KR20240108202A - Sterilizer for performing customized sterilization operation based on the characteristic of baby product - Google Patents

Abstract

A sterilizer that performs a customized sterilization operation based on the characteristics of baby products and a method of sterilizing baby products using the same are provided. A sterilizer that performs a customized sterilization operation based on the characteristics of baby products according to various embodiments of the present invention includes a housing with a storage space of a predetermined size inside, a steam sterilization module disposed at the bottom of the storage space, and an upper portion of the storage space. It includes a UV sterilizing module disposed in the storage space, a drying module disposed on at least one side of the storage space, and a control module that controls operations of the steam sterilizing module, the UV sterilizing module, and the drying module, wherein the control module includes the By sequentially controlling the operations of the steam sterilization module, the drying module, and the UV sterilization module, the steam sterilization operation, the drying operation, and the UV sterilization operation on the sterilization object mounted in the storage space are performed sequentially. .

Description

A sterilizer that performs customized sterilization operation based on the characteristics of baby products {STERILIZER FOR PERFORMING CUSTOMIZED STERILIZATION OPERATION BASED ON THE CHARACTERISTIC OF BABY PRODUCT}

Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a sterilizer that performs a customized sterilization operation based on the characteristics of baby products and a method of sterilizing baby products using the same.

Generally, a baby bottle is used by an infant to inhale liquid powdered milk through the respiratory tract.

Because infants have a weak immune system, even microscopic bacteria can cause illness, so it is essential to disinfect the baby bottle after using it.

Typically, a representative method for sterilizing baby bottles at home is the thermal heating method. The thermal heating method is a method of sterilizing and disinfecting baby bottles by boiling them directly in water heated to a certain temperature or using steam generated from boiling water. The advantage is that baby bottles can be effectively sterilized and disinfected at a low cost. there is.

However, in the case of this method, there are problems in that it is difficult to precisely set the sterilization time or sterilization temperature, the baby bottle may be contaminated with contaminants contained in the water, and the baby bottle may be deformed due to heat.

Considering this, conventional ultraviolet sterilizers that sterilize and disinfect baby bottles using ultraviolet (UV) rays or steam sterilizers that use high-temperature steam to sterilize and disinfect baby bottles have been developed. However, there is no way to completely sterilize and disinfect baby bottles. There is a problem that it is difficult to disinfect.

In addition, in the case of conventional steam sterilizers or UV sterilizers, although they are relatively expensive, they are not suitable for sterilizing other baby products (e.g., baby dishes, handkerchiefs, toys, dolls, etc.) other than baby bottles, so their usability and usability are low. There is.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to sterilize and disinfect the sterilization object more powerfully by performing a steam sterilization operation and a UV sterilization operation on the sterilization object, and to sterilize and disinfect the sterilization object in a wet state by performing the steam sterilization operation. By performing the UV sterilization operation after performing the drying operation, it is possible to prevent the UV sterilization performance from being deteriorated due to moisture, and by performing the sterilization operation appropriate for the sterilization target based on the properties of the sterilization target, it is possible to prevent baby bottles as well as baby bottles. In addition, it provides a sterilizer that performs a customized sterilization operation based on the characteristics of baby products that can sterilize and disinfect various types of baby products such as baby dishes and toys, and a method of sterilizing baby products using the same.

The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

A sterilizer that performs a customized sterilization operation based on the characteristics of baby products according to an embodiment of the present invention to solve the above-described problem includes a housing with a storage space of a predetermined size inside, and steam sterilization disposed at the lower end of the storage space. module, a UV sterilization module disposed at the upper end of the storage space, a drying module disposed on at least one side of the storage space, and a control module that controls operations of the steam sterilization module, the UV sterilization module, and the drying module. , the control module sequentially controls the operations of the steam sterilization module, the drying module, and the UV sterilization module, so that the steam sterilization operation, drying operation, and UV sterilization operation on the sterilization object mounted in the storage space are sequentially performed. It can be done.

In various embodiments, when obtaining a sterilization request for a sterilization object placed in the storage space, the control module performs a steam sterilization operation of spraying steam to the sterilization object by controlling the operation of the steam sterilization module. In response to the end of the steam sterilization operation, a drying operation of drying the sterilization object is performed by controlling the operation of the drying module, and the operation of the UV sterilization module is controlled in response to the end of the drying operation. Accordingly, a UV sterilization operation of irradiating UV light to the sterilization object can be performed.

In various embodiments, the control module performs the steam sterilization based on the properties of the sterilization object mounted in the storage space - the properties of the sterilization object include at least one of the type, material, and number of the sterilization object. Determining a first time corresponding to the operation and a second time corresponding to the UV sterilization operation, and controlling the operation of the steam sterilization module so that the steam sterilization operation is performed for the first time with respect to the sterilization object, The operation of the UV sterilization module may be controlled so that the UV sterilization operation is performed on the sterilization target for the second time.

