KR101691597B1 - A sterilizer using ultraviolet light emmiting diode - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sterilizer using an ultraviolet light-emitting diode, wherein the sterilizer is disposed in a space of a sink drainage hole, a cup, a loofah container, and the like to be sterilized, and performs sterilization by irradiating ultraviolet rays toward a region to be sterilized. The sterilizer of the present invention comprises: a first housing (10) including an outer surface facing a region to be sterilized; a second housing (20) coupled with the first housing, and identifying a housing internal space and a housing external space; an irradiation hole (11) disposed in the first housing, and opened toward a region to be sterilized; a window member accommodating unit (12) disposed on the inner surface of the first housing around the irradiation hole; a window member (40) installed in the window member accommodating unit; a stepped unit (13) disposed at the edge of the window member accommodating unit, and having the substantially same height as the height of the window member accommodated in the window member accommodating unit; a first O-ring (50) for covering a gap between the window member and the stepped unit; a compressing member (60) fixed to the first housing, compressing the first O-ring, and having a hole (62) arranged with the irradiation hole while being fixed to the first housing; and a substrate (70) installed in the housing, and having an ultraviolet light-emitting diode (72) mounted thereon to irradiate ultraviolet rays through the hole and the irradiation hole.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a sterilizer using an ultraviolet light emitting diode,

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sterilizer, and more particularly, to a sterilizer using an ultraviolet light emitting diode that sterilizes by irradiating ultraviolet rays toward a region to be sterilized, such as a sink drain, a cup, and a scrubbing container.

The drainage area of the sink is filled with nutrients because the food stays in it, and drainage traps are installed to prevent smells coming from the sewer, which is a good environment for bacteria and microbes to reproduce because of its high water and humidity. Therefore, if we frequently remove food and do not frequently disinfect the germs and microorganisms that reproduce, the germs and microorganisms soon breed again.

In recent years, a chemical that suppresses the propagation of germs and microorganisms has been introduced in order to prevent an uncontrollable environment of a sink drain, but this causes environmental pollution. In addition, chemicals are often washed out by water and must be replaced or replenished frequently.

The present inventor has focused on a method of installing an ultraviolet light source on a cover portion of a sink drain. When the sanitizer is manufactured in the shape of the cover of the sink drain hole, it is not necessary to replace the water tray or the drain trap, the surroundings of the light source are not contaminated, and it is possible to sterilize not only the sink drain but also other articles.

However, even when an ultraviolet light source is installed in the drain cover, various electronic components required for operation of the ultraviolet light source are required to be designed to be in a waterproof area and to prevent damage to the window through which ultraviolet light is transmitted . Also, since the lid is a product that can be completely detached from the sink drain, a design for ultraviolet safety is more strictly required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a sterilizer having a simple and reliable waterproof structure and ultraviolet ray transmission window protection structure.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a sterilizer which can secure a sterilization zone as much as possible and has a strong sterilizing power.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a sterilizer provided with a safeguard device for preventing ultraviolet rays from being irradiated to any other space outside the sterilizing area.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a sterilizer which can facilitate sterilization for various purposes.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a sterilizing apparatus, comprising: a first housing (10) including an outer surface facing a region to be sterilized; A second housing coupled to the first housing to define a space inside the housing; An irradiation hole (11) provided in the first housing; A window member receiving portion (12) provided on the inner surface of the first housing around the irradiation hole; A window member (40) provided in the window member receiving portion; A step portion (13) provided at an edge of the window member receiving portion; A first O-ring (50) placed on a portion of the window member and on the stepped portion; A pressing member 60 fixed to the first housing and pressing the first O-ring, and having holes 62 aligned with the center of the irradiation hole in a state fixed to the first housing; And a substrate (70) mounted inside the housing and having an ultraviolet light emitting diode (72) mounted thereon for irradiating ultraviolet rays through the hole and the irradiation hole.

In the sterilizer, the height of the step portion 13 may be substantially the same as the height of the window member received in the window member receiving portion.

In the sterilizer, the irradiation hole may include an irradiation hole expanding part 121 whose end face gradually widens from the inner surface to the outer surface of the first housing.

In the sterilizer, the irradiation hole may be circular, and the first O-ring may be annular.

In the sterilizer, the window member may have a square shape.

In the sterilizer, a first protrusion 14 for supporting an outer circumferential surface of the first O-ring may be provided on an inner surface of the first housing.

In the sterilizer, the pressing member may be provided with a protruding protrusion 64 for supporting an inner circumferential surface of the first O-ring.

In the sterilizer, the tip end of the protruding jaw may be spaced apart from the window member by a predetermined distance.

