KR102659836B1 - Apparatus for sterilization and cleaning device using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A sterilizing device according to an embodiment includes a drainage chamber including a hollow disposed at the top and bottom and a water outlet disposed on the side; a light emitting module disposed on a side of the drain chamber in an area between the top of the drain chamber and the water outlet; and a light transmitting member disposed between the light emitting module and the interior of the drainage chamber, wherein the light emitting module includes: a substrate; and a light-emitting element disposed on the substrate to irradiate light having a peak wavelength of 100 nm to 280 nm into the interior of the drainage chamber, wherein the substrate is arranged such that the light-emitting element faces the bottom of the drainage chamber. It may be rotated and disposed at a predetermined angle with the side of the drainage chamber.

Description

Sterilization device and washing machine using the same {APPARATUS FOR STERILIZATION AND CLEANING DEVICE USING THE SAME}

The embodiment relates to an internal sterilizing device and a washing machine using the same.

A dishwasher is a device that automatically washes and dries dishes by spraying detergent and washing water on them. These dishwashers are largely comprised of a cabinet with a washing chamber formed inside, a plurality of racks installed in the washing chamber to store dishes, a sump that stores washing water, a pump that supplies washing water in the sump to the spray arm, and a plurality of racks. It consists of a plurality of spray arms that spray washing water toward the stored dishes.

When the pump operates, the spray arm sprays the washing water in the sump onto the dishes and washes them. The washing water sprayed on the dishes is returned to the sump and then sprayed back onto the dishes. When the cleaning process is completed, the drain pump operates and the water in the sump is discharged to the outside through the drain hose. After the drain pump stops, clean rinse water is supplied into the sump for the rinsing process. The rinse water is sprayed back onto the dishes and used to rinse the dishes.

In this conventional dishwasher, after all washing is completed, washing water and rinsing water are discharged through the drain chamber, but residual water remains inside the drain chamber, acting as a breeding ground for bacteria and mold growth. When not cleaned or sterilized, there was an inconvenience in that the user felt uncomfortable due to some odor and contamination.

In addition, when dishes are left in the washing machine without a separate drying process after washing, germs such as microorganisms and bacteria on the dishes proliferate, creating a hygiene problem.

Accordingly, the embodiment provides a sterilizing device for a dishwasher that can sterilize microorganisms or bacteria remaining inside the dishwasher and remove bad odors generated after washing the dishes by installing a sterilizing and deodorizing means inside the dishwasher. It is for this purpose.

The technical problems to be solved in the embodiments are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. You will be able to.

A sterilizing device according to an embodiment includes a drainage chamber including a hollow disposed at the top and bottom and a water outlet disposed on the side; a light emitting module disposed on a side of the drain chamber in an area between the top of the drain chamber and the water outlet; and a light transmitting member disposed between the light emitting module and the interior of the drainage chamber, wherein the light emitting module includes: a substrate; and a light-emitting element disposed on the substrate to irradiate light having a peak wavelength of 100 nm to 280 nm into the interior of the drainage chamber, wherein the substrate is arranged such that the light-emitting element faces the bottom of the drainage chamber. It may be rotated and disposed at a predetermined angle with the side of the drainage chamber. Here, the predetermined angle is an angle between the substrate and a horizontal plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the drainage chamber, and the predetermined angle is 10° to 10°. It could be 20°.

In addition, the sterilizing device may further include a housing coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the light transmitting member.

The light emitting module and the water outlet may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction of the drain chamber on a side of the drain chamber.

Alternatively, the light emitting modules may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance so as not to interfere with the water outlet.

Additionally, the light transmitting member may be made of a quartz material.

A washing machine according to another embodiment includes a cabinet; a washing tank provided inside the cabinet and including a washing space; a drainage chamber that communicates with the washing tank and includes a hollow disposed at the top and bottom and a water outlet disposed on the side; a light emitting module disposed on a side of the drain chamber in an area between the top of the drain chamber and the water outlet; and a light transmitting member disposed between the light emitting module and the interior of the drainage chamber, wherein the light emitting module includes: a substrate; and a light-emitting element disposed on the substrate to irradiate light having a peak wavelength of 100 nm to 280 nm into the interior of the drainage chamber, wherein the substrate is arranged such that the light-emitting element faces the bottom of the drainage chamber. It may be rotated and disposed at a predetermined angle with the side of the drainage chamber.

The dishwasher according to one embodiment may have a sterilizing and deodorizing means installed inside the dishwasher to sterilize microorganisms or bacteria remaining inside the dishwasher and remove bad odors generated after washing the dishes.

