KR102632224B1 - Air conditioner comprising lighting apparatus and the operating method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

This application relates to a light source module and an air conditioner including the same. An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present application includes an evaporator including a plurality of heat exchange plates; and a light source module that is installed in close contact with the evaporator and irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the space space between the plurality of heat exchange plates. A light source module and an air conditioner including the same according to an embodiment of the present application can effectively perform a sterilization operation for an evaporator.

Description

Air conditioner including a light source module and operating method thereof {AIR CONDITIONER COMPRISING LIGHTING APPARATUS AND THE OPERATING METHOD THEREOF}

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

The most problematic aspect of air conditioning using an air conditioner is that the temperature of the evaporator of the air conditioner is lower than the air temperature, causing water to form on the evaporator, causing the growth of bacteria or mold around the evaporator. And by forcing air to circulate in the evaporator to increase heat exchange efficiency, these molds and bacteria become floating in the air in the air-conditioned room. Therefore, a technology that can suppress or sterilize the growth of bacteria is required.

The purpose of the present application is to provide a light source module capable of sterilizing an evaporator inside an air conditioner and an air conditioner including the same.

An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present application includes an evaporator including a plurality of heat exchange plates; and a light source module installed in the evaporator and irradiating ultraviolet rays toward the space space between the plurality of heat exchange plates.

In an embodiment, the light source module includes a substrate; a light source mounted on the front of the substrate and irradiating the ultraviolet rays; a transparent portion located in the front direction of the substrate and transmitting the ultraviolet rays; and a housing connected to the transparent part, wherein the housing extends in parallel with the plurality of heat exchange plates and includes a fastening portion disposed in a space between the plurality of heat exchange plates.

In an embodiment, the housing further includes a spacer extending along a first direction parallel to the direction in which the plurality of heat exchange plates extend, and the length of the spacer in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is longer than the separation distance in the second direction between two adjacent plates among the plurality of plates.

In an embodiment, the length of the spacer in the first direction is longer than the length of the fastening part in the first direction.

In an embodiment, a plurality of light sources are mounted on the front surface of the substrate.

In an embodiment, the light source module includes a first sub light source module; and a second sub light source module electrically connected to the first sub light source module, wherein each of the first and second sub light source modules includes: a substrate; a light source mounted on the front of the substrate and irradiating ultraviolet rays; a transparent portion located in the front direction of the substrate and transmitting the ultraviolet rays; and a housing connected to the transparent part, wherein the housing extends in parallel with the plurality of heat exchange plates and includes a fastening part coupled to the space between the plurality of heat exchange plates.

In an embodiment, the evaporator includes a guide rail having a guide groove.

In an embodiment, the light source module is movable along the guide rail.

In an embodiment, a timer for checking the operation time of the air conditioner; and a control unit that controls the light source module and the timer, wherein the control unit determines whether the operation time of the air conditioner has reached a predetermined time period based on information provided from the timer, and operates the air conditioner. When the time reaches the predetermined time period, the light source module performs a sterilization operation under the control of the controller.

In an embodiment, it further includes an auxiliary power supply unit that supplies power to the light source module, and the control unit controls the auxiliary power supply unit to provide power to the light source module in response to a power-off signal received from an external source. .

In an embodiment, the light source module may include a light source unit including a substrate and a light source provided on the substrate; a base that fixes the substrate and can rotate along a pivot axis; and a pivot ring surrounding the base and a housing coupled to the light source unit and the base, wherein the light source has a beam angle based on one direction, and the one direction is within a predetermined angle with respect to the pivot axis. is changed from

In an embodiment, the substrate extends long in one direction, and the base is provided at at least one of both ends of the substrate and fastened to the pivot ring.

In an embodiment, the pivot ring includes a stopper that defines a rotation angle of the base.

In an embodiment, the stopper protrudes from the pivot ring toward the base, and the base has a locking protrusion that rotates within an angle defined by the stopper.

In an embodiment, the light source unit is inserted therein and further includes a protective tube that protects the light source unit.

In an embodiment, the light source module further includes a rotation controller that controls rotation of the base, and the rotation controller rotates the base based on whether the sterilization operation time of the light source module reaches a reference time. I order it.

In an embodiment, the rotation control unit may be configured to include a first region of the evaporator where a sterilization operation is performed before the rotation operation with respect to the base is performed and a first region of the evaporator where a sterilization operation is performed after the rotation operation with respect to the base is performed. Rotate the base so that the 2 areas do not overlap each other.

A light source module according to an embodiment of the present application includes a substrate; a light source mounted on the front of the substrate; a base that fixes the substrate and can rotate along a pivot axis; and a housing that includes a pivot ring surrounding the base and is fastened to the base, wherein the housing includes a fastening portion extending along a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis.

A method of operating an air conditioner including an evaporator according to an embodiment of the present application includes the steps of applying external power to the air conditioner to operate the air conditioner; Checking the operation time of the air conditioner using a timer; determining whether the operating time of the air conditioner exceeds a standard time; And when the operation time of the air conditioner exceeds the reference time, performing a sterilization operation on the evaporator by operating a light source module installed in close contact with the evaporator.

In an embodiment, detecting whether the external power source is powered off; And when the external power source is turned off, power is supplied to the light source module by an auxiliary power source unit.

In an embodiment, the light source module can move along a guide rail installed on the evaporator.

In an embodiment, the light source module can be rotated to radiate ultraviolet rays in different directions.

In an embodiment, the method further includes determining whether to rotate the light source module based on the sterilization operation time of the light source module.

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

1A and 1B are diagrams showing an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present application.
Figure 2a is a front view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present application.
Figure 2b is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioner of Figure 2a taken along the line Ⅰ-Ⅰ'.
Figure 3a is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of the light source module.
Figure 3b is a cross-sectional view of the light source module of Figure 3a taken along the AA' cutting line.
Figure 4a is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of the 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. 4A.
FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the light source module of FIG. 4A taken along the line A1-A1'.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a light source module according to another embodiment of the present application.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a light source module according to another embodiment of the present application.
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a light source module according to another embodiment of the present application.
Figure 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 the cutting line AB-B'-A' of FIG. 8A.
FIG. 9 is a diagram briefly showing the light source module of FIG. 3 installed in an evaporator.
Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a light source module according to another embodiment of the present application.
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a light source module according to another embodiment of the present application.
Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a light source module according to another embodiment of the present application.
Figure 13a is a diagram briefly showing a light source module that can move along a guide rail installed in an evaporator.
Figure 13b is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section taken along the cutting line BB' in Figure 13a.
Figure 14 is a block diagram briefly showing the overall configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present application.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the air conditioner of FIG. 14.
Figure 16a is a diagram briefly showing a light source module that can move along a guide rail installed in an evaporator.
Figure 16b is a perspective view showing the light source module of Figure 16a in more detail.
FIGS. 16C to 16E are cross-sectional views showing a cross section of the light source module of FIG. 16B.
Figure 17 is a block diagram briefly showing the overall configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present application.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the air conditioner of FIG. 17.

Since the present invention can be subject to various changes and have various forms, specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific disclosed form, and should be understood to include all changes, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

While describing each drawing, similar reference numerals are used for similar components. In the attached drawings, the dimensions of the structures are enlarged from the actual size for clarity of the present invention. Terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, a first component may be named a second component, and similarly, the second component may also be named a first component without departing from the scope of the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In this application, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but are not intended to indicate the presence of one or more other features. It should be understood that this does not exclude in advance the possibility of the existence or addition of elements, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Additionally, when a part of a layer, membrane, region, plate, etc. is said to be “on” another part, this includes not only being “directly above” the other part, but also cases where there is another part in between. In addition, in the present specification, when it is said that a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is formed on another part, the direction of formation is not limited to the upward direction and includes formation in the side or downward direction. . Conversely, when a part of a layer, membrane, region, plate, etc. is said to be “beneath” another part, this includes not only cases where it is “immediately below” another part, but also cases where there is another part in between.

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

1A and 1B are diagrams showing an air conditioning system 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. Specifically, FIG. 1A is a block diagram briefly showing the air conditioning system 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the sterilization device 100 and the evaporator 12_2 of FIG. 1A in more detail.

1A and 1B, the 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 installed in the evaporator 12_2.

Looking at the configuration of the outdoor unit 11, the compressor 11_1 sucks the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator 12_2. Then, the compressor 11_1 increases the pressure of the gaseous refrigerant and discharges the gaseous refrigerant with the increased pressure.

The condenser 11_2 exchanges heat with the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 120 with surrounding air or cooling water, thereby releasing heat from the gaseous refrigerant. At this time, the gaseous refrigerant releases heat and condenses to liquefy. The air heated by the heat released during this process is discharged to the outside through a blower (not shown). Then, the liquefied refrigerant flows into the indoor unit (12).