In the sterilizer, the first O-ring may be silicone having a softness of less than 30 of a hardness of 0 to 100, and the pressing member may be made of a material having a hardness higher than that of the first O-ring.

In the sterilizer, an additional elastic material (59) may be interposed between the window member and the window member housing part.

In the sterilizer, a second O-ring (56) is fitted in a second O-ring receiving groove (16) provided further outside the first jaw about the irradiation hole, and the second O-ring is compressed .

In the sterilizer, the second O-ring receiving groove 16 may be located between the first jaw and the second jaws 15 provided on the outer side of the first jaw with respect to the irradiation hole.

In the sterilizer, the substrate may be fixed to the pressing member.

In the sterilizer, the ultraviolet light emitting diode may emit ultraviolet rays having a peak wavelength within a range of 260 to 280 nm.

In the sterilizer, a sensor unit 74 may be further installed to sense the installation position or posture of the sterilizer.

In the sterilizer, the sensor unit may be installed on the substrate at a position exposed to the outside through the irradiation hole and the hole, and the sensor unit may include an illuminance sensor.

In the sterilizer, the sensor unit may be disposed at a position exposed to the outside through the irradiation hole and the hole on the substrate, and the sensor unit may include a distance sensor.

In the sterilizer, the sensor unit may include a gyro sensor or a tilt sensor.

In the above-described sanitizer, the sensor unit may include at least two sensors such as an illuminance sensor, a distance sensor, and an attitude sensor, and the substrate may be supplied with power to the ultraviolet light emitting diode A control circuit can be provided.

The sterilizer may further include an indicator 22 connected in series with the ultraviolet light emitting diode and being turned on and off together.

In the sterilizer, the substrate may further include a light source for irradiating a far-infrared ray to the outside through the irradiation hole and the hole.

In the sterilizer, the first housing is provided with a fastening hole (180) through which a screw for fastening with the second housing passes, and an outer surface of the first housing is provided with a receiving member (80) can be installed.

In the sterilizer, a housing O-ring (58) may be interposed in a peripheral portion where the first housing and the second housing are in close contact with each other.

In the sterilizer, a secondary battery for supplying power to the ultraviolet light emitting diode is provided in the housing, a waterproof cover capable of detachably attaching the charging terminal to the charging terminal (97) of the secondary battery is provided, The charging terminal may be disposed outside the watertight space of the housing.

In the sterilizer, a plurality of alignment protrusions may be provided on the outer surface of the first housing at positions of different diameters around the irradiation hole.

The sterilizer further includes a holder (30) capable of mounting the first housing such that the first housing faces the bottom, wherein the holder is closed at a side surface, a vent hole (31) is provided at the bottom surface, And may further include elongated legs 32.

According to the present invention, even with a simple structure, it is possible to realize a reliable waterproof function and a fracture prevention function of a fragile part.

Further, according to the present invention, sterilization efficiency and area can be further enlarged.

In addition, according to the present invention, the possibility that ultraviolet light is irradiated on the human body is very low.

According to the present invention, convenient sterilization is possible for various purposes.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.

1 is an exploded perspective view of a sterilizer according to the present invention,
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which a window member, a battery, and a charging terminal are assembled in FIG.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the first O-ring and the second O-ring are assembled in FIG. 2,
Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the pressing member is assembled in Fig. 3,
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a state where the substrate and the housing O-ring are assembled in FIG. 4,
FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of the sterilizer of FIG. 1 viewed from different directions,
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the center portion of the AA 'section in FIG. 5,
Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion C in Fig. 8,
10 is a plan view showing a state where a window member is placed on the first O-ring,
11 is a front view showing a state in which the sterilizer of the present invention is operable;
12 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of ultraviolet irradiation and the sterilization rate after mixing E. coli O157: H7 (ATCC 43894) with water and irradiating ultraviolet rays by wavelength,
13 is a graph showing the relationship between ultraviolet irradiation dose and sterilization rate after B. subtilis spore (ATCC 6633) was mixed with water and ultraviolet rays were irradiated by wavelength,
14 is a graph showing the relationship between ultraviolet irradiation dose and sterilization rate after mixing B. MS2 phage (ATCC 15597-B1) with water and irradiating ultraviolet rays by wavelength,
FIGS. 15 and 16 are views showing another use example of the sterilizer of the present invention, and FIGS.
17 is a flowchart of the operation of the sterilizer of the present invention.

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

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, It is provided to inform.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a sterilizer according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a state where a window member, a battery and a charging terminal are assembled in FIG. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the substrate and the housing o-ring are assembled in Fig. 4, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 are exploded perspective views showing the state in which the pressing member is assembled in Fig. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the center portion of the cross section AA 'in Fig. 5, Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of the portion C in Fig. 8, Fig. 11 is a front view showing a state in which the sterilizer of the present invention is operable. Fig.