The effects that can be obtained in this embodiment are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. .

1 shows a side cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a first sterilizing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a first sterilizing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 shows a front cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 shows a perspective perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining the correlation between the inclination angle of the sterilizing device and the area of the sterilizing area according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Since the embodiments 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 embodiment 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 embodiment. Accordingly, the embodiments can be combined in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Additionally, terms specifically defined in consideration of the configuration and operation of the embodiment are only for explaining the embodiment and do not limit the scope of the embodiment.

In the description of the embodiment, in the case where each element is described as being formed "on or under", ) includes two elements that are in direct contact with each other or one or more other elements that are formed (indirectly) between the two elements. Additionally, when expressed as "up" or "on or under," it can include not only the upward direction but also the downward direction based on one element.

In addition, relational terms such as "top/top/up" and "bottom/bottom/bottom" used below do not necessarily require or imply any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements, It may be used to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element.

The terms used in this application are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the 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.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries can be interpreted as having meanings consistent with the meanings they have in the context of related technologies, and unless clearly defined in this application, are interpreted as having an ideal or excessively formal meaning. It doesn't work.

Hereinafter, a sterilizing device for a dishwasher according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

1 shows a side cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 10 forming the exterior, a washing tank 20 provided inside the cabinet 10, and a front portion of the washing tank 20. A door 30 installed in the washing tank 20 to selectively open and close the washing tank 20, at least one rack 40 provided inside the washing tank 20 and storing dishes, etc., and a plurality of spray arms spraying washing water. (50), and may include a sump (60) that collects and stores wash water.

The washing tank 20 is provided in a substantially box shape and has an open front so that dishes can be put in and out. The open front of the washing tank 20 can be opened and closed by the door 30, and the door 30 can be rotatably coupled to the cabinet 10.

At least one rack 40 may include an upper rack 41 and a lower rack 43. The upper rack 41 is provided inside to be able to slide back and forth, and can be divided into an upper basket 41a and a lower basket 41b depending on the size or purpose of the dishes. For example, the upper basket 41a may be formed in the form of a mesh with a predetermined gap or less to prevent relatively small-sized dishes or containers from falling to the bottom of the washing tank 20.

The lower rack 43 may include a tableware basket 43a on one side for placing dishes on it and a spoon basket 43b for storing spoons on the other side. While dishes and/or spoons are stored in a plurality of racks 40, washing water is sprayed through a plurality of spray arms 50 to wash the dishes and/or spoons.

The plurality of spraying arms 50 includes a first spraying arm 51 provided on the upper side of the upper rack 41, a second spraying arm 53 provided between the upper rack 41 and the lower rack 43, It may include a third spray arm 55 provided on the lower side of the lower rack 43.

The first to third spray arms 51, 53, and 55 are each rotatably installed, and each spray arm 51, 53, and 55 is provided with a plurality of spray nozzles 57 that spray washing water toward the dishes. It can be.

The sump 60 is covered by a separate wash water filter (not shown) that filters the wash water supplied to the wash tank 20, and is installed at the lower part of the wash tank 20, and receives wash water from an external water supply source through the water supply pipe 80. can be supplied and stored. Additionally, the sump 60 can selectively or simultaneously supply washing water to a plurality of spray arms 51, 53, and 55 through the connection pipe 59.

Additionally, a heater 70 may be provided at the lower part of the washing tank 20 to heat the washing water. The washing water heated by the heater 70 may be transferred to the washing tank 20 along a flow path (not shown) connected to the sump 60 and supplied through a plurality of spray arms 50. At this time, the washing water supplied to the washing tank 20 is heated by the heater 70 disposed at the bottom of the washing tank 20 before being returned to the sump 60, thereby increasing its temperature and increasing the washing effect.

The sump 60 includes a washing pump 61 that pumps the stored washing water to a plurality of spray arms 50, a drainage chamber 65 into which a drain filter 63 is inserted to filter out foreign substances from the washing water and drain them to the outside, and a washing water A drain pump 67 for discharging to the outside, a washing pump 61, and a motor 69 for driving the drain pump 67 may be provided.

The washing pump 61 can supply the washing water inside the washing tank 20 by sucking in the washing water stored in the sump 60 and pressurizing it with a plurality of spray arms 50. The operation of the washing pump 61 is performed when power is applied to the dishwasher 1 and the motor 69 operates. When the washing pump 61 is operated, washing water is pumped to the plurality of spray arms 50. At this time, the washing water pumped by the plurality of spray arms 50 moves to the spray nozzle 57 and is sprayed into the washing tank 20 to wash the dishes stored in the plurality of racks 40.