Looking at the configuration of the indoor unit 12, the expansion valve 12_1 serves to lower the pressure of the liquefied refrigerant. That is, the expansion valve 12_1 lowers the pressure of the liquefied refrigerant so that evaporation easily occurs 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. Next, the heat-exchanged gaseous refrigerant moves to the compressor (11_1). Through repetition of this refrigerant circulation process, the refrigerant evaporated from the evaporator 12_2 plays the role of lowering the indoor air.

In one embodiment according to the technical spirit of the present application, the light source module 100 is provided in the evaporator 12_2. The light source module 100 radiates ultraviolet rays having a sterilizing effect to the evaporator 12_2, thereby sterilizing bacteria or mold around the evaporator 12_2.

In more detail, as shown in FIG. 1B, the evaporator 12_2 generally has a plurality of heat exchange plates arranged side by side with a small gap between them. For example, the gap between heat exchange plates may be 1 to 2 mm in the case of a small air conditioner. In this way, because the gap between the heat exchange plates of the evaporator 12_2 is quite narrow, the water droplets do not flow down in the direction of gravity but remain in place due to the surface tension of the water droplets, which prevents bacteria and Mold, etc. may grow.

In order to perform a sterilization operation on bacteria, mold, etc., the light source module 100 according to an embodiment of the present application performs a sterilization operation on the evaporator 12_2. In particular, the light source module 100 is installed in the evaporator 12_2 so as to radiate ultraviolet rays toward the space space between the plurality of heat exchange plates and at the same time occupy a minimum amount of space. For example, the light source module 100 includes a fastening part extending in a direction perpendicular to the substrate on which the light source is mounted, and the fastening part is inserted into and coupled to the gap between the plurality of heat exchange plates, so that the light source module ( 100) may be installed in the evaporator (12_2).

As described above, the air conditioning system 10 according to the embodiment of the present application includes a light source module 100 for performing a sterilization operation on the evaporator 12_2, and the light source module 100 is connected to the evaporator 12_2. It is installed and irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the space between the plurality of heat exchange plates. Therefore, the air conditioning system 10 according to the embodiment of the present application can sterilize bacteria, mold, etc. that have grown in the evaporator 12_2. In addition, the light source module 100 according to the embodiment of the present application is installed in close contact with the evaporator 12_2, thereby maintaining maximum sterilizing power, and at the same time, miniaturization is possible because a separate space for installing the light source module 100 is not required. There is an advantage.

Meanwhile, it will be understood that the above description is illustrative and that the technical idea of the present application can be applied and applied in various ways. Hereinafter, various application examples and application examples of the present application will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

Figure 2 is a diagram briefly showing the 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 cross-sectional view of the air conditioner 20 of FIG. 2A taken along the line I-I'.

2A and 2B, the air conditioner 20 includes a body 21, an air inlet 22, an evaporator 23, an air circulator 24, an air outlet 25, and a light source module 200. .

The body 21 forms the exterior of the air conditioner 20. For example, the body 21 may be an indoor unit of a wall-mounted air conditioner. However, this is an example, and the body 21 may be an indoor unit of a stand-type air conditioner or an indoor unit of a system air conditioner.

The air inlet 22 provides a passage for indoor air to flow into the air conditioner 20. Air introduced into the air conditioner 20 through the air inlet 22 is provided to the evaporator 23. The evaporator 23 performs a heat exchange operation on the air introduced inside. That is, the introduced air transfers heat to the refrigerant vaporized in the evaporator 23, and this lowers the temperature of the introduced air. Low-temperature air is guided to the air outlet 25 by the air circulator 24, and is discharged back into the room through the air outlet 25.

In an embodiment according to the technical idea of the present application, the light source module 200 is provided in the evaporator 23. The light source module 200 is installed in close contact with the evaporator 23 and performs a sterilization operation on the evaporator 23.

Meanwhile, although not shown, a filtration filter for filtering fine particles such as dust may be additionally provided on the front of the evaporator 23, that is, between the evaporator 23 and the air inlet 22. In addition, a deodorizing filter that deodorizes the introduced air may be additionally provided on the back of the evaporator 23, that is, between the evaporator 23 and the body 21.

In addition, although not shown, in another embodiment of the present application, the air conditioner 20 may additionally include a photocatalyst layer for a photocatalytic 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, a photocatalyst material may be coated on a plurality of plates of the evaporator 23, and the light source of the light source module 200 may irradiate ultraviolet rays toward the area coated with the photocatalyst material. In this case, the deodorizing and sterilizing effects can be further increased by decomposing organic compounds and sterilizing bacteria through a photocatalytic reaction.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the light source module 200 of FIG. 2. Specifically, FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of the light source module 200, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A'.

Referring to FIGS. 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 housing 210 forms the exterior of the light source module 200. The housing 210 provides a space therein to accommodate the board 240 and the light source 230 and connector 260 mounted on the front of the board 240. Additionally, the housing 210 is provided with a fastening portion 220 to be inserted between a plurality of heat exchange plates included in the evaporator 23.

For example, as shown in Figure 3b, the housing 210 can be divided into an upper housing 211 and a lower housing 212, and the upper housing 211 and the lower housing 212 are connected through a hook connection. can be combined with each other. For example, a locking portion 213_1 extending along the longitudinal direction may be formed in the upper housing 213, and a locking groove 213_2 through which the locking portion 213_1 is hooked may be formed in the lower housing 212. It can be. However, this is an example, and the upper housing 211 and the lower housing 212 may be coupled through various coupling methods such as a screw coupling method, a fitting coupling method, and a screw coupling method.

Housing 210 may be made of various materials. The housing 210 may be made of polymer resin, but is not limited thereto, and may be made of another durable material that can accommodate the light source 210 and the substrate 220. The housing 210 may be made of a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel. Additionally, the housing 210 may be made of one material or two or more materials. For example, the lower housing 210 may be made of a metal such as aluminum, and the upper housing 210 may be made of a polymer resin.

The fastening portion 220 is formed on the lower surface of the housing 210, particularly the lower housing 212. For example, the fastening part 200 may be formed to extend along a direction perpendicular to a surface extending along the substrate 240. As will be described in FIG. 9, the fastening portion 220 is provided in a direction parallel to the plurality of heat exchange plates of the evaporator 23, and is accordingly fitted into the space between the plurality of heat exchange plates. You can.

For example, the fastening portion 220 may be formed to be symmetrically disposed on both edges of the lower housing 212 . For example, as shown, the fastening part 220 includes a first fastening part 221 and a second fastening part 222, and the first fastening part 221 and the second fastening part 222 are They may be formed to face each other at both edges of the lower housing 212.

Additionally, the first and second fastening portions 221 and 222 may each include a plurality of fastening legs. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the first and second fastening parts may each be formed to include three fastening legs. However, this is an example, and the shape, shape, 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 mounted on the substrate 240 and irradiates ultraviolet rays. For example, the light source 230 may emit ultraviolet rays that have a sterilizing effect toward the evaporator 23. For example, the light source 230 may be a light emitting diode chip that emits ultraviolet rays in a wavelength range of 200 nm to 280 nm, which is the UVC region. However, this is an example, and if the emitted ultraviolet rays have a sterilizing effect, the type and emission wavelength of the light source 230 are not limited.

The light source 230 may be installed on the substrate 240 in the form of a metal can capable of surface mounting or an injection-type lead frame package, or may be installed in a form capable of through hole mounting. In addition, the light source 230 can be mounted as a bare chip or flip chip type, which can be used to form a chip-on-board (COB) package, and can be installed on an intermediate substrate (used to improve heat dissipation characteristics or electrical characteristics). It can also be installed as attached to a sub-mount.

The substrate 240 extends in one direction, and the light source 230 is mounted on its front surface. The substrate 240 is electrically connected to the light source 230 and can provide power supplied from the outside to the light source 230. To this end, a connector 260 for supplying external power may be additionally mounted on the front of the board 240.

The substrate 240 may be, for example, a circuit board, a printed circuit board (PCB), a metal substrate, or a ceramic substrate. However, this is an example, and the type and material of the substrate 240 are not particularly limited as long as it can be electrically connected to the light source 230. In addition, the substrate 240 is a plate having a predetermined thickness and strength so that bending deformation does not occur due to the self-weight of the substrate 240 and the weight of the light source 230 while at least one of both ends in the longitudinal direction is supported. It can be formed in a (plate) shape.

The transparent portion 250 is disposed in an opening formed in the lower housing 212. For example, the transparent portion 250 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the opening formed in the lower housing 212. For example, when the opening in the lower housing 212 is formed in a square shape, the transparent portion 250 may also be formed in a square shape. However, this is an example, and the shape of the transparent portion 250 is not particularly limited.