In various embodiments, the control module determines a drying method of the sterilization object and a third time corresponding to the drying operation, based on the properties of the sterilization object placed in the storage space, and determines the third time corresponding to the drying operation for the sterilization object. During the third time, the operation of the drying module may be controlled so that an operation corresponding to the drying method of the sterilization target is performed.

In various embodiments, the control module determines the temperature of the steam based on the properties of the sterilization object placed in the storage space, and controls the operation of the steam sterilization module so that steam at the determined temperature is sprayed, Based on the properties of the sterilization target placed in the storage space, the output of UV light may be determined, and the operation of the UV sterilization module may be controlled so that UV light of the determined output is irradiated.

In various embodiments, the steam sterilization module includes a steam generator and a plurality of steam nozzles, the UV sterilization module includes a UV layer including a plurality of UV LEDs, and the control module includes the storage space. Controlling the operation of the steam sterilization module so that steam is injected only through at least one steam nozzle corresponding to the position of the sterilization target among the plurality of steam nozzles based on the position of the sterilization object placed therein, and the plurality of UV The operation of the UV sterilization module can be controlled so that UV light is irradiated only through at least one UV LED among LEDs corresponding to the position of the sterilization target.

In various embodiments, the control module may provide a first time for performing the steam sterilization operation and a second time for performing the UV sterilization operation based on the properties of the first sterilization object and the second sterilization object mounted in the storage space. Determine the time, wherein the difference between the first time corresponding to the first sterilization target and the second time corresponding to the second sterilization target or the second time corresponding to the first sterilization target and the second sterilization target If the difference between the second times is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, a warning notification may be output.

In various embodiments, when obtaining a sterilization request for a predetermined time for a sterilization object placed in the storage space, the control module may perform the steam sterilization operation, the drying operation, and the sterilization operation based on the properties of the sterilization object. A performance time ratio of the UV sterilization operation may be determined, and operations of the steam sterilization module, the drying module, and the UV sterilization module may be controlled based on the determined performance time ratio.

In various embodiments, the control module may control only the operation of one of the steam sterilization module and the UV sterilization module based on the properties of the sterilization object mounted in the storage space.

In another embodiment of the present invention to solve the above-described problem, a method for sterilizing baby products includes a sterilizer that performs a customized sterilization operation based on the characteristics of baby products, including a housing, a steam sterilization module, a UV sterilization module, a drying module, and a control module. In the method of sterilizing baby products performed using, the control module obtaining a sterilization request for a sterilization object placed in a storage space provided inside the housing, the control module responding to the obtained sterilization request Performing a steam sterilization operation of spraying steam to the sterilization object by controlling the operation of the steam sterilization module, wherein the control module controls the operation of the drying module in response to the end of the steam sterilization operation. performing a drying operation of drying the sterilizing object, and a UV sterilizing operation of irradiating UV light to the sterilizing object as the control module controls the operation of the UV sterilizing module in response to the end of the drying operation. It may include steps to be performed.

Other specific details of the invention are included in the detailed description and drawings.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, the sterilization object can be sterilized and disinfected more powerfully by performing a steam sterilization operation and a UV sterilization operation on the sterilization object, and the sterilization object becomes wet as the steam sterilization operation is performed. By performing a drying operation and then performing a UV sterilization operation, it is possible to prevent the UV sterilization performance from deteriorating due to moisture, and by performing a sterilization operation appropriate for the sterilization target based on the properties of the sterilization target, the baby bottle In addition, it has the advantage of being able to sterilize and disinfect various types of baby products such as baby dishes and toys.

The effects of the present invention 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.

Figures 1 to 4 are diagrams showing a sterilizer that performs a customized sterilization operation based on the characteristics of baby products according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a block diagram showing components included in a sterilizer that performs a customized sterilization operation based on the characteristics of baby products in various embodiments.
Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method for sterilizing baby products according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a control module included in a sterilizer that performs a customized sterilization operation based on the characteristics of baby products in various embodiments.

The advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail below along with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms. The present embodiments are merely provided to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to provide a general understanding of the technical field to which the present invention pertains. It is provided to fully inform the skilled person of the scope of the present invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims.

The terminology used herein is for describing embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, singular forms also include plural forms, unless specifically stated otherwise in the context. As used in the specification, “comprises” and/or “comprising” does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements in addition to the mentioned elements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification, and “and/or” includes each and every combination of one or more of the referenced elements. Although “first”, “second”, etc. are used to describe various components, these components are of course not limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, it goes without saying that the first component mentioned below may also be a second component within the technical spirit of the present invention.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification may be used with meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Additionally, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless clearly specifically defined.