The drain chamber 65 is recessed to a predetermined depth and is formed in a cylindrical shape so that washing water and foreign substances can be collected, and a drainage filter 63 is installed inside to filter out foreign substances from the washing water used for washing. In addition, the drain chamber 65 includes at least one water outlet (65b, 65c) for discharging the wash water filtered from the drain filter 63 to the wash pump 61 and the drain pump 67, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 1, the drain chamber 65 is a cylindrical body 65a with a hollow interior formed at the top and bottom, and the washing water filtered from the side of the cylindrical body 65a is re-supplied to the washing pump 61. A first water outlet (65b) formed with a horizontal flow path so that the washing water filtered from the bottom of the cylindrical body (65a) can be discharged into the drain chamber 67, a second water outlet (65c) with a vertical flow path formed therein. ) includes. In addition, a discharge hole 65d capable of communicating with the first water outlet 65b is formed on the side of the cylindrical body 65a, and a step portion 65e is formed between the lower end of the cylindrical main body 65a and the second water outlet 65c. It is placed.

Before draining, the washing water from which foreign substances have been filtered (or filtered) is supplied back to the washing pump 61 through the first outlet (65b) and reused, and when draining is in progress, the drain pump 67 is opened and the washing water is reused. 2 Washing water is drained into the drain pipe 80 through the water outlet 65c.

At this time, the washing water branches and flows to the first outlet (65b) and/or the second outlet (65c) of the drain chamber 65 in the washing or draining stage, so that water remains in the form of residual water inside the drain chamber 65. do. If the moisture remaining inside the drain chamber 65 is not sufficiently dried, germs and molds such as microorganisms or bacteria may proliferate inside the drain chamber 65, and furthermore, if not used for a long time, bad odor and Contamination may cause discomfort to users.

Accordingly, in the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, a first sterilizing device 100 for sterilizing the bacterial breeding area is installed on the side of the drain chamber 65.

Referring to area A of FIG. 1, the first sterilizing device 100 is installed on the side of the drain chamber 65, for example, in the area between the top of the drain chamber 65 and the first water outlet 65b. At this time, at least one first sterilizing device 100 may be installed along the side of the drain chamber 65, that is, along the circumference of the cylindrical body 65a, and is connected to the first water outlet 65b to secure installation space. It is preferable that they are placed at a predetermined distance apart so as not to interfere.

A detailed description of this will be provided below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a first sterilizing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 (a) is a perspective view of the drainage chamber 65 to which the first sterilizing device 100 according to an embodiment is coupled, and Figure 2 (b) is a drainage chamber shown in Figure 2 (a) ( This is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view cut along 1-1' in 65).

Referring to (a) to (b) of FIG. 2, the first sterilizing device 100 is installed on the side of the drain chamber 65, for example, in the area between the top of the drain chamber 65 and the first water outlet 65b. do. At this time, the first sterilizing device 100 is preferably disposed at a predetermined distance from the first water outlet 65b so as not to interfere with each other. When the first sterilizing device 100 is spaced apart from the first water outlet 65b by a predetermined distance, the irradiation range or reach of the light emitted by the first light-emitting module 110 is expanded, allowing sterilization of a wider area. there is.

In addition, as shown in (b) of FIG. 2, the first light emitting module 110 and the first water outlet 65b are located along the longitudinal direction (X) of the drain chamber 65 from the side of the drain chamber 65. They can also be placed side by side.

The first sterilizing device 100 includes a first light-emitting module 110 that irradiates light of a predetermined wavelength band into the interior of the drainage chamber 65, prevents the inflow of washing water, and emits light from the first light-emitting element 110. It includes a first light-transmitting member 120 that transmits light, and a first housing 130 installed on at least a portion of the outer wall of the drainage chamber 65 and coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the first light-transmitting member 120. A first light-emitting module 110 includes a first substrate 111 and at least one first light emitting device 113 disposed on the first substrate 111.

At this time, the first light emitting module 110 is directed downward from the inner bottom surface of the cabinet 10 or a horizontal plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) of the drain chamber 65 so as to form a predetermined angle with the side of the drain chamber 65. It is formed at an angle and installed so that light of a predetermined wavelength band can be irradiated into the interior of the drainage chamber 65. Additionally, the first light emitting module 110 may be rotated from one end of the first light transmitting member 120, which will be described later, to form a predetermined angle with the side of the drainage chamber 65.