The transparent portion 250 is formed using a material that transmits ultraviolet rays so that ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 230 can be irradiated to the outside of the light source module 200. For example, the transparent member 140 is made of at least one of quartz, fused silica, poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin, and fluorine-based polymer resin. can be formed.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing the light source module 200_1 according to another embodiment of the present application. Specifically, Figure 4a is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of the light source module 200'. FIG. 4B is an exploded perspective view of the light source module 200' of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the light source module 200' of FIG. 4A taken along the line A1-A1'.

The light source module 200_1 in FIG. 4 is the light source in FIG. 3. Similar to module 200. Accordingly, identical or similar components are indicated using identical or similar reference numbers, and identical or similar descriptions will be omitted below for brevity.

Referring to FIGS. 4A to 4C, the light source module 200_1 includes a housing 210, a first fastening part 221, a second fastening part 222, a light source 230, a substrate 240, and a transparent part 250. ) includes.

The housing 210 forms the exterior of the light source module 200_1 and has a space inside to accommodate the board 240 and the light source 230 and connectors 260a and 260b mounted on the front of the board 240. to provide. Housing 210 includes an upper housing 211 and a lower housing 212.

The upper housing 211 includes a first reinforcing member 211a and a second reinforcing member 211b. The first reinforcing member 211a and the second reinforcing member 211b increase the structural rigidity of the upper housing 211. For example, as shown in Figure 4b, the first reinforcing member 211a and the second reinforcing member 211b have a shape that protrudes from the upper surface of the upper housing 211 and intersect each other, and thus the upper housing (211a) 211) can distribute the external force applied in the horizontal or longitudinal direction. However, this is an example, and the first reinforcing member 211a and the second reinforcing member 211b may be provided in various shapes other than orthogonal shapes.

A plurality of first reinforcing members 211a and a plurality of second reinforcing members 211b may each be provided. For example, the number of first reinforcing members 211a and second reinforcing members 211b formed in the upper housing 211 may be appropriately adjusted depending on the size of the light source module 200_1. For example, the larger the upper housing 211, the more first and second reinforcing members 211a and 211a can be provided, and thus the structural rigidity of the upper housing 211 can be guaranteed.

Meanwhile, the first reinforcing member 211a and the second reinforcing member 211b may have a step corresponding to the shape of the substrate 240, as shown in FIG. 4b. In this case, the substrate 240 can be stably seated in the upper housing 211 by the step formed in the first reinforcing member 211a and the second reinforcing member 211b. Accordingly, the substrate 240 can be prevented from shaking not only in the longitudinal direction but also in the horizontal direction.

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

For example, the opening side wall 212h may have an inclined shape. When the opening side wall 212h is formed in an inclined shape, the opening may have a shape that tapers toward the light source 230. Since the opening has a tapered shape, the light emitted from the light source 230 is not blocked by the lower housing 212 and can be emitted at a wide beam angle.

The opening upper surface 212e is formed to be substantially parallel to the upper surface of the upper housing 211 and is provided at one end of the opening side wall 212h. The upper surface 212e of the opening has a flat shape, as shown in FIG. 4C, and thus the transparent portion 250 can be stably seated on the lower housing 212. The upper surface 212e of the opening 212e and the side wall 212h of the opening 212h are connected to each other and provided as one piece.

The locking portion 213_1 and the locking groove 213_2 combine and secure the upper housing 211 and the lower housing 212. The locking portion 213_1 and the locking groove 213_2 are formed on one side of the upper housing 211 and the lower housing 212, respectively, and couple the upper housing 211 and the lower housing 211 using a hook coupling method. However, this is an example, and the upper housing 211 and the lower housing 212 may be coupled through various coupling methods such as a screw coupling method, a fitting coupling method, and a screw coupling method.

The through holes 215 and 215' provide a passage for the wires connected to the connectors 260a and 260b to be brought out to the outside. For example, the light source module 200_1 may include a first through hole 215 and a second through hole 215' provided at positions facing each other.

External power may be supplied to the light source module 200_1 through a wire drawn out through the first through hole 215 or the second through hole 215'. In addition, the wire drawn out through the first through hole 215 and/or the second through hole 215' may be provided to another light source module adjacent to the light source module 200_1, and thus the two light source modules may be electrically connected to each other. can be connected to each other.

For example, to explain in more detail, the wire drawn out through the first through hole 215 may be connected to an external power source, and the wire drawn out through the second through hole 215' may be connected to an adjacent light source module. . As another example, the wire drawn out through the first through hole 215 and the wire drawn out through the second through hole 215' may each be electrically connected to different light source modules adjacent to the light source module 200_1.

First and second through holes 215 and 215' may be provided on both sides of the housing 210. For example, a first through hole 215 may be provided on one side of the housing 210, and a second through hole 215' may be provided on the other side of the housing 210.

Additionally, the first through hole 215 and the second through hole 215' may be formed by combining the upper housing 211 and the lower housing 212. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, the upper part 215a of the first through hole provided in the upper housing 211 and the lower part 215b of the first through hole provided in the lower housing 212 are combined to form a first through hole. (215) can be formed.

The first fastening part 221 and the second fastening part 222 fix the light source module 200_1 to the evaporator. The first fastening part 221 and the second fastening part 222 are provided integrally with the lower housing 212 and may include a plurality of fastening legs extending along the direction of light emission from the light source 230. For example, the first fastening part 221 may include three fastening legs 221_1, 221_2, and 221_3, and the second fastening part 222 may include three fastening legs 222_1, 222_2, and 222_3. may include.

The substrate 240 extends in one direction, and the light source 230 is mounted on the front. The substrate 240 is provided between the upper housing 211 and the lower housing 212. For example, as shown in FIG. 4C, the substrate 240 is attached to the first and second reinforcing members 211a and 211b formed in the upper housing 211 and the opening side wall 212h formed in the lower housing 212. can be fixed by In this case, the substrate 240 is seated to fit the steps formed in the first reinforcing member 211a and the second reinforcing member 211, so that it can be fixed without shaking in the horizontal direction.

The transparent portion 250 is provided on the lower housing 212 and transmits light emitted from the light source 230. For example, as shown in FIG. 4C, the transparent portion 250 may be provided to be seated on the upper surface 212e of the opening and cover the opening. In this case, since the transparent portion 250 is disposed outside the housing 210 rather than inside the housing 210, a structure for supporting the transparent portion 250 is not formed inside the housing 210. Accordingly, the longitudinal size of the lower housing 212 may be reduced. And, as the longitudinal size of the lower housing 212 becomes smaller, the distance between the evaporator 23 where the sterilization operation is performed and the light source 230 becomes shorter, and ultimately, the sterilizing power of the light source module 200_1 can be increased. .

The adhesive member 251 adheres the transparent portion 250 and the lower housing 212. For example, the adhesive member 251 may be provided on the upper surface 212e of the opening to adhere the upper surface 212e of the opening 212e and the transparent portion 250. In this case, the adhesive member 251 may be provided in a shape corresponding to the upper surface 212e of the opening. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the upper surface 212e of the opening has a square ring shape, the adhesive member 251 may also be provided in a corresponding square ring shape.

Meanwhile, the adhesive member 251 can provide a waterproof function to the light source module 200 by sealing and adhering the transparent portion 250 and the lower housing 212. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent water or moisture from penetrating between the transparent portion 250 and the lower housing 212.

The adhesive member 251 is made of acrylic resin, acrylic resin anaerobic, acrylic emulsion, polyurethane resin, urethane emulsion, and polyurethane resin hot melt ( Polyurethane Hot melt, TPU), Reactive hot melt adhesive (R-HM), Ethercellulose, Ethylene-Vinylacetate copolymer eulsion, Ethylene-Vinylacetate copolymer Hot melt ), Epoxy resin, Epoxy emulsion, Polyvinyl Chloride solvent type, Polychloroprene rubber, α-cyanoacrylate, Silicone adhesives ), and can be manufactured using various materials such as modified silicone adhesives.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the light source module 200_2 according to another embodiment of the present application.

The light source module 200_2 in FIG. 5 is similar to the light source module 200_1 in FIG. 4 . Accordingly, identical or similar components are indicated using identical or similar reference numbers, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted below for brevity.

Compared to the light source module 200_1 of FIG. 4, the light source module 200_2 of FIG. 5 has a transparent portion 250 of a smaller size. Additionally, the transparent portion 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. 4.