As used in the specification, the term “unit” or “module” refers to a hardware component such as software, FPGA, or ASIC, and the “unit” or “module” performs certain roles. However, “part” or “module” is not limited to software or hardware. A “unit” or “module” may be configured to reside on an addressable storage medium and may be configured to run on one or more processors. Thus, as an example, a “part” or “module” refers to components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, processes, functions, properties, Includes procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functionality provided within components and “parts” or “modules” can be combined into smaller components and “parts” or “modules” or into additional components and “parts” or “modules”. Could be further separated.

Spatially relative terms such as “below”, “beneath”, “lower”, “above”, “upper”, etc. are used as a single term as shown in the drawing. It can be used to easily describe the correlation between a component and other components. Spatially relative terms should be understood as terms that include different directions of components during use or operation in addition to the directions shown in the drawings. For example, if a component shown in a drawing is flipped over, a component described as "below" or "beneath" another component will be placed "above" the other component. You can. Accordingly, the illustrative term “down” may include both downward and upward directions. Components can also be oriented in other directions, so spatially relative terms can be interpreted according to orientation.

In this specification, a computer refers to all types of hardware devices including at least one processor, and depending on the embodiment, it may be understood as encompassing software configurations that operate on the hardware device. For example, a computer can be understood as including, but is not limited to, a smartphone, tablet PC, desktop, laptop, and user clients and applications running on each device.

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

Each step described in this specification is described as being performed by a computer, but the subject of each step is not limited thereto, and depending on the embodiment, at least part of each step may be performed in a different device.

Figures 1 to 4 are diagrams showing a sterilizer that performs a customized sterilization operation based on the characteristics of baby products according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5 shows a sterilizer that performs a customized sterilization operation based on the characteristics of baby products in various embodiments. This is a block diagram showing the components included in the sterilizer.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a sterilizer 100 (hereinafter referred to as “baby product sterilizer 100”) that performs a customized sterilization operation based on the characteristics of baby products according to an embodiment of the present invention uses steam to sterilize the object. Sterilization operation and UV sterilization operation can be performed. To this end, the baby product sterilizer 100 may include a housing 110, a steam sterilization module 120, a UV sterilization module 130, a drying module 140, and a control module 150.

Here, the baby product sterilizer 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 is according to one embodiment, and its components are not limited to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, and can be added or changed as necessary. Or it can be deleted.

In one embodiment, the housing 110 arranges various components of the baby product sterilizer 100 and sterilizes objects (e.g., items to be sterilized, such as baby bottles, baby dishes, toys, dolls, etc.). In order to hold baby products), a storage space of a predetermined size may be provided inside.

In various embodiments, the housing 110 may have a shape with one side open as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . The housing 110 covers the open surface and may include a door portion 111 that can be opened and closed in the vertical direction. Additionally, the door portion 111 may include a handle portion 111a for opening and closing the door portion 111.

In various embodiments, the housing 110 may further include a water storage unit 112 that stores water for generating high temperature steam. The water storage unit 112 may be placed at the lower end of the housing 110. The water storage unit 112 may be discharged to the outside of the housing 110 or may be implemented as insertable into the interior of the housing 110. However, it is not limited to this.

In various embodiments, the housing 110 includes a user interface 113 for obtaining user input for manipulating the operation of the baby product sterilizer 100 (e.g., buttons and joggers for manipulating the operation of the baby product sterilizer 100). dial, etc.) may be further included.

In one embodiment, the steam sterilization module 120 may be disposed at the lower part of the storage space provided inside the housing 110, and may perform a steam sterilization operation of spraying high-temperature steam on a sterilization object mounted in the storage space. . To this end, the steam sterilization module 120 may include a steam generator 121 and a plurality of steam nozzles 122.

The steam generation unit 121 may be connected to the water storage unit 112 and may generate high temperature steam at a certain temperature using water stored in the water storage unit 112. Here, the high-temperature steam generated by the steam generator 121 may be 100°C or higher, but is not limited thereto, and may generate high-temperature steam with a temperature in the range of 80°C to 140°C according to the user's request.

The plurality of steam injection ports 122 may be connected to the steam generator 121, and high-temperature steam generated from the steam generator 121 may be sprayed into the storage space. For example, the plurality of steam nozzles 122 may have a shape with both sides open as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 (e.g., a rectangular parallelepiped, cube, cylinder, etc. with both sides open), and one open side generates steam. By being connected to the unit 121 and arranged so that the open other side faces the storage space, high-temperature steam generated in the steam generating unit 121 can be sprayed into the storage space.

In various embodiments, each of the plurality of steam nozzles 122 may be coupled to the steam generator 121 in an openable or closed form. That is, when the steam sterilization operation is not performed, the plurality of steam nozzles 122 and the steam generator 121 may be blocked, and when the steam sterilization operation is initiated, the plurality of steam nozzles 122 and the steam generator 121 may be blocked. (121) can be connected. Additionally, in some cases, at least one steam injection port 122 among the plurality of steam injection ports 122 and the steam generator 121 may be connected, and the remaining steam injection ports 122 may be blocked.