One end of the first substrate 111 is disposed in contact with the side of the drain chamber 65, and the other end is disposed to extend along the one end to be inclined downward from the inner bottom surface of the cabinet 10. Additionally, the bottom surface of the first substrate 111 may be formed to form an angle within a predetermined range with the side of the drain chamber 65.

The reason for installing the bottom surface of the first substrate 111 inclined at an angle within a predetermined range is to maximize the irradiation area of the light emitted to the sterilization area 140 inside the drain chamber 65 and to adjust the overall illuminance uniformly to sterilize the sterilization. This is to optimize efficiency. Here, the sterilization area 140 may refer to an area where residual water remains inside the drain chamber 65 between the first outlet water 65b and the second water outlet 65c. Alternatively, it may mean an area corresponding to a space spaced apart by a predetermined height H from the bottom of the step portion disposed at the bottom of the drainage chamber 65. Here, the predetermined height (H) is defined as the maximum height of the remaining water.

Also, the inclination angle between the side of the drain chamber 65 and the first light emitting module 110 may be approximately 10° to 20°, and more preferably 15°. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and the inclination angle in a predetermined range may vary depending on the height and/or width of the drainage chamber 65 or the location of the water outlets 65b and 65c formed in the drainage chamber 65. You can. This is because the area of light irradiated to the sterilizing area 140 varies depending on the height and/or width of the drainage chamber 65 or the positions of the water outlets 65b and 65c formed in the drainage chamber 65.

For example, when the height of the drainage chamber 65 increases or the positions of the water outlets 65b and 65c formed in the drainage chamber 65 are lowered, the inclination angle of the first light emitting module 110 may increase. Alternatively, when the width of the drainage chamber 65 increases, the inclination angle of the first light emitting module 110 may increase. In this way, the first sterilizing device 100 according to an embodiment variably adjusts the inclination angle of the first light emitting module 110 with respect to the side of the drainage chamber 65 to increase the area of light irradiated to the sterilizing area 140. can be maximized, and thus sterilization performance can be improved.

The first light-emitting device 113 may be a light-emitting diode chip (LED chip) and/or a package including a light-emitting diode chip, and emits ultraviolet light in the UV (Ultraviolet)-C wavelength band having a strong sterilizing power in the range of 100 nm to 280 nm. can be published. At this time, the ultraviolet light emitted from the first light-emitting device 113 may pass through or pass through the first light-transmitting member 120, which will be described later, and be irradiated to the sterilization area 140 inside the drainage chamber 65.

Ultraviolet rays in the UV-C wavelength band emitted from the first light-emitting module 110 artificially decompose oxygen molecules in the air to generate ozone, and hydroxyl radicals (OH radicals) are generated in the process of ozone generation. At this time, since the hydroxyl radical maximizes the synergy effect between ozone and ultraviolet rays, any microorganisms or bacteria that may remain inside the drainage chamber 65 are sterilized and disinfected by the ozone and ultraviolet rays generated in the first light-emitting module 110. It is possible to remove bad odor.

Additionally, in order to improve sterilization performance, a plurality of first light emitting modules 110 may be installed along the outer peripheral surface of the drain chamber 65. This is because the removal rate of germs such as microorganisms and bacteria is proportional to the amount of ultraviolet rays output.

The first light transmitting member 120 is installed on the side of the drainage chamber 65, for example, in an area where at least a portion of the area between the upper end of the drainage chamber 65 and the first water outlet 65b is open to a predetermined area. The first light transmitting member 120 may be ultraviolet-transmitting glass or ultraviolet-transmitting film, and may be made of a material with high ultraviolet transmittance and excellent durability and heat resistance. For example, the first light transmitting member 120 according to one embodiment may be made of a quartz material or a Teflon film.

The reason for installing the first light transmitting member 120 is to prevent the washing water flowing inside the drainage chamber 65 from flowing into the first light emitting module 110 - for example, to waterproof the first light emitting module 110. This is so that the light emitted from ) can be irradiated into the interior of the drainage chamber 65 through (or transmitted through) the first light transmitting member 120.