6 and 7, the present invention includes a housing 10, 20 of a sterilizer having a sterilizing function and a holder 30 for holding the sterilizer. The four legs 32 of the holder 30 are placed on a flat floor and the housing 10 and 20 portions of the sterilizer are mounted and mounted on the holder 30.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 11, the sterilizer includes a circular first housing 10, which is a flat portion, and a second housing 20 in the form of a curved surface, which covers the upper portion of the first housing. The bottom surface (see Fig. 11), which is the outer surface of the first housing 10, faces the sterilizing area. In the central portion of the first housing 10, an irradiation hole 11 provided inside the housing and capable of emitting ultraviolet rays from a light source that emits ultraviolet rays is provided. The second housing 20 is provided with a switch 21 for operating the sterilizer and an indicator 22 for checking whether the sterilizer is operating.

First, a watertight structure and a window member protection structure provided around the irradiation hole 11 of the first housing 10 will be described. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 8, on the inner surface of the first housing 10, a square-shaped window member accommodating portion 12 surrounding a circular irradiation hole 11 is provided. A step portion 13 is formed around the window member accommodating portion 12 to prevent the window member 40 fitted in the window member accommodating portion 12 from flowing to the side. The height of the step portion 13 is substantially the same as the height of the window member 40 in a state in which the window member 40 is accommodated in the window member accommodating portion 12. [ If the heights are substantially the same, no step is formed on the upper surface of the window member 40 and the step portion 13. Therefore, a sealing member (a first O-ring to be described later) for covering the boundary between the window member and the step portion The sealing can be easily realized by only the structure of close contact.

The window member 40 can be a quartz or fused silica, which can be penetrated by deep ultraviolet rays emitted from an ultraviolet light emitting diode to be described later.

2, 3 and 8, a window member 40 and a step portion 13, which are sandwiched between the window member housing portion 12 and the step portion 13, 1 O-ring 50 is raised. The first O-ring 50 is in the form of an annular ring whose outer circumferential surface 51 is larger than the inner surface of the circumference and / or step of the window member 40 and the inner circumferential surface 52 thereof is smaller than the window member 40 10). Therefore, when the first O-ring 50 is lifted on the window member 40 and the step portion 13 fitted in the window member housing portion 12, the gap portion between the window member and the step portion is moved by the first O- Shielded.

As shown in the figure, the first jaw 14 for regulating the position of the first O-ring 50 is formed outside the first O-ring 50. A second jaw 14 is provided on the outer side of the first jaw 14 with a second O-ring receiving groove 16 in which a second O-ring 56 is inserted. A second jaw 15 having the same height is formed. The second O-ring receiving groove 16 accommodates a second O-ring, which will be described later. The present invention can provide a two-step sealing structure in a path where water infiltration is likely to occur, thereby further ensuring waterproofing. In particular, when the heights of the two jaws 14 and 15 coincide with each other, the second O-ring is more easily accommodated, and when the second O-ring is pressed by the second O-ring, So that it can be uniformly expanded.

3, 4 and 8, a compression member 60 is installed on the first O-ring 50 and the second O-ring 56. As shown in the figure, the pressing member 60 has an annular flat plate shape, in which a circular hole 62 is formed at the center and a rib 61 for reinforcing the rigidity of the pressing member 60 is formed at the outer periphery, Three fastening portions 66 are formed at intervals of 120 degrees. (Not shown) is passed through the fastening portion 66 and the screw penetrating the fastening portion is screwed to the inner surface of the first housing so that the pressing member 60 is strongly pressed and fixed to the inner surface of the first housing 10 do.