In one embodiment, the UV sterilization module 130 may be placed at the upper end of the storage space provided inside the housing 110, and may perform a UV sterilization operation by irradiating UV light to a sterilization object mounted in the storage space. . To this end, the UV sterilization module 130 may include a UV layer including a plurality of UV LEDs 131.

At this time, when high-temperature steam is sprayed into the storage space through the steam sterilization module 120, the plurality of UV LEDs 131 or the wiring electrically connecting the plurality of UV LEDs 131 may be damaged due to the high-temperature steam. As such, the UV sterilization module 130 may be waterproof. For example, a protective film made of a waterproof material is attached to the UV layer, or each of a plurality of UV LEDs 131 included in the UV radar is installed in combination with a waterproof member (e.g., each of the plurality of UV LEDs 131 is inserted into a quartz tube). can be installed as is. However, it is not limited to this.

Here, UV LED is described as a component that irradiates UV light to perform a UV sterilization operation, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and various types of components that can irradiate UV light can replace the UV LED.

In one embodiment, the drying module 140 may perform a drying operation on a sterilizing object placed in a storage space.

The baby product sterilizer 100 according to various embodiments of the present invention performs a steam sterilization operation and a UV sterilization operation on a sterilization object mounted in a storage space. As the steam sterilization operation is performed, high temperature steam sprayed into the storage space is used. If the object to be sterilized becomes wet or the humidity in the storage space increases, there is a problem that the effectiveness of sterilization using UV light is significantly reduced.

In consideration of this, the drying module 140 can dry the wet sterilization target and lower the humidity in the storage space by performing a steam sterilization operation prior to performing the UV sterilization operation. there is.

In various embodiments, the drying module 140 may include, but is not limited to, a PTC heater 141 and a fan 142.

In one embodiment, the control module 150 may control the operations of components included in the baby product sterilizer 100 to perform a sterilization operation on the object to be sterilized through the baby product sterilizer 100.

For example, the control module 150 may control the operation of the steam sterilization module 120 to perform a steam sterilization operation of spraying steam to a sterilization target.

Additionally, the control module 150 may control the operation of the UV sterilization module 130 to perform a UV sterilization operation of irradiating UV light to a sterilization target.

Additionally, the control module 150 may control the operation of the drying module 140 to perform a drying operation to dry the object to be sterilized.

In various embodiments, the control module 150 sequentially controls the operations of the steam sterilization module 120, the drying module 140, and the UV sterilization module 130, thereby performing a steam sterilization operation on the sterilization object mounted in the storage space. , drying operation and UV sterilization operation can be performed sequentially.

More specifically, first, when a sterilization object is mounted in the storage space and a sterilization request (e.g., a request to initiate a sterilization operation) is obtained for the sterilization object mounted in the storage space, the control module 150 operates the steam sterilization module 120 By controlling the operation of ), a steam sterilization operation of spraying steam to the sterilization target can be performed.

Thereafter, when the steam sterilization operation through the steam sterilization module 120 ends, the control module 150 may control the operation of the drying module 140 to perform a drying operation to dry the object to be sterilized. That is, the control module 150 can dry the wet sterilization target by performing the steam sterilization operation.

Thereafter, when the drying operation through the drying module 140 ends, the control module 150 controls the operation of the UV sterilization module 130 in response to the end of the drying operation to irradiate UV light to the sterilizing target. UV sterilization operation can be performed.

In various embodiments, the control module 150 may determine the time to perform a steam sterilization operation, a drying operation, and a UV sterilization operation based on the properties of the sterilization object placed in the storage space.

More specifically, first, the control module 150 may determine the properties of the sterilization target placed in the storage space.

For example, the control module 150 may be connected to a user terminal through a network, and may provide a user interface for controlling the operation of the baby product sterilizer 100 to the user terminal, and may be installed in the storage space through the user interface. You can receive attribute information about the sterilization target.

Here, the properties of the sterilization target may include, but are not limited to, the type, material, and number of the sterilization target (e.g., baby bottles, baby dishes, toys, dolls, etc.), and are not limited to this, and are not limited to the size and shape of the sterilization target, etc. Can contain any information.

Also, here, the user terminal may mean any type of entity(s) in the system that has a mechanism for communication with the control module 150. For example, these user terminals include personal computers (PCs), notebooks (note books), mobile terminals, smart phones, tablet PCs, and wearable devices. It can include all types of terminals that can connect to wired/wireless networks. Additionally, the user terminal may include an arbitrary server implemented by at least one of an agent, an application programming interface (API), and a plug-in. Additionally, the user terminal may include an application source and/or client application.

Also, here, the network may mean a connection structure that allows information exchange between nodes, such as a plurality of terminals and servers. For example, the network may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the World Wide Web (WWW), a wired or wireless data communication network, a telephone network, a wired or wireless television network, etc. .