The first housing 130 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the first light-transmitting member 120 and can be airtightly coupled to the first light-transmitting member 120 to prevent washing water from flowing into the first light-emitting device 110. At this time, a waterproof gasket (not shown) may be placed between the first housing 130 and the first light transmitting member 120 to maintain airtightness.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a first sterilizing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 (a) is a perspective view of the drain chamber 65 in which the drain filter 63 according to another embodiment is inserted inside and the first sterilizing device 100 is coupled, and Figure 2 (b) is a perspective view of Figure 3 This is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view taken along 2-2' of the drainage chamber 65 shown in (a).

The drain chamber 65 shown in FIG. 3 is the same as the drain chamber 65 shown in FIG. 2 except that the drain filter 63 is inserted inside, so overlapping details will be omitted and the differences will be mainly discussed. Let me explain.

As shown in FIG. 3, unlike when the drain filter 63 is removed, when the drain filter 63 is inserted into the drain chamber 65, the sterilization area 150 may change.

The drain filter 63 performs a filtration role of filtering out foreign substances from the washing water and draining them to the outside. The washing water filtered in the drain filter 63 is supplied or drained to the first outlet 65b or the second outlet 65c of the drain chamber 65, while particulate foreign matter of a predetermined size or more is inside the drain filter 63. captured.

In this way, in order to reduce the proliferation of bacteria from foreign substances collected inside the drain filter 63 and extend the replacement life of the drain filter 63, the first sterilizing device 100 according to another embodiment includes a drain filter 63. It is possible to emit ultraviolet light in the UV (Ultraviolet)-C wavelength range from 100 nm to 280 nm, which has strong sterilizing power on the surface.

In addition, as shown in (a) to (b) of FIG. 3, the first light emitting module 110 is installed inclined at an angle within a predetermined range with respect to the side of the drain chamber 65, so that the drain filter 63 Sterilization efficiency can be optimized by maximizing the irradiation area of light emitted to the sterilization area 150 and improving uniformity of illuminance. Here, the sterilization area 150 may refer to an area corresponding to the surface of the drain filter 63 inserted into the drain chamber 65.

At this time, the angle within the predetermined range may vary depending on the height and/or width of the drainage filter 63. This is because the area of light irradiated to the sterilizing area 150 varies depending on the height and/or width of the drainage filter 63.

For example, when the height or width of the drainage filter 63 increases, the inclination angle of the first light emitting module 110 may increase. As such, the first sterilizing device 100 according to another embodiment variably adjusts the inclination angle of the first light-emitting module 110 with respect to the side of the drainage chamber 65 to increase the area of light irradiated to the sterilizing area 150. can be maximized, and thus sterilization performance can be improved.

To summarize what has been described above in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first light emitting module 110 is installed at a predetermined angle with respect to the side of the drain chamber 65 and is inclined downward from the inner bottom of the cabinet 10. The first sterilizing device 100 improves the sterilization performance inside the drain chamber 65 and replaces the drain filter 63 by irradiating ultraviolet light of a predetermined wavelength band to the area where germs such as microorganisms or bacteria proliferate. It can provide the effect of prolonging the cycle.

Figure 4 shows a front cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The cabinet 10, washing tank 20, door 30, plurality of racks 40, plurality of spray arms 50, and sump 60 of the dishwasher 1 shown in FIG. 4 are shown in FIG. 1. Since each component of the illustrated dishwasher 1 is identical, the same reference numerals are used. Hereinafter, redundant information regarding the overall operation of the dishwasher 1 will be omitted and differences will be mainly explained.

Referring to FIG. 4, at least one second sterilizing device 200 and at least one third sterilizing device for sterilizing a plurality of racks 40 are installed on each of the side portions 21 and the upper portion 23 of the washing tank 20. Includes 300.

At least one second sterilizing device 200 includes a second light emitting module 210 that radiates light of a predetermined wavelength band to at least one rack 41, 43 among the plurality of racks 40, and prevents the inflow of washing water. A second light-transmitting member 220 that transmits light emitted from the second light-emitting module 210, and a second light-transmitting member 220 installed on at least one side of the side 21 of the washing tank 20 and coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the second light-transmitting member 220. Includes a second housing 230. Here, a plurality of at least one second sterilizing device 200 may be formed on the side 21 of the washing tank 20 .