The pressing force is transmitted to the first O-ring 50 and the second O-ring 56 so that the upper surface of the first O-ring comes into close contact with the lower surface of the pressing member 60. The lower surface of the first O- And is in close contact with the upper surface and the upper surface of the step portion 13. When the first O-ring 50 is squeezed, the first O-ring is pressed by the pressure, so that the outer circumferential surface 51 of the first O-ring tends to expand in a direction where the diameter of the first O-ring 50 is further increased, and the inner circumferential surface 52 I'm going to expand. The outer circumferential surface 51 of the first O-ring is prevented from expanding by the first jaws 14 and brought into close contact with each other. On the other hand, the inner circumferential surface of the first O-ring is prevented from expanding by the projecting step 64 protruding downward in the direction of the window member, that is, around the hole 62 of the pressing member 60. At this time, the lower end of the projecting step 64 does not contact the window member 40, and a gap is formed at a certain distance from the window member. There is a possibility that the window member 40 will be damaged due to intensive pressure at the protruding jaw 64 when the protruding jaw 64 is brought into contact with the window member 40. Therefore, do. On the other hand, if there is no protruding protuberance 64, the inner circumferential surface of the first O-ring expands freely inward, and thus the adhesion between the vicinity of the inner circumferential surface of the first O-ring and the compression member and the window member is deteriorated. Therefore, the projecting step 64 may be formed to have a height enough to be uniformly pressed between the window member and the first O-ring without applying a concentrated pressure to the window member in consideration of the material of the first O-ring and the like. In other words, if the protruding jaw protrudes lower, the possibility that the concentrated pressure is not applied to the window member becomes higher as the protruding jaw protrudes lower, while the uniformity of the pressure applied between the window member and the first O-ring is lowered. When the protruding jaw protrudes higher, The pressure applied to the window member and the first O-ring increases, while it is advantageous to ensure the uniformity of the pressure applied between the window member and the first O-ring. The protruding height of the protruding jaw may be determined to be an optimum height to satisfy the above-mentioned conditions in consideration of the material of the first O-ring, the gap between the protruding jaw and the window member, and the like.

The sectional area of the second O-ring 56 is set to be slightly larger than the sectional area formed by the second O-ring receiving groove 16, the first jaw 14, the second jaw 15 and the pressing member, The outer surface of the second O-ring is closely contacted to the second O-ring receiving groove 16, the first jaw 14, the second jaw 15, and the pressing member with uniform pressure.

The first O-ring 50 is made of a silicon material having a ductility of less than 30, in theory, a silicon material having a hardness of 0 to 100. When the hardness is greater than 30, it is considered that there is a high possibility that the intense pressure is applied to a specific portion of the window member 40 to be damaged when the first O-ring is pressed by the press member. Of course, a material having a hardness higher than that of the first O-ring, such as an ABS resin, may be used as the pressing member.

An additional elastic material 59 may be interposed between the window member 40 and the window member receiving portion 12 as shown in Fig. 9 (b). This has the effect of eliminating the possibility that pressure is concentrated on a specific portion between the window member and the window member receiving portion, and further enhancing the watertight effect due to the adhesive force of the elastic member.

On the other hand, the hole 62 of the pressing member 60 is aligned with the center of the irradiation hole 11 of the first housing 10. The hole 62 of the pressing member and the irradiation hole 11 of the first housing 10 are both circular in shape. The inner circumferential surface of the first O-ring also coincides with those of the first O-ring and the shape thereof is also circular. This is because the pressing force between the pressing member 60 and the first housing 10 is applied to the first O-ring 50 and the window member 40 So as to minimize the area of the window member exposed to the outside, and at the same time to secure a region irradiated with ultraviolet rays at the maximum.

On the other hand, the window member 40 can be formed as a square. When the window member is formed into a square shape, not only the window member moves sideways but also the window member rotates in place when the position of the window member is regulated by the step portion 13, It is possible to regulate it. The shapes of the window member 40 and the first O-ring 50 have been described above with reference to Fig.

Next, referring to Figs. 4, 5, 8 and 9, the substrate 70 is fixed on the pressing member 60. Fig. The fixing member 76 is provided at two positions of the substrate 70 facing each other with respect to the center of the substrate 70. The fastening screw penetrating through the fixing member 76 has a fixing portion 68 provided on the pressing member 60, As shown in Fig. The position of the fixing portion 68 can be provided at a position not overlapping with the position of the clamping portion 66 of the pressing member described above.

An ultraviolet light emitting diode 72 is mounted on the substrate 70 at a position where the irradiation holes 11 and the holes 62 are aligned with the irradiation holes 11 and the centers of the holes 62. As an example, the irradiation angle of the ultraviolet light-emitting diode 72 may be 120 degrees. The ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light-emitting diode 72 passes through the window member 40, passes through the irradiation hole 11, and is emitted toward the outside. As a result, the sterilization area viewed by the first housing 10 is exposed to ultraviolet rays.