In addition, wireless data communication networks include 3G, 4G, 5G, 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), 5GPP (5th Generation Partnership Project), LTE (Long Term Evolution), WIMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), and Wi-Fi. , Internet, LAN (Local Area Network), Wireless LAN (Wireless Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), PAN (Personal Area Network), RF (Radio Frequency), Bluetooth network, NFC ( It may include, but is not limited to, a Near-Field Communication (Near-Field Communication) network, a satellite broadcasting network, an analog broadcasting network, and a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) network.

As another example, the baby product sterilizer 100 may further include a camera module (not shown) that takes pictures of the inside of the storage space or a sterilization object mounted in the storage space, and the control module 150 may be operated through the camera module. By analyzing the image generated by photographing the inside of the storage space or the object to be sterilized, the properties of the object to be sterilized can be determined. For example, the control module 150 uses a plurality of images labeled with information about the properties of the sterilization target as learning data and uses an image analysis model learned according to a supervised learning method to sterilize the interior of the storage space or sterilize the object. By analyzing the image generated by photographing the object, the properties of the sterilization object placed in the storage space can be extracted.

Here, it is explained that the operation of determining the properties of the sterilization target through the image analysis model is performed through the control module 150. However, the operation of determining the properties of the sterilization target through the image analysis model requires many calculations, In order to quickly and accurately process many calculations, a high-performance computing device is required. Preferably, the operation of determining the properties of the sterilization target through an image analysis model is performed using an external server connected to the control module 150 through a network. and the control module 150 may be implemented to receive the results from an external server.

Thereafter, the control module 150 may determine the time to perform the steam sterilization operation, drying operation, and UV sterilization operation based on the properties of the sterilization object placed in the storage space.

In various embodiments, the control module 150 may determine the first time corresponding to the steam sterilization operation based on the properties of the sterilization object placed in the storage space. For example, the control module 150 may extract the recommended time of the steam sterilization operation corresponding to the attribute of the sterilization object based on the recommended time data of the steam sterilization operation for each attribute of the sterilization object stored in advance, and the extracted recommended time Can be determined as the first time corresponding to the steam sterilization operation.

In various embodiments, the control module 150 may determine a second time corresponding to the UV sterilization operation based on the properties of the sterilization object placed in the storage space. For example, the control module 150 may extract the recommended time of the UV sterilization operation corresponding to the attribute of the sterilization object based on the recommended time data of the UV sterilization operation for each attribute of the sterilization object stored in advance, and the extracted recommended time can be determined as the second time corresponding to the UV sterilization operation.

In various embodiments, the control module 150 may determine a drying method and a third time corresponding to the drying operation of the sterilizing object based on the properties of the sterilizing object placed in the storage space. For example, the control module 150 is based on the recommended drying method and recommended time data of the drying operation for each attribute of the sterilization object stored in advance, and the recommended drying method corresponding to the attribute of the sterilization object (e.g., through the PTC heater 141). heat drying method or natural drying method, etc.) and recommended time can be extracted, the extracted recommended drying method can be determined as the drying method of the sterilization target, and the extracted recommended time can be determined as the third time corresponding to the drying time. .

Thereafter, the computing device 100 controls the operation of the steam sterilization module 120 so that a steam sterilization operation is performed on the sterilization object for a first time, and an operation corresponding to the drying method of the sterilization object is performed for a third time. The operation of the drying module 140 may be controlled, and the operation of the UV sterilizing module 130 may be controlled so that the UV sterilizing operation is performed for a second time.

In various embodiments, the control module 150 may determine the intensity of the sterilization operation based on the properties of the sterilization object placed in the storage space. For example, the control module 150 may determine the temperature of the steam based on the properties of the sterilization object mounted in the storage space and control the operation of the steam sterilization module 120 so that steam at the determined temperature is sprayed. Additionally, the control module 150 may determine the output of UV light based on the properties of the sterilization object mounted in the storage space and control the operation of the UV sterilization module 130 so that UV light of the determined output is irradiated.

In various embodiments, the control module 150 may control the operations of the steam sterilization module 120 and the UV sterilization module 130 based on the location of the sterilization object mounted in the storage space. For example, the control module 150 is configured to spray steam only through at least one steam nozzle 122 corresponding to the position of the sterilization target among the plurality of steam nozzles 122, based on the position of the sterilization target placed in the storage space. The operation of the steam sterilization module 120 can be controlled. In addition, the control module 150 irradiates UV light only through at least one UV LED 131 corresponding to the position of the sterilization object among the plurality of UV LEDs 131, based on the position of the sterilization object mounted in the storage space. The operation of the UV sterilization module 130 can be controlled as much as possible.