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

In addition, since the size of the upper surface 212e of the opening 212e of FIG. 5 where the transparent part 250 is seated is smaller than the upper surface of the opening 212e of FIG. 4, the size of the transparent part 250 provided on the upper surface 212e of the opening 212e of FIG. 5 is It is smaller than the transparent part in Figure 4. Accordingly, the possibility of water or moisture penetrating between the transparent portion 250 and the lower housing 212 is reduced, and the waterproof performance of the light source module 200_2 can be improved.

Meanwhile, similar to FIG. 4, the longitudinal size of the lower housing 212 of the light source module 200_2 of FIG. 5 may be formed to be small, and accordingly, the evaporator 23 and the light source 230 on which the sterilization operation will be performed Since the distance between them is short, the sterilizing power of the light source module 200_2 can be improved.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the light source module 200_3 according to another embodiment of the present application.

The light source module 200_3 in FIG. 6 is similar to the light source modules 200_1 and 200_2 in FIGS. 4 and 5. Accordingly, identical or similar components are indicated using identical or similar reference numbers, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted below for brevity.

Unlike the light source modules 200_1 and 200_2 of FIGS. 4 and 5, the transparent portion 250 of the light source module 200_3 of FIG. 6 is provided inside the housing 210. Specifically, the transparent part 250 is provided between the upper housing 211 and the lower housing 212, and the light source module 200_3 provides the transparent part 250 between the upper housing 211 and the lower housing 212. It may further include a support part 214 and a pressing member 217 for fixation.

The support portion 214 may fix the substrate 240 together with the first reinforcing member 211a. For example, the support portion 214 is provided integrally with the lower housing 212 and may be 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 are connected to the light source through the through holes 215 and 215' through the openings formed in the bridge-shaped support portion 214. It can be withdrawn out of the module 200_3.

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

By including the support portion 214 and the pressing member 217, the structural stability and rigidity of the light source module 200 can be improved. Additionally, by providing the transparent portion 250 inside the housing 210, the possibility of the transparent portion 250 being damaged by external impact can be reduced.

In addition, compared to the light source modules 200_1 and 200_2 of FIGS. 4 and 5, the light source module 200_3 of FIG. 6 further includes a pressing member 217 extending in the longitudinal direction, thereby allowing the sterilization operation to be performed. The distance between the evaporator 23 and the light source 230 may be as long as the longitudinal length of the pressing member 217. Ultimately, as the distance between the object to be sterilized and the light source 230 increases, sterilization can be performed on a larger area.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the 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 FIGS. 4 to 6. Accordingly, identical or similar components are indicated using identical or similar reference numbers, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted below for brevity.

Referring to FIG. 7, the transparent portion 250 is provided outside the housing 210 and may be fixed to the opening side wall 212h by hook coupling.

In more detail, the opening side wall 212h may be composed of an upper end 2121 of the opening side wall and a lower end 2122 of the opening side wall. The upper end of the opening side wall 2121 and the lower end of the opening side wall 2122 may be formed in the shape of a tong or hook.

The lower end of the opening side wall 2122 is provided between the substrate 240 and the transparent portion 250. The bottom 2122 of the side wall of the opening fixes the substrate 240 together with the first reinforcing member 211a, and at the same time fixes the transparent portion 250 together with the top 2121 of the side wall of the opening.

The top 2121 of the opening side wall fixes the transparent portion 250 together with the bottom 2122 of the opening side wall. The top of the opening side wall 2121 can be formed using a soft material, and thus the transparent portion 250 can be easily fitted between the top of the opening side wall 2121 and the bottom of the opening side wall 2122 without any special equipment. . In this case, since the hook-shaped opening side wall 212h firmly fixes the transparent portion 250, the transparent portion 250 can be fixed on the housing 210 without an adhesive member. 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 lowered.

Meanwhile, the top 2121 of the side wall of the opening may be formed to have an inclination that is the same as or similar to the beam angle of the light source 230. Accordingly, ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 230 can be radiated out of the light source module 200_4 without being blocked by the top 2121 of the side wall of the opening, and ultimately, sterilizing power can be improved.

FIG. 8A shows a cross-section of the light source 230 according to an embodiment of the present application, and FIG. 8B shows a cross-section taken along the cutting line A-B-B'-A' of FIG. 8A. Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the light source 230 according to an embodiment of the present application is a mesa including a first conductivity type semiconductor layer 1111, an active layer 1112, and a second conductivity type semiconductor layer 1113. (M), may include a first insulating layer 1130, a first electrode 1140, and a second insulating layer 1150, and may further include a growth substrate 1100 and a second electrode 1120. You can.

The growth substrate 1100 is not limited as long as it is a substrate capable of growing the first conductive semiconductor layer 1111, the active layer 1112, and the second conductive semiconductor layer 1113, for example, a sapphire substrate, silicon It may be a carbide substrate, gallium nitride substrate, aluminum nitride substrate, silicon substrate, etc. A side surface of the growth substrate 1100 may include an inclined surface, and thus extraction of light generated in the active layer 1112 may be improved.

The second conductive semiconductor layer 1113 may be disposed on the first conductive semiconductor layer 1111, and the active layer 1112 may be disposed on the first conductive semiconductor layer 1111 and the second conductive semiconductor layer 1113. It can be placed in between. The first conductivity type semiconductor layer 1111, the active layer 1112, and the second conductivity type semiconductor layer 1113 may include a III-V series compound semiconductor, for example, (Al, Ga, In)N. It may include a nitride-based semiconductor such as. The first conductivity type semiconductor layer 1111 may include an n-type impurity (e.g., Si), and the second conductivity type semiconductor layer 1113 may include a p-type impurity (e.g., Mg). there is. Also, the opposite may be true. The active layer 1112 may include a multi-quantum well structure (MQM). 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 semiconductor layer 1111, the active layer 1112, and the second conductive semiconductor layer 1113 are grown on a growth substrate ( 1100) can be grown on.

The light source 230 may include at least one mesa (M) including an active layer 1112 and a second conductive semiconductor layer 1113. The mesa (M) may include a plurality of protrusions, and the plurality of protrusions may be spaced apart from each other. It is not limited to this, and the light source 230 may include a plurality of mesas (M) spaced apart from each other. The side of the mesa (M) can be formed to be inclined by using a technique such as photoresist reflow, and the inclined side of the mesa (M) can improve the efficiency of light emission generated in the active layer 112.

The first conductive 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 semiconductor layer 1113 disposed on the first conductive semiconductor layer 1111, the portion excluding the mesa (M) is the first conductive semiconductor layer. This becomes a contact area, which is the exposed upper surface of the type semiconductor layer 1111. The first electrode 1140 may be electrically connected to the first conductive semiconductor layer 1111 by contacting the first contact region R1 and the second contact region R2. The first contact region R1 may be disposed around the mesa M along the outer edge of the first conductive semiconductor layer 1111. Specifically, the first contact region R1 may be disposed around the mesa M and the side of the light source 230. It may be disposed along the outer edge of the upper surface of the conductive semiconductor layer. The second contact area R2 may be at least partially surrounded by the mesa M.

The length of the second contact region R2 in the major axis direction may be 0.5 times or more than the length of one side of the light source 230. In this case, the contact area between the first electrode 1140 and the first conductive semiconductor layer 1111 may increase, so that the current flowing from the first electrode 1140 to the first conductive semiconductor layer 1111 is more effective. It can be distributed, so the forward voltage can be further reduced.

The second electrode 1120 is disposed on the second conductive semiconductor layer 1113 and can be electrically connected to the second conductive semiconductor layer 1113. The second electrode 1120 is formed on the mesa (M) and may have the same shape as the mesa (M). The second electrode 1120 includes a reflective metal layer 1121 and may further include a barrier metal layer 1122, and the barrier metal layer 1122 may cover the top and side surfaces of the reflective metal layer 1121. For example, by forming a pattern of the reflective metal layer 1121 and forming the barrier metal layer 1122 thereon, the barrier metal layer 1122 may be formed to cover the top and 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, or TiO/Ag layers.

Meanwhile, the barrier metal layer 1122 may be formed of Ni, Cr, Ti, Pt, Au, or a composite layer thereof, and specifically, sequentially Ni/Ag/[Ni/ It may be a composite layer formed of [Ti]2/Au/Ti, and more specifically, at least a portion of the upper surface of the second electrode 1120 may include a Ti layer with a thickness of 300 Å. When the area of the upper surface of the second electrode 1120 in contact with the first insulating layer is made of a Ti layer, the adhesion between the first insulating layer 1130 and the second electrode 1120 is improved, and the reliability of the light source 230 is improved. It can be improved.