In order to maximize the irradiation angle of the ultraviolet light emitting diode, the irradiation hole 11 may have an irradiation hole expanding portion 121 whose cross section is gradually widened toward the outside (see FIG. 9). The irradiation hole expanding section 121 may be curved as shown in Fig. 9 (a) or tapered as shown in Fig. 9 (b). Irrespective of its shape, the irradiation hole expanding section 121 secures the irradiation area (a) as much as the irradiation angle of the ultraviolet ray irradiated from the ultraviolet light emitting diode, and secures the area for supporting the window member 40 as much . For example, if the irradiation hole expanding portion 121 is not provided, the diameter of the irradiation hole 11 must be increased correspondingly so as to widen the irradiation region by a, and as a result, the area of the window member receiving portion for supporting the window member is reduced Bring it. In addition, since the diameter of the hole 62 of the pressing member 60 must be increased as the diameter of the irradiation hole 11 is increased (the diameter of the hole of the pressing member is smaller than the diameter of the irradiation hole, Which increases the possibility of breakage of the window member), which increases the area of the window member 40 that is not supported by the upper and lower surfaces, further increasing the possibility of breakage of the window member. On the other hand, when the irradiation hole expanding portion 121 is formed as in the present invention, the possibility of breakage of the window member can be further reduced while securing the irradiation region of the ultraviolet ray to the maximum extent.

For example, the ultraviolet light emitting diode 72 emits ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength of 275 nm.

The ultraviolet light source used in the present invention is an ultraviolet light emitting diode 72 which is a light source having high directivity in one direction. The ultraviolet light emitting diode can finely adjust the peak wavelength of the light to be irradiated according to the ratio of constituent components. Therefore, ultraviolet ray efficiency can be increased by manufacturing an ultraviolet light emitting diode having a peak wavelength of ultraviolet rays having the highest efficiency in an environment where ultraviolet rays are utilized.

In general, ultraviolet light of 253 nm is known to have the highest sterilizing power. However, as a result of actual experiments, it was confirmed that the most germicidal wavelength was 270 nm in sterilizing bacteria contained in water.

FIG. 12 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of ultraviolet irradiation and the sterilization rate after mixing E. coli O157: H7 (ATCC 43894) with water and irradiating ultraviolet rays at respective wavelengths. The initial concentration of bacteria in the water is 1.9-3.0 × 10 ⁵ cfu / mL. Except for the ultraviolet wavelength, the other experimental conditions are the same.

Experimental results showed 99% sterilization rate when irradiated with 1.4 mJ / cm ² of 270 nm ultraviolet ray, which is much better than ultraviolet ray of other wavelengths.

13 is a graph showing the relationship between ultraviolet irradiation dose and sterilization rate after mixing B. subtilis spore (ATCC 6633) with water and irradiating ultraviolet rays at respective wavelengths.

The experiment also showed 99% sterilization rate when irradiated with 22 mJ / cm ² of 270 nm ultraviolet rays, which is a much better value than ultraviolet rays of other wavelengths.

14 is a graph showing the relationship between ultraviolet irradiation dose and sterilization rate after mixing B. MS2 phage (ATCC 15597-B1) with water and irradiating ultraviolet rays according to wavelengths.

As a result of the experiment, when the ultraviolet ray at 270 nm was irradiated at 42 mJ / cm ^2, the sterilization rate was 99%, which is more excellent than that at other wavelengths.

As a result of the analysis of the experimental results, it has been concluded that DNA or RNA of bacteria or viruses incorporated into water may be more sensitive to 270 nm. Most of the germs and viruses that come into the body through the food consumed by humans are mostly dependent on the moisture of the food. In addition, since the sink drain is also environment rich in food waste and water, It is made under the conditions.

As a result, it was confirmed that the sterilization efficiency was decreased as the wavelength became longer in + - direction based on the result of the experiment. Therefore, in the present invention, the efficiency of sterilizing bacteria or microorganisms is improved by using an ultraviolet light emitting diode which irradiates ultraviolet rays having a peak wavelength within a range of about 10 nm on the basis of 270 nm.

As described above, the ultraviolet light emitting diode 72 applied to the sterilizer of the present invention irradiates ultraviolet rays having a peak wavelength at a wavelength band of 253 nm, which is the wavelength most absorbed by human DNA, but is still irradiated directly to humans. It is not. Therefore, there is a need for a safety device that allows the ultraviolet light of the sterilizer of the present invention to be irradiated only in a situation for sterilization.

As shown in FIG. 8, the sterilizer of the present invention is further provided with a plurality of sensor units for measuring different factors. The safety device for operating the sterilizer and irradiating ultraviolet rays only when the environment measured by a plurality of sensor parts meets the specified environment in which the sterilizer is used is defined as an environment in which the sterilizer of the present invention is used. Is more urgently required in the present invention which can be investigated.

For example, since the sterilizer of the present invention functions as a cover for covering the sink drain hole, the area where sterilization is performed can be defined to be a dark state by blocking external light (visible light). Also, when sterilizing, the outer surface of the first housing faces toward the gravity direction. Also, when the sink drain is sterilized, the front of the sink does not have a distance of 20 cm or more (depth of the sink drain) from the outer surface of the first housing.