In various embodiments, the control module 150 is configured to perform a steam sterilization operation at a first time, a UV sterilization operation at a second time, and a drying operation based on the properties of the sterilization object placed in the storage space. 3 hours are determined, but when two or more sterilization objects of different types are placed in the storage space, the average values of the first time, second time, and third time determined corresponding to each of the two or more sterilization objects are used for steam sterilization operation, It can be determined by the time to perform the drying operation and UV sterilization operation.

For example, when the first sterilization object and the second sterilization object are placed in the storage space, the control module 150 calculates the average value of the first time corresponding to the first sterilization object and the first time corresponding to the second sterilization object. It may be determined as the time to perform the steam sterilization operation, and the average value of the second time corresponding to the first sterilization object and the second time corresponding to the second sterilization object may be determined as the time to perform the UV sterilization operation. The average value of the third time corresponding to the first sterilization object and the third time corresponding to the second sterilization object may be determined as the time to perform the drying operation.

At this time, the control module 150 may output a warning notification when the difference between the time corresponding to the first sterilization target and the time corresponding to the second sterilization target is more than a preset threshold. For example, the control module 150 determines whether the difference between the first time corresponding to the first sterilization target and the first time corresponding to the second sterilization target is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, or the second time corresponding to the first sterilization target When the difference between the second time corresponding to the second sterilization target is more than a preset threshold or the difference between the third time corresponding to the first sterilization target and the third time corresponding to the second sterilization target is more than a preset threshold , a warning notification can be output.

Here, the warning notification may be a notification signal output through a notification module (e.g., display or speaker, etc.) separately provided in the baby product sterilizer 100, but is not limited to this and may be output through a user terminal connected through a network. You can.

In various embodiments, the control module 150 obtains a sterilization request for a predetermined time from a user for a sterilization object mounted in a storage space, that is, when a sterilization time for the sterilization object is set by the user (e.g., 1 hour), the performance time ratio of the steam sterilization operation, drying operation, and UV sterilization operation can be determined based on the properties of the sterilization object, and based on the determined performance time ratio, the steam sterilization module 120, the drying module 140, and The operation of the UV sterilization module 130 can be controlled. For example, when the material to be sterilized is a polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) material, the control module 150 may determine a performance time ratio such that the performance time of the steam sterilization operation is longer than the performance time of the UV sterilization operation. Additionally, when the material to be sterilized is a silicon material, the control module 150 may determine a performance time ratio such that the performance time of the UV sterilization operation is longer than the performance time of the steam sterilization operation.

In various embodiments, the control module 150 controls the steam sterilization module 120 and the UV sterilization module so that only one of the steam sterilization operation and the UV sterilization operation is performed based on the properties of the sterilization object mounted in the storage space. The operation of only one of the sterilization modules (140) can be controlled. For example, when the sterilization object is a toy containing wires, the control module 150 may control only the operation of the UV sterilization module 140 so that only the UV sterilization operation is performed. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6, a method of sterilizing baby products performed through the control module 150 will be described.

Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method for sterilizing baby products according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, in step S110, the control module 150 may perform a steam sterilization operation. For example, the control module 150 may obtain a sterilization request for a sterilization object mounted in a storage space provided inside the housing 110 from the user, and operate the steam sterilization module 120 in response to the obtained sterilization request. Under control, a steam sterilization operation can be performed in which steam is sprayed onto the sterilization target.

At this time, the control module 150 may determine a first time to perform the steam sterilization operation based on the properties of the sterilization target, and may configure the steam sterilization module 120 to perform the steam sterilization operation for the first time on the sterilization target. Movement can be controlled.

In step S120, the control module 150 may perform a drying operation in response to the end of the steam sterilization operation performed in step S110. For example, the control module 150 may perform a drying operation to dry the object to be sterilized by controlling the operation of the drying module 140 in response to the end of the steam sterilization operation.

At this time, the control module 150 may determine a drying method and a third time for performing the drying operation based on the properties of the sterilizing object, and perform an operation corresponding to the drying method for the third time (e.g., heat drying) for the sterilizing object. , natural drying, etc.) can control the operation of the drying module 140.

At this time, when the humidity in the storage space (for example, a value measured through a humidity sensor separately provided in the storage space) is greater than or equal to the standard humidity value, the control module 150 performs drying until the humidity in the storage space becomes less than the standard humidity value. The operation of the drying module 140 may be controlled to perform the operation.

In step S130, the control module 150 may perform a UV sterilization operation in response to the end of the drying operation performed in step S120. For example, the control module 150 may respond to the end of the drying operation (e.g., when the operation of the drying module 140 ends (off) or the humidity in the storage space falls below the reference humidity value) and the UV sterilization module ( By controlling the operation of 130), a UV sterilization operation of irradiating UV light to the sterilization target can be performed.

At this time, the control module 150 may determine a second time to perform the UV sterilization operation based on the properties of the sterilization target, and configure the UV sterilization module 130 to perform the UV sterilization operation for the second time on the sterilization target. Movement can be controlled.