The second light emitting module 210 includes a second substrate 211 and at least one second light emitting element 213 disposed on the second substrate 211. At this time, the second light emitting module 210 is formed to be inclined upward and/or downward from the inner bottom surface of the cabinet 10 so as to form a predetermined angle with the side 21 of the washing tank 20 and is positioned at a predetermined angle in the sterilization areas 240 and 250. It is installed so that light in the wavelength range can be irradiated. Here, the sterilization areas 240 and 250 may preferably refer to the bottom surface and/or the side surface of the baskets 41a and 43b of the plurality of racks 40, the surfaces of which are in the form of a mesh with a predetermined interval or less. The reason is that, when the rack is formed at a predetermined interval or more, foreign substances can easily fall (or be washed) to the bottom of the washing tank 20, whereas when the surface is formed in the form of a mesh with a predetermined interval or less, foreign substances on the surface This is because there is a high possibility that bacteria or mold, etc., will grow after being collected. However, this is only an example, and the scope of the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto.

Additionally, the second light-emitting module 210 may be rotated from one end of the second light-transmitting member 220 to form a predetermined angle with the side of the washing tank 20.

One end of the second substrate 211 is disposed in contact with the side of the washing tank 20, and the other end is disposed to extend along the one end to slope upward and/or downward from the inner bottom surface of the cabinet 10. Additionally, the bottom surface of the second substrate 211 may be formed to form an angle within a predetermined range with the side portion 21 of the cleaning tank 20 depending on the area and/or location of the sterilization areas 240 and 250.

Here, for example, an inclination angle within a predetermined range between the side of the washing tank 20 and the bottom surface of the second substrate 211 may be approximately 15° to 35°. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and the angle within the predetermined range may vary depending on the area of the sterilization areas 240 and 250. For example, when the area of the sterilization areas 240 and 250 increases, the installation angle of the second substrate 211 increases, and when the area of the sterilization areas 240 and 250 decreases, the installation angle of the second substrate 211 increases. The installation angle can be reduced. This will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7.

In addition, the direction in which the bottom surface of the second substrate 211 faces with respect to the side 21 of the washing tank 20 (e.g., upward and/or downward) may vary depending on the positions of the sterilization areas 240 and 250. You can.

In this way, the reason for installing the bottom surface of the second substrate 211 to be inclined at an angle within a predetermined range with respect to the side portion 21 of the cleaning tank 20 is to maximize the irradiation area of the light emitted to the sterilization areas 240 and 250. This is to optimize sterilization efficiency by adjusting the overall illuminance uniformly.

Meanwhile, the second light-emitting device 213 may be a light-emitting diode chip (LED chip) and/or a package including a light-emitting diode chip, and may output light in a different wavelength band than the first light-emitting device 113. . For example, the second light-emitting device 213 may emit ultraviolet light in a wavelength band ranging from approximately 380 nm to 420 nm, and the wavelength band may be more preferably 400 nm to 410 nm.

The reason is that when light with a wavelength longer than the 420nm wavelength band is irradiated, the sterilizing power is reduced or a lot of sterilization time is required, and when light with a wavelength shorter than the 380nm wavelength band is irradiated, the device to be sterilized, such as a plurality of racks 40, etc. This is because the lifespan of the object may be reduced by damaging the surface protective film of the object.

The second light transmitting member 220 is installed in an area where at least a portion of the side portion 21 of the washing tank 20 is opened to a predetermined area. The second light transmitting member 220 may be ultraviolet-transmitting glass or ultraviolet-transmitting film, and may be made of a material with high ultraviolet transmittance and excellent durability and heat resistance. For example, the second light transmitting member 220 according to one embodiment may be made of a quartz material or a Teflon film.

The reason for installing the second light transmitting member 220 on the side of the washing tank 20 is to prevent the washing water sprayed from the inside of the washing tank 20 from flowing into the second light emitting module 210 - for example, to provide waterproofing. , This is to ensure that the light emitted from the second light emitting module 210 can be irradiated to at least one rack 40.

The second housing 230 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the second light-transmitting member 220 and can be airtightly coupled to the second light-transmitting member 220 to prevent washing water from flowing into the second light-emitting device 210. At this time, a waterproof gasket (not shown) may be placed between the second housing 230 and the second light transmitting member 220 to maintain airtightness.

Meanwhile, at least one third sterilizing device 300 includes a third light-emitting module 310 that radiates light of a predetermined wavelength band to the plurality of racks 40, prevents the inflow of washing water, and It includes a third light-transmitting member 320 that transmits emitted light, and a third housing 330 installed on at least one side of the upper part 23 of the washing tank 20 and coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the third light-transmitting member 320. do.

Here, at least one third sterilizing device 300 may be formed in plural pieces at the upper part 21 of the washing tank 20 with the first spray arm 51 interposed therebetween. At this time, the plurality of third sterilizing devices 300 may be arranged so that the overlapping area between the lights emitted from each light emitting device 313 increases. The reason is that as the overlap area between lights emitted from different light sources increases, output performance can be strengthened and sterilization performance can be further improved.