In order to measure such an environment, in the present invention, the sensor portion 74 may be provided in the vicinity of the ultraviolet light-emitting diode 72 mounted on the substrate 70. The sensor unit 74 includes an illuminance sensor for detecting a visible light entering from inside the housing through the illuminating hole 11 from outside. This is to check whether the environment in which the sterilizer is used is dark.

However, this alone has a limitation in guaranteeing the use environment precisely. For example, if all the lights in the room are turned off, the illuminance sensor alone can not guarantee the correct use environment of the sterilizer.

Accordingly, the sensor unit 74 provided on the substrate 70 may further include a distance sensor (e.g., an IR sensor). The distance sensor of the sensor unit measures the distance of the object located in front of the outer surface of the first housing through the irradiation hole 11. If the measured distance is greater than the reference distance (the distance that the object lies in front of the first housing when sterilized normally), it can be determined that the sterilizer is not in use.

The present invention may further include an orientation sensor (e.g., a gyro sensor or a tilt sensor). Since the sterilizer of the present invention is used in the form of a lid, the first housing of the sterilizer must face the bottom under normal use conditions (see FIG. 11). Therefore, if the sterilizer is detected as not facing the bottom, it can be judged that the sterilizer is not in use environment.

The present invention provides a plurality of types of sensors for measuring various environments and measures a use environment, and a control circuit for supplying power to the ultraviolet light emitting diodes when they all satisfy the safety criteria is mounted on the substrate 70 Can be implemented.

Of course, the ON / OFF states of the ultraviolet light emitting diode 72 are controlled by the switch 21, and when the environment detected through the above-described plural kinds of sensors is out of the safety standard even when the switch 21 is turned on, The power supply to the light emitting diode 72 is blocked.

The sterilizer of the present invention further includes an indicator 22 connected in series with the ultraviolet light emitting diode and turned on and off in the vicinity of the switch 21. The indicator may be a visible light emitting diode which can be visually confirmed whether it is lit or not. When the indicator is connected in series with the ultraviolet light emitting diode, the indicator 22 and the ultraviolet light emitting diode 72 are turned on and off together. Therefore, the user can visually confirm whether the indicator is lit or not, and intuitively judge whether the sterilizer is operated or not. If any of the ultraviolet light emitting diode or the indicator is broken, the ultraviolet light emitting diode does not operate when the indicator is broken and the indicator is not turned on. Therefore, it can be ensured that the ultraviolet light emitting diode does not operate unless the indicator is turned on.

On the other hand, sterilization may be performed by ultraviolet rays or by drying moisture to create a sterile environment. In the present invention, a far infrared ray light source may be further provided on the substrate 70 to realize both the ultraviolet ray irradiation and the drying function. The far infrared ray light source can further increase the sterilizing effect by irradiating far infrared rays to the sterilizing region through the irradiation hole 11 to dry the sterilizing region.

4 to 7, when the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are fastened to each other, the housing O-ring 58 is housed in the housing O-ring receiving groove 18 provided around a region where the first O- And is pressed by the two housings. As described above, water tightness at the site of the irradiation hole 11 and water tightness around the area where the two housings 10 and 20 are in close contact with each other can ensure waterproof against the inner space of the housings 10 and 20. The degree of waterproofing that must be ensured in the sterilizer of the present invention is sufficient to prevent water from entering the sterilizer when the water is accidentally turned on in the sink, for example.

When fastening the first housing 10 and the second housing 20, a fastening screw (not shown) is fitted from the outer surface of the first housing 10 toward the second housing 20 as shown in the figure. The fastening screw is screwed into the second housing through the fastening hole 180 of the first housing. The supporting member 80 is installed on the outer surface of the first housing 10 where the fastening holes 180 are formed. The support member 80 is made of a material that is elastic, such as rubber, and can be slidably and sealingly sealed. Thus, it is possible to prevent the water from penetrating through the fastening hole 180 and to prevent the slider from slipping on the surface I can keep my position well.

In the present invention, the power source for operating the ultraviolet light emitting diode can be supplied with a built-in battery 99 as a secondary battery inside the sterilizer. The battery 99, the substrate 70 and the switch 21 are electrically connected inside the housings 10 and 20. Also, a charging terminal 97, which is a passage through which external power for charging the battery is supplied, is electrically connected to the battery. The inlet of the charging terminal 97 is exposed toward the outside of the housing, and a waterproof cover is detachably fitted in the opening. When the battery is charged, the waterproof cover is removed and an external power source can be connected. In the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in the drawing, the charging terminal is fixed to the outside of the housing O-ring 58 to further secure the watertightness inside the housing, and the portion to be protected from water on the charging terminal is covered with silicone The waterproof structure was designed. According to this structure, even when water is leaked into the charging terminal without actually covering the waterproof cover of the charging terminal, water is not penetrated into the inside of the housing, so only the charging terminal needs to be dried.