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

The first insulating layer 1130 may be disposed between the first electrode 1140 and the mesa (M). Through the first insulating layer 1130, the first electrode 1140 and the mesa (M) may be insulated, and the first electrode 1140 and the second electrode 1120 may be insulated. The first insulating layer 1130 may partially expose the first contact area (R1) and the second contact area (R2). Specifically, the first insulating layer 1130 may expose a portion of the second contact region (R2) through the opening 1130a, and the first insulating layer 1130 may expose a portion of the first conductive semiconductor layer 1111. Only a portion of the first contact region R1 may be covered between the outer edge and the mesa M, thereby exposing at least a portion of the first contact region R1.

The first insulating layer 1130 may be disposed on the second contact region R2 and along the outer edge of the second contact region R2. At the same time, the first insulating layer 1130 may be disposed closer to the mesa (M) than the area where the first contact region (R1) and the first electrode 1140 are in contact.

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

The area where the first contact area R1 and the first electrode 140 are in contact is disposed along the entire outer edge of the upper surface of the first conductivity type semiconductor layer. Specifically, the area where the first contact region (R1) and the first electrode 1140 contact each other may be disposed adjacent to all four sides of the first conductive semiconductor layer 1111, and may completely surround the mesa (M). You can. In this case, the contact area between the first electrode 1140 and the first conductive semiconductor layer 1111 may increase, so that the current flowing from the first electrode 1140 to the first conductive semiconductor layer 1111 is more effective. It can be distributed, so the forward voltage can be further reduced.

In one embodiment of the present application, the first electrode 1140 and the second electrode 1120 of the light source 230 may be mounted on the substrate 240 directly or through a pad.

For example, when 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 each of the two pads may have its own It may be in contact with the first electrode 1140 and the second electrode 1120. For example, the pad may be solder or Eutectic Metal, but is not limited thereto. For example, AuSn can be used as the eutectic metal.

As another example, when the light source 230 is directly mounted on 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 material may include an adhesive material with conductive properties. For example, the bonding material may include at least one conductive material selected from silver (Ag), tin (Sn), and copper (Cu). However, this is an example, and the bonding material may include various conductive materials.

As described above, the growth substrate 1100 of the light source 230 of the present application is disposed 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 diagram briefly showing the light source modules 200 and 200_1 to 200_4 of FIGS. 3 to 7 installed in the evaporator 23.

As shown in FIG. 9, fastening parts 221_2 and 222_2 extending in a direction perpendicular to the substrate 240 are formed on the lower surface of the lower housing 212, and the fastening parts 221_2 and 222_2 are connected to the evaporator 23. ) is inserted and fixed in the space between the plurality of heat exchange plates included in the. In this case, the fastening parts 221_2 and 222_2 and the plurality of heat exchange plates may be arranged parallel to each other, and thus the contact area may increase so that the light source module 200 can be stably fixed to the evaporator 23. there is.

With the light source modules 200, 200_1 to 200_4 fixed to the evaporator 23, when power is supplied from the outside, a sterilization operation of the light source modules 200, 200_1 to 200_4 is performed. That is, the wire 1 can be pulled out through the through hole 215 formed in the upper housing 211, and external power can be supplied to the light source module 200 through the wire 1. In this case, ultraviolet rays are emitted from the light source 230 of the light source modules 200 and 200_1 to 200_4, and the ultraviolet rays are provided to the evaporator 23 through the transparent portion 250.

In this case, the sterilizing area (A) sterilized by ultraviolet rays may vary depending on the beam angle of the light source 230. For example, if the light source 230 has a beam angle (Q) of a predetermined angle, the sterilization area (A) may be proportional to the beam angle (Q).

In one embodiment of the present application, as previously described in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the growth substrate 1100 of the light source 230 may be mounted in a direction opposite to the substrate 240. That is, the light source 230 may be mounted on the substrate 240 in a flip chip form. In this case, since ultraviolet rays are emitted by passing through the growth substrate 1100, the beam angle of ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 230 may be larger than that of a general light source. Ultimately, the light source 230 according to the embodiment of the present application may have a larger beam angle compared to the general case, and accordingly, the sterilization area A of the evaporator 23 may become wider.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing 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 module 200 of FIGS. 3 to 9. Accordingly, identical or similar components are indicated using identical or similar reference numbers, and repeated descriptions will be omitted below for brevity.

Compared to the light source modules 200 and 200_1 to 200_4 of FIGS. 3 to 9, the light source module 200' of FIG. 10 is implemented to have a wider sterilization area (B). To this end, the light source module 200' of FIG. 10 may be implemented so that the distance d1 between the light source 230 and the transparent portion 250 is minimized. Additionally, a spacer 216 may be provided to form a predetermined separation distance d2 between the lower housing 212 and the evaporator 23.

First, in order to have a wider sterilization area B, the light source module 200' of FIG. 10 may be implemented so that the distance d1 between the light source 230 and the transparent portion 250 is minimized. In this case, the length of the support portion 214' in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 240 may be implemented to be shorter than that of FIG. 9 .

To explain in more detail, the beam angle (Q, see FIG. 9) of the light source generally refers to the angle at which the amount of ultraviolet rays is 50% based on the point where the amount of light is maximum. Accordingly, ultraviolet rays can be irradiated from the light source even to areas located at angles outside the beam angle Q. If the transparent portion 250 is not formed sufficiently large, ultraviolet rays irradiated to areas outside the beam angle Q are lost by hitting the inner surface of the housing. However, making the transparent portion 250 larger is difficult due to problems such as increased manufacturing costs and reduced housing strength.

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

Additionally, in order to have a wider sterilization area B, a spacer 216 may be provided to form a predetermined separation distance d2 between the lower housing 212 and the evaporator 23. The spacer 216 not only prevents the sterilization area from being narrowed by direct contact of the transparent portion 250 with the evaporator 23, but also maintains appropriate sterilization power.

To explain in more detail, if the transparent part 250 of the light source module 200' is installed to directly contact the evaporator 23, ultraviolet rays are irradiated only to the heat exchange plates in contact with the transparent part, narrowing the sterilization area. there is a problem. Additionally, if the light source module 200' is spaced too far from the evaporator 23, there is a problem that the sterilizing power is lowered below an appropriate level.

In order to prevent such a reduction in the sterilizing area and a decrease in sterilizing power, a spacer 216 that forms a predetermined separation distance d2 may be provided between the lower housing 212 and the evaporator 23. For example, the length d2 of the spacer 216 in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 240 may be shorter than the length of the fastening portions 221 and 222, but may be set to a length that maintains appropriate sterilizing power. In addition, to form a separation space between the evaporator 23 and the lower housing 212, the width of the spacer 216 in the direction parallel to the substrate 240 is greater than the separation distance between adjacent heat exchange plates. It can be formed as follows.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing 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 and 200_1 to 200_4 of FIGS. 3 to 9. Accordingly, identical or similar components are indicated using identical or similar reference numbers, and repeated descriptions will be omitted below for brevity.

While the light source modules 200 and 200_1 to 200_4 of FIGS. 3 to 9 include one light source 230, the light source module 200'' of FIG. 11 includes a plurality of light source modules 230_1 and 230_2. do. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, two light sources 230_1 and 230_2 may be mounted on the substrate 240 of the light source module 230''. However, this is an example, and three or more light sources may be mounted on the light source module 230''.

Additionally, the light source module 230'' may include a plurality of transparent portions 250_1 and 250_2 corresponding to each of the plurality of light source modules 230_1 and 230_2. 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 an example, and the light source module 230'' may include one transparent portion. In this case, for example, the length of the one transparent portion in a direction parallel to the substrate 240 may be long enough to cover the ultraviolet rays emitted from the first and second light sources 230_1 and 230_2. . As another example, the light source module 230'' may include three or more transparent parts.

As described above, the light source module 200'' is implemented 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 on a wider area. You can.

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing 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 and 200_1 to 200_4 of FIGS. 3 to 9. Accordingly, identical or similar components are indicated using identical or similar reference numbers, and repeated descriptions will be omitted below for brevity.

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 that are electrically connected to each other.

In this case, each of the sub light source modules 200_1 and 200_2 may have a through hole on one side and/or the other side of the housing, and may be electrically connected to each other through a wire drawn through the through hole. For example, a through hole 215_1 may be formed on one side of the first sub light source module 200_1, and power may be supplied to the first sub light source module through the wire 1 drawn through the through hole 215_1. It may be provided at (200_1).

A through hole (not shown) may be formed on one side of the second sub light source module 200_2, and the first and second sub light source modules 200_1 and 200_2 may be electrically connected to each other through a wire drawn through the through hole. It can be connected to . In addition, a through hole 215_2 may be formed on the other side 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 wire 1 drawn through the through hole 215_2. ) can be provided.

As described above, since the light source module 200''' includes a plurality of sub-light source modules, sterilization can be performed on a wider area.