The third light emitting module 310 includes a third substrate 311 and at least one third light emitting element 313 disposed under the third substrate 311. At this time, the third light emitting module 310 is disposed below the top of the cabinet 10 so that light of a predetermined wavelength band can be irradiated to the plurality of racks 40.

The third substrate 311 may be placed in contact with the top or bottom of the cabinet 10. Alternatively, although not shown, in some cases, the third board 311 may be disposed to be inclined downward at an angle within a predetermined range based on the upper part of the cabinet 10, and the angle within the predetermined range is one of the plurality of racks 40. It may vary depending on the area or location of the area to be sterilized.

Meanwhile, the third light-emitting device 313 may output light in a different wavelength band than the first light-emitting device 113.

Additionally, the third light-emitting device 313 may output light in the same wavelength band as the second light-emitting device 213. For example, the third light-emitting device 313 may emit ultraviolet light in a wavelength band ranging from approximately 380 nm to 420 nm, and the wavelength band may be more preferably 400 nm to 410 nm.

The reason is that when light with a wavelength longer than the 420nm wavelength band is irradiated, the sterilizing power is reduced or a lot of sterilization time is required, and when light with a wavelength shorter than the 380nm wavelength band is irradiated, the device to be sterilized, such as a plurality of racks 40, etc. This is because the lifespan of the object may be reduced by damaging the surface protective film of the object.

The third light transmitting member 320 is installed in an area where at least a portion of the upper part 23 of the washing tank 20 is opened to a predetermined area. The third light transmitting member 320 may be ultraviolet-transmitting glass or ultraviolet-transmitting film, and may be made of a material with high ultraviolet transmittance and excellent durability and heat resistance. For example, the third light transmitting member 320 according to one embodiment may be made of a quartz material or a Teflon film.

The reason for installing the third light transmitting member 320 on the upper part of the washing tank 20 is to prevent the washing water sprayed from the inside of the washing tank 20 from flowing into the third light emitting module 310 - for example, to provide waterproofing. , This is to ensure that the light emitted from the third light emitting module 310 can be irradiated to at least one rack 40.

The third housing 330 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the third light-transmitting member 320 and can be airtightly coupled to the third light-transmitting member 320 to prevent washing water from flowing into the third light-emitting device 310. At this time, a waterproof gasket (not shown) may be placed between the third housing 330 and the third light transmitting member 320 to maintain airtightness.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5 , the positions where the plurality of second sterilizing devices 200 and the plurality of third sterilizing devices 300 are disposed within the dishwasher 1 will be described.

Figure 5 shows a perspective perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, the dishwasher 1 according to one embodiment may include a plurality of second and third sterilizing devices 200 and 300.

A plurality of second sterilizing devices 200a and 200b may be disposed inside the space between the side of the cabinet 10 and the side of the washing tank 20.

At this time, the 2-1 sterilizing device 200a, which aims to sterilize the entire bottom surface of the upper basket 41a of the upper rack 41, is placed below the upper rack 41 and is located on the other side of the lower rack 43. The 2-2 sterilizing device 200b for sterilizing the placed spoon basket 43a may be placed on the lower rack 43.

The 2-1 light emitting module 210a included in the 2-1 sterilizing device 200a is installed to be inclined upward from the inner bottom surface of the cabinet 10 so as to form a predetermined first angle with the side of the washing tank 20. You can. Here, the predetermined first angle may be approximately 15° to 25°, and may preferably be 20°.

The 2-2 light emitting module 210b included in the 2-2 sterilizing device 200b is installed to be inclined downward from the inner bottom surface of the cabinet 10 so as to form a predetermined second angle with the side of the washing tank 20. You can. Here, the predetermined second angle may be approximately 25° to 35°, and may preferably be 30°.

The inclination angle (e.g., the first angle and the second angle) of the 2-1 light emitting module 210a and the 2-2 light emitting module 210b is such that each of the second sterilizing devices 200a and 200b is sterilized. It may vary depending on the area of the area to be treated. This will first be explained with reference to (a) to (b) of Figures 6.

Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining the correlation between the inclination angle of the sterilizing device and the area of the sterilizing area according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 (a) is a diagram for explaining the inclination angle of the 2-1 light emitting module 210a when the entire bottom surface of the upper basket 41a of the upper rack 41 is used as the first sterilization area 240. 6(b) illustrates the inclination angle of the 2-2 light emitting module 210b when the spoon basket 43b disposed on the other side of the lower rack 43 is used as the second sterilization area 250. This is a drawing for

As shown in (a) to (b) of FIG. 6, it is assumed that the width l1 of the first sterilizing area 240 is larger than the width l2 of the second sterilizing area 250.

When the second light emitting module 210 is installed inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the side 21 of the washing tank 20, the reaching distance of the light emitted from the light emitting element 213 varies depending on the angle of inclination. This is because the smaller the inclination angle of the second light emitting module 210, the longer the distance of the light emitted from the light emitting device 213 to reach the surface of the sterilization area.

Accordingly, the inclination angle θa of the 2-1 light emitting module 200a for sterilizing the first sterilizing area 240, which has a larger area among the first and second sterilizing areas 240 and 250, is the second sterilizing area 240. -2 It can be installed smaller than the inclination angle (θb) of the light emitting module 200b.

Returning to FIG. 5 , the plurality of third sterilizing devices 300a and 300b may be disposed in the space between the top of the cabinet 10 and the top of the washing tank 20.

At this time, the plurality of third sterilizing devices 300a and 300b may be arranged to face each other with the first spray arm 51 in between, and three or more third sterilizing devices may be arranged.

Although only a few examples have been described as described above, various other forms of implementation are possible. The technical contents of the above-described embodiments can be combined in various forms unless they are incompatible technologies, and through this, can be implemented into new embodiments.

Meanwhile, in addition to the dishwasher, the sterilizing device according to the above-described embodiment includes a washing space formed inside a steam cleaner or a clothes treatment device that removes dirt by spraying steam, and a washing machine that separates contamination from laundry by spraying washing water into a washing tub. It can be applied to a washing machine to sterilize a drain or a drain where contaminants have settled due to residual water.

It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit and essential features of the present invention. Accordingly, the above detailed description should not be construed as restrictive in all respects and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (7)

a drainage chamber including a hollow disposed at the top and bottom and an outlet disposed at the side;
a light emitting module disposed on a side of the drain chamber in an area between the top of the drain chamber and the water outlet; and
It includes a light transmitting member disposed between the light emitting module and the interior of the drainage chamber,
The light emitting module is,
Board; and
A light emitting element disposed on the substrate and irradiating light with a peak wavelength in the range of 100 nm to 280 nm into the drainage chamber,
The substrate is rotated and disposed at a predetermined angle with a side of the drain chamber so that the light emitting device faces the bottom of the drain chamber,
The predetermined angle is an angle between the substrate and a horizontal plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the drain chamber, and varies depending on the height and width of the drain chamber or the location of the water outlet,
The predetermined angle is 10° to 20°, a sterilizing device.
delete According to claim 1,
A sterilizing device further comprising a housing coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the light transmitting member. According to claim 1,
The sterilizing device wherein the light emitting module and the water outlet are arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction of the drain chamber on a side of the drain chamber. According to claim 1,
The sterilizing device is disposed at a predetermined distance between the light emitting module and the water outlet so as not to interfere with each other. According to claim 1,
The light transmitting member is a sterilizing device made of a quartz material. cabinet;
a washing tank provided inside the cabinet and including a washing space;
a drainage chamber that communicates with the washing tank and includes a hollow disposed at the top and bottom and a water outlet disposed on the side;
a first sterilizing device disposed inside the space between the side of the cabinet and the side of the washing tank;
a second sterilizing device disposed inside the space between the side of the cabinet and the side of the washing tank;
a first light emitting module disposed on a side of the drain chamber in an area between the top of the drain chamber and the water outlet; and
It includes a light transmitting member disposed between the first light emitting module and the interior of the drainage chamber,
The first light emitting module is,
Board; and
A light emitting element disposed on the substrate and irradiating light with a peak wavelength in the range of 100 nm to 280 nm into the drainage chamber,
The substrate is rotated and disposed at a predetermined angle with a side of the drain chamber so that the light emitting device faces the bottom of the drain chamber,
The first sterilizing device includes a second light-emitting module installed to be inclined upward from the inner bottom surface of the cabinet so as to form a predetermined first angle with the side of the washing tank,
The second sterilizing device includes a third light-emitting module installed to be inclined downward from the inner bottom surface of the cabinet so as to form a predetermined second angle with the side of the washing tank,
The predetermined first angle is 15° to 25°,
The predetermined second angle is 25° to 35°.