In various embodiments, when the sterilization operation on the sterilization target is completed according to the above method (steps S110 to S130), the control module 150 may output a notification informing the user that the sterilization operation has been completed.

In various embodiments, the control module 150 may obtain feedback from the user (e.g., an evaluation of the sterilization operation performed on the sterilization object) by providing a notification to the user informing the user that the sterilization operation has been completed. Based on this, the time for performing the steam sterilization operation, drying method and drying operation, and UV sterilization operation on the sterilization object can be adjusted.

For example, the control module 150 stores pre-stored data (e.g., recommended time data for steam sterilization operation for each property of the sterilization target, recommended time data for UV sterilization operation for each property of the sterilization target, and recommendation for drying operation for each property of the sterilization target. Based on the drying method and recommended time data), the performance time of the steam sterilization operation, drying method and drying operation, and UV sterilization operation is determined, and accordingly, the steam sterilization module 120, the UV sterilization module 130, and the drying module 140 ), but when feedback indicating that sterilization was not performed properly is obtained from the user, or feedback indicating that drying is not performed properly is obtained, pre-stored data is corrected based on the feedback (e.g. , from pre-stored data, the data corresponding to the attributes of the sterilization target can be upwardly adjusted.

The above-described method of sterilizing baby products was explained with reference to the flow chart shown in the drawing. For simple explanation, the method of sterilizing baby products is illustrated and described as a series of blocks, but the present invention is not limited to the order of the blocks, and some blocks are performed in a different order or simultaneously from those shown and performed herein. It can be. Additionally, new blocks not described in the specification and drawings may be added, or some blocks may be deleted or changed. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, the hardware configuration of the control module 150 that performs the method of sterilizing baby products according to various embodiments of the present invention will be described.

Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a control module included in a sterilizer that performs a customized sterilization operation based on the characteristics of baby products in various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 7, in various embodiments, the control module 150 includes one or more processors 151, a memory 152 that loads a computer program 155a executed by the processor 151, and a bus ( 153), a communication interface 154, and a storage 155 that stores a computer program 155a. Here, only components related to the embodiment of the present invention are shown in Figure 7. Accordingly, anyone skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can see that other general-purpose components other than those shown in FIG. 7 may be further included.

The processor 151 controls the overall operation of each component of the computing device 100. The processor 151 includes a Central Processing Unit (CPU), Micro Processor Unit (MPU), Micro Controller Unit (MCU), Graphic Processing Unit (GPU), or any other type of processor well known in the art of the present invention. It can be.

Additionally, the processor 151 may perform operations on at least one application or program for executing methods according to embodiments of the present invention, and the control module 150 may include one or more processors.

In various embodiments, the processor 151 includes random access memory (RAM) (not shown) and read memory (ROM) that temporarily and/or permanently store signals (or data) processed within the processor 151. -Only Memory, not shown) may be further included. Additionally, the processor 151 may be implemented in the form of a system on chip (SoC) including at least one of a graphics processing unit, RAM, and ROM.

Memory 152 stores various data, instructions and/or information. Memory 152 may load a computer program 155a from storage 155 to execute methods/operations according to various embodiments of the present invention. When the computer program 155a is loaded into the memory 152, the processor 151 can perform the method/operation by executing one or more instructions constituting the computer program 155a. The memory 152 may be implemented as a volatile memory such as RAM, but the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The bus 153 provides communication between components of the control module 150. The bus 153 may be implemented as various types of buses, such as an address bus, data bus, and control bus.

The communication interface 154 supports wired and wireless Internet communication of the control module 150. Additionally, the communication interface 154 may support various communication methods other than Internet communication. To this end, the communication interface 154 may be configured to include a communication module well known in the art of the present invention. In some embodiments, communication interface 154 may be omitted.

Storage 155 may non-temporarily store computer program 155a. When a baby product sterilization process is performed through the control module 150, the storage 155 can store various information necessary to provide a baby product sterilization process.

The storage 155 is a non-volatile memory such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, a hard disk, a removable disk, or a device well known in the art to which the present invention pertains. It may be configured to include any known type of computer-readable recording medium.

The computer program 155a, when loaded into the memory 152, may include one or more instructions that cause the processor 151 to perform methods/operations according to various embodiments of the present invention. That is, the processor 151 can perform the method/operation according to various embodiments of the present invention by executing the one or more instructions.

In one embodiment, the computer program 155a includes the control module obtaining a sterilization request for a sterilization object mounted in a storage space provided inside the housing, the control module activating the steam sterilization module in response to the obtained sterilization request. Performing a steam sterilization operation of spraying steam to the sterilization object as the operation is controlled, and performing a drying operation of drying the sterilization object as the control module controls the operation of the drying module in response to the end of the steam sterilization operation. performing a UV sterilization operation of irradiating UV light to the sterilization object as the control module controls the operation of the UV sterilization module in response to the end of the drying operation. It may contain one or more instructions.

