performs a sterilization operation with respect to the first and second areas. For example, the light source module 600 performs the sterilization operation for the first and second regions according to the sequence described in steps S251 to S254.

In addition, the above description is exemplary, and the technical idea of the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the order of operations in fig. 18 may be changed in part according to a designer. For example, step S245 of determining whether the external power is powered off may be performed before step S240 of comparing the air conditioner operation time with a predetermined time period.

Although not shown, the

air conditioners

30, 40, 50, 60 of fig. 13a to 16e may additionally include a photocatalyst layer for photocatalytic reaction. For example, each of the

air conditioners

30, 40, 50, and 60 may additionally include a photocatalyst filter, and the light source of the

light source module

300, 400, 500, or 600 may irradiate ultraviolet rays toward the photocatalyst filter. As another example, the

evaporators

33, 43, 53, and 63 may be coated with a photocatalytic substance, and the light sources of the

light source modules

300, 400, 500, and 600 may irradiate ultraviolet rays toward the areas coated with the photocatalytic substance. In this case, the organic compound can be decomposed and the bacteria can be killed by the photocatalytic reaction, thereby further improving the deodorizing and sterilizing effects.

Claims

1. A light source module that irradiates ultraviolet rays, comprising:

a housing; and

an ultraviolet ray irradiation part for irradiating ultraviolet rays,

wherein the ultraviolet irradiation part includes:

a substrate; and

a light source attached to the front surface of the substrate and emitting ultraviolet rays,

wherein the housing is arranged with the substrate and the light source and includes a side surface and an upper surface,

wherein the light source includes:

a first conductive type semiconductor layer;

a second conductive type semiconductor layer disposed on the first conductive type semiconductor layer; and

an active layer disposed between the first conductive type semiconductor layer and the second conductive type semiconductor layer,

wherein the active layer includes aluminum and the second conductive type semiconductor layer includes magnesium,

the housing includes an opening portion exposing at least a portion of the light source and the substrate, and the opening portion includes an opening portion side wall and an opening portion upper surface,

the housing includes a fastening portion extending from one surface of the housing, the fastening portion being fastened so that the opening portion of the housing faces the plurality of heat exchange plates, and the sterilizing light emitted from the light source is irradiated between the plurality of heat exchange plates.

2. The light source module of claim 1,

the side wall of the opening part is inclined towards the light source direction, and the upper surface of the opening part is parallel to the substrate and is formed at one end of the side wall of the opening part.

3. The light source module of claim 1,

the light source further includes a growth substrate arranged to be located in an opposite direction to the substrate.

4. The light source module of claim 1,

the ultraviolet irradiation part further includes:

at least one transparent part located in the front direction of the substrate,

wherein the at least one transparent part corresponds to the light source.

5. The light source module of claim 1,

the fastening portions are disposed at the spaced spaces between the plurality of heat exchange plates.

6. The light source module of claim 4,

the transparent part transmits the germicidal light emitted from the light source and protects the light source from moisture of the external environment.

7. The light source module of claim 4,

the transparent portion is disposed at the opening portion.

8. An air conditioner, comprising:

an evaporator including a plurality of heat exchange plates; and

a light source module disposed at the evaporator and irradiating germicidal light toward the evaporator,

wherein the light source module includes:

a housing; and

an ultraviolet ray irradiation part for irradiating ultraviolet rays,

wherein the ultraviolet irradiation part includes:

a substrate; and

wherein the light source includes:

a first conductive type semiconductor layer;

the case includes a fastening portion extending from one surface of the case, and the fastening portion is fastened such that the opening portion of the case faces the plurality of heat exchange plates.

9. The air conditioner of claim 8, further comprising:

a timer for checking an air conditioner operation time; and

a control part for controlling the light source module and the timer,

wherein the control part performs a sterilization operation of the light source module based on information provided from the timer.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 8,

the evaporator comprises a guide rail provided with a guide groove,

the light source module is movable along the guide rail.