The sterilizer of the present invention can sterilize various objects. For example, even a sink drain may have different specifications (diameters). In consideration of this point, the sterilizer of the present invention has the alignment protrusion 190 as shown in FIG. 11 on the outer surface of the first housing 10. The alignment protrusions may be provided so as to have different diameters (r ₁ , r ₂ ) concentrically with the ultraviolet irradiation holes 11. The alignment protrusions may be in the form of an annular ring centered on the ultraviolet irradiation hole, a part in the form of an annular ring, or a group of points located on the annular ring. These diameters (r ₁ , r ₂ ) can be determined in correspondence with the specification of the diameter of the sink discharge port in circulation.

The sterilizer of the present invention may be used in a manner of disinfecting the inside of the container in a state where the sterilizer of the present invention is put on the lid portion of various containers instead. For example, a sterilizer may be placed at the entrance of a tapered cup or tumbler so that it is out of reach.

Meanwhile, the sterilizer of the present invention may further include a holder 30 as shown in FIG. A vent hole 31 is formed in the bottom surface of the base and a plurality of legs 32 extending further downward than the bottom surface of the base are provided, So that it can be ventilated smoothly with air.

In order to dry and sterilize the scrubber after the dishes are finished, it is also possible to sterilize the scrubber by placing the scrubber in a state where the scrubber is placed inside the cage 30. In addition, kitchen utensils such as scrubbers, as well as items that can fit into the interior of the cradle can be sterilized using a sterilizer.

The sterilizer of the present invention can be used not only for the sink drain, but also for the sterilization of various other objects. 15 and 16, it is also possible to cover the sterilizer of the present invention instead of a lid such as a tumbler 35 or a pot 38, which is a container requiring internal sterilization, and sterilize it.

Next, the operation of the present invention will be described.

The user charges the battery 99 by connecting the external power source through the charging terminal 97 in a state where the sterilizer is placed on the cradle 30 or placed on the floor. The degree of charging is indicated by the color of the indicator 22 or the like. The sterilizer with the waterproof cover fitted to the charging terminal 97 after charging is put on the sink drain. At this time, the center of the sterilizer can be intuitively aligned with the center of the sink drain by the alignment protrusion 190 protruding to the floor, and the sterilizer can maintain its position without slipping by the support member 80.

17 is a flowchart of the operation of the sterilizer of the present invention.

When the user presses the switch 21, the control circuit on the board 70 first checks the environmental measurement results of various sensors. That is, the illuminance of the visible light ray measured by the illuminance sensor is in a dark state lower than the reference value, and it is detected by the distance sensor that there is an object within a predetermined distance in front of the irradiation hole. The power is supplied to the ultraviolet light emitting diode 72 by the control circuit. If there is no abnormality in both of the ultraviolet light emitting diode 72 and the indicator 22, ultraviolet light is irradiated from the ultraviolet light emitting diode 72 and the indicator 22 is also lighted to confirm whether the user operates the sterilizer.

The sterilizer operates as a timer. For example, after the ultraviolet light emitting diode is supplied with power for a period of time sufficient for sterilization, the power source is shut off again and the sterilizer is turned off. Experimental Results Using a sterilizer using the embodiment of the present invention, it was confirmed that 99.9% sterilization was performed even for about 30 to 40 minutes. After the timer is completed, the indicator 22 blinks. The indicator may turn off after several flashes, and may continue to flicker until the user confirms.

At this time, if the sterilizer is mistakenly hit before the timer time is completed, at least one of the sensors senses that the usage environment is out of the safety standard, and the power supply is immediately shut off. Of course, even if the user turns off the sterilizer by pressing the switch even before the timer time is completed, the power supplied to the ultraviolet light emitting diode is immediately shut off.

Thus, sterilization of the periphery of the sink can improve the quality of life by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi and removing odors. In addition, sterilization for other products can also be carried out using a cradle or the like.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. It is obvious that a transformation can be made. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the effects of the present invention are not explicitly described and described, but it is needless to say that the effects that can be predicted by the configurations should also be recognized.