The steps of the method or algorithm described in connection with embodiments of the present invention may be implemented directly in hardware, implemented as a software module executed by hardware, or a combination thereof. The software module may be RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), Flash Memory, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or It may reside on any type of computer-readable recording medium well known in the art to which the present invention pertains.

The components of the present invention may be implemented as a program (or application) and stored in a medium in order to be executed in conjunction with a hardware computer. Components of the invention may be implemented as software programming or software elements, and similarly, embodiments may include various algorithms implemented as combinations of data structures, processes, routines or other programming constructs, such as C, C++, , may be implemented in a programming or scripting language such as Java, assembler, etc. Functional aspects may be implemented as algorithms running on one or more processors.

Above, embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the attached drawings, but those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing its technical idea or essential features. You will be able to understand it. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

100: Sterilizer that performs customized sterilization operation based on the characteristics of baby products
110: housing
120: Steam sterilization module
130: UV sterilization module
140: drying module
150: control module

Claims (5)

A housing with a storage space of a predetermined size inside;
A steam sterilization module disposed at the lower end of the storage space;
a UV sterilization module disposed at the upper end of the storage space;
a drying module disposed on at least one side of the storage space; and
It includes a control module that controls the operations of the steam sterilization module, the UV sterilization module, and the drying module,
The control module is,
By sequentially controlling the operations of the steam sterilization module, the drying module, and the UV sterilization module, the steam sterilization operation, the drying operation, and the UV sterilization operation on the sterilization object mounted in the storage space are performed sequentially. do,
A user interface is provided to a user terminal, and information regarding properties of the sterilization target is input through the provided user interface, wherein the properties of the sterilization target include at least one of the type, material, and number of the sterilization target. and
When two or more sterilization objects of different types are placed in the storage space - the two or more sterilization objects include a first sterilization object and a second sterilization object - the properties of the first sterilization object and the second sterilization object Determine a first time to perform the steam sterilization operation for each of the first sterilization object and the second sterilization object based on the attributes and the recommended time data for the steam sterilization operation for each attribute of the sterilization object stored in advance, and The UV sterilization for each of the first sterilization target and the second sterilization target based on the properties of the first sterilization target and the properties of the second sterilization target and the recommended time data for UV sterilization operation for each property of the sterilization target stored in advance. Determine a second time to perform the action,
The difference between the first time corresponding to the first sterilization target and the first time corresponding to the second sterilization target is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, or the second time corresponding to the first sterilization target and the second sterilization target Characterized in outputting a warning notification when the difference between the corresponding second times is greater than or equal to the preset threshold,
When two or more different types of sterilization objects are placed in the storage space, the average value of the first time corresponding to each of the two or more sterilization objects is determined as the time for performing the steam sterilization operation, and each of the two or more sterilization objects is determined. Characterized in that determining the average value of the second time corresponding to the time for performing the UV sterilization operation,
A sterilizer that performs customized sterilization operations based on the characteristics of baby products. According to paragraph 1,
The control module is,
When a first sterilization object and a second sterilization object are placed in the storage space, a drying operation is performed using the average value of the third time corresponding to the first sterilization object and the third time corresponding to the second sterilization object. Characterized by determining by time,
A sterilizer that performs customized sterilization operations based on the characteristics of baby products. According to paragraph 1,
The control module is,
Determining the temperature of steam based on the properties of the sterilization object placed in the storage space, and controlling the operation of the steam sterilization module so that steam at the determined temperature is sprayed,
Characterized in that, based on the properties of the sterilization object mounted in the storage space, the output of UV light is determined, and the operation of the UV sterilization module is controlled so that UV light of the determined output is irradiated.
A sterilizer that performs customized sterilization operations based on the characteristics of baby products. According to paragraph 1,
The steam sterilization module is,
Includes a steam generation unit and a plurality of steam nozzles,
The UV sterilization module is,
It includes a UV layer including a plurality of UV LEDs,
The control module is,
Based on the position of the sterilization object placed in the storage space, controlling the operation of the steam sterilization module so that steam is injected only through at least one steam nozzle corresponding to the position of the sterilization object among the plurality of steam nozzles,
Characterized in controlling the operation of the UV sterilization module so that UV light is irradiated only through at least one UV LED corresponding to the position of the sterilization target among the plurality of UV LEDs,
A sterilizer that performs customized sterilization operations based on the characteristics of baby products. According to paragraph 1,
The control module is,
When obtaining a sterilization request for a predetermined time for a sterilization object placed in the storage space, determine the performance time ratio of the steam sterilization operation, the drying operation, and the UV sterilization operation based on the properties of the sterilization object; ,
Characterized in that controlling the operation of the steam sterilization module, the drying module, and the UV sterilization module based on the determined performance time ratio.
A sterilizer that performs customized sterilization operations based on the characteristics of baby products.