Meanwhile, in FIG. 12, a plurality of sub light source modules are shown as being connected in series to each other, but the technical idea of the present application is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of sub light source modules may be connected in parallel to each other, and may be electrically connected using a mixture of series and parallel connections.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an air conditioner 30 and a light source module 300 installed in the air conditioner 30 according to an embodiment of the present application. Specifically, FIG. 13A is a diagram briefly showing the light source module 300 movable along the guide rails 36_1 and 36_2 installed in the evaporator 33, and FIG. 13B shows a cross section cut along the B-B' cutting line of FIG. 13A. This is a cross-sectional view.

The air conditioner 30 and light source module 300 of FIG. 13 are similar to the light source modules 200 and 200_1 to 200_4 of FIGS. 3 to 9. Accordingly, identical or similar components are indicated using identical or similar reference numbers, and repeated descriptions will be omitted below for brevity.

Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, a guide rail 36 is installed in the evaporator 33. For example, the guide rail 36 may be installed in a direction parallel to the direction in which the plurality of heat exchange plates of the evaporator 33 extend. However, this is an example, and the guide rail 36 may be installed in various directions, such as a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of heat exchange plates extend.

The light source module 300 is seated on the guide rail 36. For example, as shown in FIG. 13B, the fastening parts 321_1 and 321_2 of the light source module 300 may be inserted into and fastened to the guide grooves 36_11 and 36_21 formed in the guide rails 36_1 and 36_2, respectively. . In this case, the guide grooves 36_11 and 36_21 may be formed by having a depressed surface as shown, but the guide grooves 36_11 and 36_21 are not limited thereto. For example, the guide grooves 36_11 and 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 sides thereof. In this way, the guide grooves 36_11 and 36_21 may be formed in various shapes.

The light source module 300 is implemented to be movable along the guide rail 36. For example, a roller to reduce friction may be installed at each of the fastening parts 321_1 and 321_2 of the light source module 300, and during the sterilization operation, the light source module 300 moves along the guide rail 36 to sterilize. The action can be performed. Accordingly, the sterilizing area (C) sterilized by the light source module 300 widens dramatically along the direction in which the guide rail 36 extends.

Meanwhile, the sterilization operation of the light source module 300 may be performed periodically or aperiodically. For example, the light source module 300 may perform a sterilization operation while periodically moving along the guide rail 36 based on a predetermined time period. As another example, the light source module 300 may perform a sterilization operation when the power supply to the air conditioner 30 is turned off.

Figure 14 is a block diagram briefly showing the overall configuration of the 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. 13 . 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. 13, and therefore repeated descriptions will be omitted below for brevity.

Referring to FIG. 14, the air conditioner 40 includes an evaporator 43, a light source module 400, an auxiliary power 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 installed on one side of the evaporator 43, and the guide rail 36 provides a path along which the light source module 400 can move.

The light source module 400 is installed in close contact with the evaporator 43. For example, the light source module 400 may be installed and seated on the guide rail 36 installed on the evaporator 43, and may perform a sterilization operation on the evaporator 43 while traveling back and forth along the guide rail 36. It can be implemented. 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 sterilizing effect toward the evaporator 43. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 13, the light source, the substrate on which the light source is mounted, and the transparent portion disposed toward the front of the light source may be referred to as the ultraviolet irradiation unit 410. However, this is an example, and only the light source may be referred to as the ultraviolet irradiation unit 410. As another example, the light source and substrate may be referred to as the ultraviolet irradiation unit 410. As another example, the light source, substrate, transparent portion, and housing may be referred to as the ultraviolet irradiation portion 410.

The moving unit 420 allows the light source module 400 to move along the guide rail 36. For example, the moving unit 420 may be implemented to include a small electrically driven motor and a wheel connected to the small motor. The moving part 420 is connected to the fastening parts 321_1 and 321_2 (see FIG. 13) of the light source module 400, allowing the light source module 400 to move along the guide rail 36.

The auxiliary power supply unit 430 supplies power to the light source module 400. In particular, during power-off when the supply of external power is cut off, the auxiliary power unit 430 serves to supply 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 capacitor, or a super capacitor.

The timer 440 checks the operating time of the air conditioner 40. For example, the timer 440 can check the time that the air conditioner 40 has been operating and provide the time to the control unit 450.

The control unit 450 controls the overall operation of the air conditioner 40. In particular, the control unit 450 controls the sterilization operation of the light source module 400 based on information about the air conditioner operation time provided from the timer 440 of the air conditioner 40 and information about whether the power source provided from the outside is turned off. You can.

For example, when the operation time of the air conditioner reaches a predetermined time period, the control unit 450 controls the light source module 400 to perform a sterilization operation. In particular, as described in FIG. 13, the light source module 400 may perform a sterilization operation while moving along the guide rail 36. After the sterilization operation is completed, the control unit 450 can reset the timer 440 again, and the timer 440 can check the air conditioner operation time again from the beginning.

As another example, when receiving a power-off signal that turns off power provided from the outside, the control unit 450 controls the auxiliary power unit 430 to provide power from the auxiliary power unit 430 to the light source module 400. Additionally, the control unit 450 controls the light source module 400 to perform a sterilization operation. In this case, similarly, the light source module 400 may perform a sterilization operation while moving along the guide rail 36.

As described above, the air conditioner 40 according to an embodiment of the present application may perform the sterilization operation periodically, and may also perform the sterilization operation aperiodically, such as when receiving a power-off signal. In this way, by allowing the air conditioner 40 to automatically perform a sterilization operation without an external command, the air conditioner 40 of the present application can further 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 provided to the air conditioner 40, and in step S120, the air conditioner 40 performs the operation. For example, the air conditioner 40 will perform a cooling operation after power is input.

In step S130, the timer 440 starts operating. For example, the timer 440 may check the operation time of the air conditioner 40 at the same time that power is supplied to the air conditioner 60 in response to the control of the control unit 450. As another example, the timer 440 may check the operation time of the air conditioner 60 after power is supplied to the air conditioner 40 and a predetermined time has elapsed.

In step S140, the control unit 450 determines whether the air conditioner operation time (Tc) provided by the timer 440 has reached a predetermined time period (Tr).

When the air conditioner operation time (Tc) reaches the predetermined time period (Tr), the control unit 450 controls the light source module 400 to perform a sterilization operation on the evaporator 43. That is, in step S150, the light source module 400 will perform a sterilization operation while moving along the guide rail installed in the evaporator 43. After the sterilization operation is completed, in step S150, the control unit 450 resets the timer 440. After this, the timer 440 starts checking the air conditioner operation time again.

In step S150, the control unit 450 determines whether the external power source is turned off. For example, the control unit 450 may receive information about whether external power is turned off based on a power-off signal received from the outside.

If the external power source is cut off, the control unit 450 controls the auxiliary power unit 430 and the light source module 400 to perform a sterilization operation on the evaporator 43. That is, in step S170, the auxiliary power unit 430 provides power to the light source module 400 in response to the control of the control unit 450. Thereafter, in step S180, the light source module 400 performs a sterilization operation while moving along the guide rail installed in the evaporator 43.

Meanwhile, if the external power is not cut off, the timer 440 will continue to check the operation time of the air conditioner.

Meanwhile, the above description is illustrative, and the technical idea of the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the operation sequence in FIG. 15 may partially change depending on the designer. For example, before step S140 of comparing the air conditioner operation time and a predetermined time period, step S145 of determining whether the external power source is turned off may be performed.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an air conditioner 50 and a light source module 500 installed in the air conditioner 50 according to an embodiment of the present application. Specifically, FIG. 16A is a diagram briefly showing the light source module 500 movable along the guide rail 36 installed in the evaporator 53, and FIG. 16B is a perspective view showing the light source module 500 of FIG. 16A in more detail. . Additionally, FIGS. 16C to 16E are cross-sectional views showing a cross section of the light source module 500 of FIG. 16B.

The air conditioner 50 and light source module 500 of FIG. 16 are similar to the air conditioner 30 and light source module 30 of FIG. 13 . Accordingly, identical or similar components are indicated using identical or similar reference numbers, and repeated descriptions will be omitted below for brevity.

First, referring to FIG. 16A, a guide rail 56 is installed in the evaporator 53. For example, the guide rail 56 may be installed in a direction parallel to the direction in which the plurality of heat exchange plates of the evaporator 53 extend. However, this is an example, and the guide rail 56 may be installed in various directions, such as a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of heat exchange plates extend. The light source module 500 is fastened to the guide rail 56 and may perform a sterilization operation periodically or non-periodically while moving along the guide rail 56.