10: first housing
11: Investigator
12: Window member accommodating portion
121: Investigative Expansion Department
13:
14: 1st jaw
15: second chin
16: Second O-ring receiving groove
17: Charging terminal accommodating portion
18: Housing O-ring housing groove
180: fastening hole
19: Battery compartment
190: alignment protrusion
20: second housing
21: Switch
22: Indicator
30: Cradle
31: Ventilation holes
32: Leg
35: Tumbler
38: Pot
40: window member
50: First O-ring
51:
52: inner peripheral surface
56: Second O-ring
58: Housing O-ring
59: Elastic material
60:
61: rib
62: hole
64: protruding chin
66:
68:
70: substrate
72: ultraviolet light emitting diode
74:
76:
80: Support member
97: Charging terminal
99: Battery (rechargeable battery)

Claims (26)

A first housing including an outer surface facing an area to be sterilized;
A second housing coupled with the first housing to define a space inside the housing;
An irradiation hole provided in the first housing;
A window member accommodating portion provided on an inner surface of the first housing around the irradiation hole;
A window member installed in the window member receiving portion;
A step portion provided at an edge of the window member receiving portion;
A first O-ring placed on a portion of the window member and on the step portion;
A pressing member fixed to the first housing and pressing the first O-ring, and having holes aligned with the center of the irradiation hole in a state fixed to the first housing; And
And a substrate mounted in the housing and having an ultraviolet light emitting diode for emitting ultraviolet rays through the hole and the irradiation hole,
Wherein the irradiation hole has an irradiation hole expanding portion that becomes wider in cross section from the inner surface to the outer surface of the first housing.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the height of the step portion is equal to the height of the window member received in the window member receiving portion.
delete The method according to claim 1,
The irradiation hole is circular,
Wherein the first O-ring is annular.
The method according to claim 1 or 4,
Wherein the window member has a square shape.
The method according to claim 1,
And a first jaw supporting an outer circumferential surface of the first O-ring is provided on an inner surface of the first housing.
The method according to claim 1 or 6,
Wherein the pressing member is provided with a protruding protrusion for supporting an inner circumferential surface of the first O-ring.
The method of claim 7,
And the tip end of the protruding jaw is spaced apart from the window member by a predetermined distance.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first O-ring is silicon having a softness of less than 30 of a hardness of 0 to 100,
Wherein the pressing member is made of a material having a hardness higher than that of the first o-ring.
The method according to claim 1,
And an additional elastic material is interposed between the window member and the window member accommodating portion.
The method of claim 6,
A second O-ring is fitted in a second O-ring receiving groove provided on the outer side of the first jaw about the irradiation hole,
And the second O-ring is pressed by the pressing member.
The method of claim 11,
And the second O-ring receiving groove is located between the first jaw and the second jaw provided on the outer side of the first jaw about the irradiation hole.
The method according to claim 1,
And the substrate is fixed to the pressing member.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the ultraviolet light emitting diode emits ultraviolet rays having a peak wavelength within a range of 260 to 280 nm.
The method according to claim 1,
And a sensor unit for sensing an installation position or an attitude of the sterilizer.
16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the sensor unit is installed on the substrate at a position exposed to the outside through the irradiation hole and the hole,
Wherein the sensor unit includes an illuminance sensor.
16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the sensor unit is installed on the substrate at a position exposed to the outside through the irradiation hole and the hole,
Wherein the sensor unit includes a distance sensor.
16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the sensor unit includes a gyro sensor or a tilt sensor.
16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the sensor unit includes at least two sensors of an illuminance sensor, a distance sensor, or an attitude sensor,
Wherein the substrate is provided with a control circuit that enables supply of power to the ultraviolet light emitting diode when the two or more sensors satisfy safety standards.
The method according to claim 1,
And an indicator connected in series with the ultraviolet light emitting diode to turn on and off the ultraviolet light emitting diode.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the substrate further comprises a light source for emitting a far-infrared ray to the outside through the irradiation hole and the hole.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first housing is provided with a fastening hole through which a screw for fastening with the second housing passes,
And a supporting member for sealing the coupling hole is provided on the outer surface of the first housing.
The method according to claim 1,
And a housing O-ring is provided at a peripheral portion where the first housing and the second housing are in close contact with each other.
The method according to claim 1,
A secondary battery for supplying power to the ultraviolet light emitting diode is provided in the housing,
The charging terminal of the secondary battery is provided with a waterproof cover capable of being detachably attached to the charging terminal,
And the charging terminal is disposed outside the watertight space of the housing.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein a plurality of alignment protrusions are provided on outer surfaces of the first housing at positions of different diameters around the irradiation hole.
The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a mount capable of mounting the first housing such that the first housing faces the bottom surface,
The sterilizer further comprising legs that are clogged at the sides, vented at the bottom, and extend further downward than the bottom.

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