In one embodiment of the present application, the light source module 500 includes a light source unit that emits ultraviolet rays, and the ultraviolet ray emission direction of the light source unit may vary depending on the direction of the light source unit. That is, the light source module 500 according to an embodiment of the present application provides a rotation function of the light source unit in which the direction of ultraviolet ray emission can be changed.

In this way, by implementing the ultraviolet ray emission direction of the light source unit to be variable, the light source module 500 according to the embodiment of the present application can perform a sterilization operation on a wider area. For example, as shown in FIG. 16A, the light source module 500 not only enables sterilization of the area D by controlling the light source unit to point toward the upper part 53_1 of the evaporator 53, but also enables sterilization of the evaporator 53. A sterilization operation for the area E can be performed by controlling the light source to point toward the lower part 53_2. In this case, the areas D and E may not overlap each other, so sterilization can be performed on a wider area.

Referring to Figure 16b, a light source module 500 is shown. The light source module 500 includes a housing 510 and a light source unit 520, and fastening parts 525_1 and 525_2 are formed in the housing 510 to be fastened to the guide groove of the guide rail 56.

The light source unit 520 includes a light source 521, a substrate 522, a protective tube 523 that protects the light source 520 and the substrate 522, and bases 524_1 and 524_2 provided at both ends of the protective tube 523. , has an overall cylindrical shape. The light source unit 520 can rotate based on the central axis of the cylinder. Accordingly, light is generally emitted in an upward direction, but the emission direction of light may change depending on whether the light source unit 520 is rotated.

The light source unit 520 is provided on one side of the housing 510. The housing 510 forms the exterior of the light source module 500 and provides a space within which the light source unit 520, a printed circuit board driving the light source unit 520, wiring, etc. can be placed.

The housing 510 is provided with a pivot ring, which is a ring-shaped structure that surrounds both ends of the light source unit 520 and supports the light source unit 520. The light source unit 520 is inserted into the pivot ring and fixed in a rotatable form therein. Additionally, the housing 510 is provided with a fastening member for fastening the light source module to an external component.

The housing 510 may be provided as an assembly of a plurality of parts fastened to each other. For example, the housing 510 includes an upper housing and a lower housing that face each other and are fastened together. However, housing 510 may be made of a larger number of parts.

The fastening portions 525_1 and 525_2 are formed in the upper housing and are inserted into the guide rail 56 to enable linear movement. However, this is an example, and the fastening portions 525_1 and 525_2 may be formed in either the upper housing 510 or the lower housing 120, taking into account the shape or arrangement of the external components to which they are fastened.

Referring to FIGS. 16C to 16E, the light source unit 520 can rotate along the pivot axis PV, which is the central axis in the longitudinal direction. When the light source unit 520 rotates, the light source 521 mounted therein may also rotate to the same degree as the rotation of the bases 524_1 and 524_2.

The bases 524_1 and 524_2 may be provided with a locking protrusion 531 that protrudes toward the side of the upper housing 510 along the direction of the light source unit 520. The locking protrusion 531 can rotate around the insertion protrusion 532 located on the pivot axis (PV) of the light source unit 520 as the light source unit 520 rotates.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a pair of stoppers ( 533) may be provided. The stopper 533 is disposed in a position to block the rotation direction of the locking step 531 to limit the rotation range of the locking step 531. At this time, the locking step 531 is provided between the pair of stoppers 533, and accordingly, when the locking step 531 rotates clockwise and counterclockwise, the stoppers 533 are blocked by each stopper 533. The rotation angle is limited in this way. The position of the stopper 533 may be set differently depending on the direction of light emitted from the light source unit 520 and the beam angle of the light emitted.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the shapes of the stopping protrusion 531 and the stopper 533 may be modified in various ways. For example, the locking protrusion 531 may extend radially from the insertion protrusion 532 when viewed in cross section, as shown. The surface of the locking protrusion 531 in contact with the pivot ring 110a may have the shape of a portion of a circle, for example, a semicircle, or an arc to facilitate rotation. However, the shape of the stopping protrusion 531 is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the movement can be blocked by the stopper 533, and the cross-sectional shape may have various shapes such as square, circle, oval, etc. . In addition, the stopper 533 is shown in the shape of a pair of bars as shown, but the stopper 533 is not limited to this as long as it has a shape that can prevent the rotation of the stopper 531.

FIG. 16C shows a state in which the light source unit 520 is not rotated, and the substrate 522 of the light source 521 is parallel to the bottom of the lower housing 120 when viewed in cross section. The light source 521 emits light vertically upward from the top surface of the light source module, that is, in the first direction D1.

FIG. 16D shows that the light source unit 520 is rotated as much as possible clockwise, and the substrate 522 of the light source 521 is inclined with respect to the bottom of the housing 100 when viewed in cross section. The light source unit 520 rotates clockwise until the stopper 533 catches the locking step 531. At this time, the light source 521 emits light in a direction inclined clockwise from the top perpendicular to the top surface of the light source module, that is, in the second direction D2.

Figure 16e shows the light source unit 520 rotated as far as possible counterclockwise, and the substrate 522 of the light source 521 is tilted in the opposite direction to Figure 16d. The light source unit 520 rotates counterclockwise until the stopper 533 catches the stopper 531. The light source 521 emits light in a direction inclined counterclockwise from the top perpendicular to the top surface of the light source module, that is, in the third direction D3.

Ultimately, according to one embodiment of the present invention, light can be emitted from the light source unit 520 within an angle formed by the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. Here, the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 are based only on the direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate 522 of the light source 521, so the angle at which the actual light is emitted is in the second direction D2 to D3. It should be understood that the angle between the third direction D3 is larger.

In the light source module according to an embodiment of the present invention having the above-described structure, the light source unit 520 can be rotated, and thus the direction of light emitted from the light source unit 520 can be adjusted in various ways. In particular, when the light source module 500 performs a sterilization operation on the evaporator periodically or aperiodically, the area to be sterilized can be greatly expanded by rotating the light source unit 520.

Figure 17 is a block diagram briefly showing the overall configuration of the air conditioner 60 according to an embodiment of the present application. For example, the air conditioner 60 of FIG. 17 can adjust the direction of emitted light similarly to the air conditioner 50 and the light source module 500 described in FIG. 16 .

The air conditioner 60 and light source module 600 of FIG. 17 are similar to the air conditioners 40 and 50 and light source modules 400 and 500 of FIGS. 14 and 16, and therefore repeated descriptions will be omitted below for brevity. will be. 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 adjuster 625. The rotation control unit 625 rotates the light source unit 520 (see FIG. 16) included in the light source module 600 to adjust the direction of emitted light. For example, the rotation control unit 625 may be connected to the pivot axis, which is the longitudinal central axis of the light source unit 520, and will rotate the light source unit 520 under the control of the control unit 650.

The rotation control unit 625 may rotate the light source unit 520 based on whether the sterilization operation time for a specific direction has reached the reference time.

For example, the control unit 650 may receive information about the sterilization operation time for the first area of the evaporator 63 from the timer. The control unit 650 may determine whether the sterilization operation time for the first area has reached the reference time by comparing the sterilization operation time for the first area with the reference time. If the time of the sterilization operation for the first area has reached the reference time, the rotation controller 625 performs the sterilization operation on the second area that does not overlap with the first area in response to the control of the control unit 650. The light source unit 520 can be rotated as much as possible.

Additionally, the rotation control unit 625 may perform a sterilization operation in conjunction with the moving unit 620. That is, during the sterilization operation, the light source module 600 not only performs a reciprocating linear motion along the guide rail installed on the evaporator 63 by the moving unit 620, but also uses ultraviolet rays emitted by the rotation adjusting unit 625. The direction can be adjusted.

For example, the rotation control unit 625 may first rotate the light source unit 520 so that ultraviolet rays are irradiated toward the upper part of the evaporator 63. Thereafter, with the light source unit 520 fixed so that the direction of ultraviolet rays is directed toward the top of the evaporator 63, the light source module 600 can perform a reciprocating linear motion along the guide rail by the moving unit 620. . Accordingly, the sterilization operation for the area (D, see FIG. 16A) may be performed first.

Afterwards, when the sterilization operation time for the area D reaches a predetermined reference time, the rotation control unit 625 may rotate the light source unit 520 so that the emission direction of ultraviolet rays is toward the lower part of the evaporator 63. there is. Thereafter, in a state in which the light source unit 520 is fixed so that the direction of ultraviolet rays is directed toward the lower part of the evaporator 63, the light source module 600 can perform a reciprocating linear motion along the guide rail by the moving unit 620. . Accordingly, a sterilization operation for the area (E, see FIG. 16A) can be performed.

As described above, the air conditioner 60 according to the embodiment of the present application can not only control the direction in which ultraviolet rays are emitted during the sterilization operation for the evaporator 63, but also perform the sterilization operation while moving the light source module 600. It can be done. Therefore, the light source module 600 can effectively sterilize 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 provided to the air conditioner 60, and in step S220, the air conditioner 60 performs a cooling operation. In step S230, the timer 640 starts operating. For example, the timer 640 can check the operating time of the air conditioner 60.

In step S240, the control unit 650 determines whether the air conditioner operating time (Tc) provided by the timer 640 has reached a predetermined time period (Tr).

When the air conditioner operation time (Tc) reaches the predetermined time period (Tr), the control unit 650 controls the light source module 600 to perform a sterilization operation on the first area of the evaporator 63.

That is, in step S251, the rotation control unit 625 rotates the light source unit 520 so that the emission direction of ultraviolet rays is toward the first area, and the light source module 600 moves along the guide rail installed in the evaporator 63. A sterilization operation will be performed on the first area.

Thereafter, in step S252, the control unit 650 determines whether the sterilization operation time for the first area has reached a first predetermined reference time.

If the reference time has not been reached, the light source module 600 will continue to perform the sterilization operation for the first area.

If the reference time has been reached, the controller 650 controls the light source module 600 to perform a sterilization operation on the second area of the evaporator 63.

That is, in step S253, the control unit 650 rotates the light source unit 520 so that the emission direction of ultraviolet rays is toward the second area of the evaporator 63, and the light source module 600 moves the guide rail installed on the evaporator 63. It will move along and perform a sterilization operation on the second area.

Thereafter, in step S252, the control unit 650 determines whether the sterilization operation time for the second area has reached the first predetermined reference time.

If the second reference time has not been reached, the light source module 600 will continue to perform the sterilization operation for the second area.

If the second reference time is reached, the control unit 650 determines that the sterilization operation is complete and stops the sterilization operation. In this case, after the timer 640 is reset in step S260, the timer 640 starts checking the operating time of the air conditioner 60 again.

Meanwhile, in step S240, if the air conditioner operation time (Tc) has not reached the predetermined time period (Tr), in step S245, the control unit 650 determines whether a power-off signal from an external power source has been received.

If a power-off signal from an external power source is received, the control unit 650 controls the auxiliary power unit 630 and the light source module 600 to perform a sterilization operation on the evaporator 63.

That is, in step S270, the auxiliary power unit 630 provides power to the light source module 600 in response to the control of the control unit 650. Thereafter, in step S280, the light source module 600 performs a sterilization operation on the first area and the second area while moving along the guide rail installed in the evaporator 63. For example, according to the order described in steps S251 to S254, the light source module 600 will perform a sterilization operation on the first area and the second area.

Meanwhile, the above description is illustrative, and the technical idea of the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the operation sequence in FIG. 18 may partially change depending on the designer. For example, it will be understood that step S245 of determining whether the external power source is powered off may be performed before step S240 of comparing the air conditioner operation time with a predetermined time period.

In addition, although not shown, the air conditioners 30, 40, 50, and 60 of FIGS. 13 to 16 may additionally include a photocatalyst layer for a photocatalytic reaction. For example, the air conditioners 30, 40, 50, and 60 may each additionally include a photocatalyst filter, and the light source of the light source modules 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 radiates ultraviolet rays toward the photocatalyst filter. can do. As another example, the evaporators (23, 33, 43, 53, and 63) may be coated with a photocatalyst material, and the light source of the light source modules (200, 300, 400, 500, and 600) radiates ultraviolet rays toward the area coated with the photocatalyst material. can be investigated. In this case, the deodorizing and sterilizing effects can be further increased by decomposing organic compounds and sterilizing bacteria through a photocatalytic reaction.

10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60: Air conditioner
100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600: Light source module
23, 33: Evaporator
210: housing
220: fastening part
230, 330: light source
240, 340: substrate
250, 350: transparent part
260, 360: connector
430, 630: Auxiliary power unit
440, 640: Timer
450, 650: Control unit

Claims (29)

An evaporator including a plurality of heat exchange plates;
a spacer extending along a first direction parallel to the direction in which the plurality of heat exchange plates extend; and
It is installed in the evaporator and includes a light source module that irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the space space between the plurality of heat exchange plates,
The light source module includes a fastening part that extends in parallel with the plurality of heat exchange plates and is disposed in a space between the plurality of heat exchange plates,
The length of the spacer in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction is longer than the separation distance in the second direction between two adjacent plates among the plurality of plates. According to claim 1,
The light source module is,
Board;
a light source mounted on the front of the substrate and irradiating the ultraviolet rays;
a transparent portion located in the front direction of the substrate and transmitting the ultraviolet rays; and
It includes a housing connected to the transparent part,
The air conditioner wherein the housing includes the fastening part. According to clause 2,
The air conditioner wherein the housing further includes the spacer. According to clause 3,
The air conditioner wherein the length of the spacer in the first direction is longer than the length of the fastening part in the first direction. According to claim 1,
The light source module is,
Board;
a plurality of light sources mounted on the front surface of the substrate;
a plurality of transparent parts located in the front direction of the substrate and transmitting ultraviolet rays emitted from the plurality of light sources; and
It includes a housing connected to the plurality of transparent parts,
The air conditioner wherein the housing includes the fastening part. According to claim 1,
The light source module is
A first sub-light source module; and
It includes a second sub light source module electrically connected to the first sub light source module,
Each of the first and second sub light source modules,
Board;
a light source mounted on the front of the substrate and irradiating ultraviolet rays;
a transparent portion located in the front direction of the substrate and transmitting the ultraviolet rays; and
It includes a housing connected to the transparent part,
The air conditioner wherein the housing includes the fastening part. According to clause 2,
The evaporator includes a guide rail having a guide groove,
An air conditioner wherein the fastening part is fastened to the guide groove. According to clause 7,
The light source module is movable along the guide rail. According to clause 7,
Timer to check air conditioner operation time; and
Further comprising a control unit that controls the light source module and the timer,
The control unit determines whether the operation time of the air conditioner has reached a predetermined time period based on the information provided from the timer,
When the operation time of the air conditioner reaches the predetermined time period, the light source module performs a sterilization operation under the control of the control unit. According to clause 9,
It further includes an auxiliary power supply unit that supplies power to the light source module,
The control unit controls the auxiliary power supply unit to provide power to the light source module in response to a power-off signal received from the outside. According to claim 1,
The light source module is
A light source unit including a substrate and a light source provided on the substrate;
a base that fixes the substrate and can rotate along a pivot axis; and
It includes a pivot ring surrounding the base and includes a housing fastened to the light source unit and the base,
The light source has a beam angle based on one direction, and the one direction changes within a certain angle with respect to the pivot axis. According to claim 11,
The substrate extends long in one direction, and the base is provided on at least one of both ends of the substrate and fastened to the pivot ring. According to claim 12,
The pivot ring includes a stopper that defines a rotation angle of the base. According to claim 13,
The stopper protrudes from the pivot ring toward the base, and the base has a locking protrusion that rotates within an angle defined by the stopper. According to claim 11,
The air conditioner is inserted into the light source unit and further includes a protection tube that protects the light source unit. According to claim 11,
The light source module further includes a rotation control unit that controls rotation of the base,
The rotation controller rotates the base based on whether the sterilization operation time of the light source module reaches a reference time. According to claim 16,
The rotation control unit overlaps a first area of the evaporator in which a sterilization operation is performed before the rotation operation with respect to the base is performed and a second area of the evaporator in which a sterilization operation is performed after the rotation operation with respect to the base is performed. An air conditioner that rotates the base so as not to cause damage. delete delete In a method of operating an air conditioner including an evaporator,
Applying external power to the air conditioner to operate the air conditioner;
Checking the operation time of the air conditioner using a timer;
determining whether the operating time of the air conditioner exceeds a standard time; and
When the operating time of the air conditioner exceeds the reference time, performing a sterilization operation on the evaporator by operating a light source module installed in close contact with the evaporator,
The evaporator includes a plurality of heat exchange plates and a spacer extending along a first direction parallel to the direction in which the plurality of heat exchange plates extend,
The length of the spacer in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction is longer than the separation distance in the second direction between two adjacent plates among the plurality of plates. According to claim 20,
detecting whether the external power source is powered off; and
A method of operating an air conditioner further comprising supplying power to the light source module by an auxiliary power source when the external power source is turned off. According to claim 20,
A method of operating an air conditioner, wherein the light source module can move along a guide rail installed on the evaporator. According to claim 20,
A method of operating an air conditioner, wherein the light source module is rotatable to irradiate ultraviolet rays in different directions. According to clause 23,
A method of operating an air conditioner, further comprising determining whether to rotate the light source module based on the sterilization operation time of the light source module. delete delete delete delete delete

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