Ultraviolet sterilization apparatus and method for controlling ultraviolet sterilization apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an ultraviolet (UV) sterilization apparatus and a method for controlling the same, and more particularly, to a UV sterilization apparatus that can change its radiation pattern and position. The UV sterilization apparatus includes a sterilization unit configured to be movable to a specific position and including a UV emission unit, a driving unit configured to move the sterilization unit, and a lens assembly including at least two different types of lenses and disposed on a front surface of the UV emission unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an ultraviolet (UV) sterilization device, and more specifically, to a UV sterilization device whose radiation pattern and position can be changed. Background Technology

[0002] Ultraviolet (UV) light can be used in sterilization devices because it promotes chemical reactions, oxidizes organic matter, and kills microorganisms. Especially recently, due to the coronavirus pandemic, interest in hygiene and sterilization has increased more than ever.

[0003] UV light includes UV-C light with wavelengths in the range of 200 to 280 nanometers (nm), UV-B light with wavelengths in the range of 280 to 315 nm, and UV-A light with wavelengths in the range of 315 to 400 nm. It is well known that when UV-C light, with its bactericidal properties, irradiates deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), it damages the DNA and inhibits its regeneration and replication, thereby eliminating viruses. Because UV-C light has recently been reported to be effective against coronaviruses, UV-C light-emitting diode (LED) products have been developed for the purpose of eliminating coronaviruses.

[0004] Because of this trend, there are attempts to apply UV sterilization devices to vehicles in order to sterilize the passenger compartment of a vehicle, which is an enclosed space.

[0005] The information disclosed in this background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute related technology known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure is intended to address the aforementioned issues related to the relevant technologies.

[0007] One object of this disclosure is to provide an ultraviolet (UV) sterilization device with improved sterilization performance and reliability.

[0008] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a UV sterilization device capable of performing various radiation modes.

[0009] The purpose of this disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned purposes, and other purposes not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains (hereinafter referred to as "those skilled in the art") from the following description.

[0010] The features of this disclosure for achieving its objectives and performing its characteristic functions are as follows.

[0011] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a UV sterilization device includes: a sterilization unit configured to be movable to a specific location and including a UV emitting unit; a drive unit configured to move the sterilization unit; and a lens assembly including at least two different types of lenses and disposed on the front surface of the UV emitting unit.

[0012] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a method for controlling a UV sterilization device includes: detecting the temperature in an enclosed space, wherein a sterilization unit is positioned in the enclosed space; when the temperature exceeds a preset threshold temperature, separating the sterilization unit from the housing positioned in the enclosed space by a drive motor, the motor being configured to move the sterilization unit out of the housing positioned in the enclosed space; and when the temperature is equal to or below the threshold temperature, driving the motor to return the sterilization unit to the housing positioned in the enclosed space.

[0013] This disclosure provides a UV sterilization device with improved sterilization performance and reliability.

[0014] This disclosure provides a UV sterilization device capable of performing various radiation modes.

[0015] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other effects not mentioned will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0016] It should be understood that the term "automobile" or "vehicle" or other similar terms, as used herein, includes motor vehicles, generally such as passenger cars, including sports utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, ships including various boats and boats, aircraft, etc., and includes hybrid electric vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., vehicles fueled from non-petroleum resources). As referred to herein, a hybrid electric vehicle is a vehicle with two or more power sources, such as both a gasoline-powered vehicle and an electric vehicle.

[0017] The above and other features of this disclosure are discussed below. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and other features of this disclosure are described in detail below with reference to certain examples shown in the accompanying drawings, which are given hereinafter by way of illustration only and are not intended to limit this disclosure, and wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An example of installing a UV sterilization device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0020] Figure 3A The illustration shows a UV sterilization device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure installed on a rooftop console of a vehicle.

[0021] Figure 3B The changes were shown Figure 3A The location and status of the UV sterilization equipment.

[0022] Figure 4 A perspective view of a UV sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A top-down 3D view.

[0024] Figure 6 A sterilization unit of a UV sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view taken by line B-B' in the diagram.

[0026] Figure 8 It shows from Figure 5 The UV sterilization equipment seen from the X direction.

[0027] Figure 9A yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0028] Figure 9B yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of the back view.

[0029] Figure 10 A lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 11A It is along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view taken by line A-A' in the diagram.

[0031] Figure 11B It is along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view taken by line A-A' in the diagram.

[0032] Figure 12 A configuration diagram of the control system of a UV sterilization device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0033] Figure 13 A control flowchart of a UV sterilization device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure under high-temperature conditions is shown.

[0034] Figure 14A The illustration shows a sterilization unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is in an operational standby state in a top-mounted control console.

[0035] Figure 14B A sterilization unit that moves downward from a top-mounted console according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0036] Figure 15 A user-request-based control flowchart of a UV sterilization device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0037] Figure 16A A front view of a UV sterilization device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown with the first and second wires set to their minimum lengths.

[0038] Figure 16B A front view of a UV sterilization device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown with the first and second wires adjusted to their maximum lengths.

[0039] Figure 17 A control flowchart of the lens assembly of a UV sterilization device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0040] Figure 18A The radiation range of the sterilization unit is shown when the convex lens overlaps with the UV emitting unit.

[0041] Figure 18B The radiation range of the sterilization unit without the use of a lens is shown.

[0042] Figure 18C The radiation range of the sterilization unit is shown when the concave lens overlaps with the UV emitting unit.

[0043] Figure 19A This illustrates the eccentricity of the light generated by the UV emitting unit when a portion of the right side of the convex lens overlaps with the UV emitting unit.

[0044] Figure 19B This illustrates the eccentricity of the light generated by the UV emitting unit when a portion of the left side of the convex lens overlaps with the UV emitting unit.

[0045] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather present slightly simplified representations of various features illustrating the basic principles of this disclosure. Specific design features of this disclosure, such as specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes, will be segmented and determined by the particular intended application and environment of use.

[0046] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals throughout the various figures refer to the same or equivalent portions of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0047] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific structures or functions described in the embodiments of the present disclosure are for illustrative purposes only. Embodiments based on the concepts of the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should be understood to be not construed as limited to the embodiments described herein, but rather to include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutions contained within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] It should be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the teachings of this disclosure, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element. Similarly, the second element may also be referred to as the first element.

[0049] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as "connected" or "attached" to another element, it can be directly connected or attached to the other element, or there can be an intermediate element between them. Conversely, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as "directly connected" or "directly attached" to another element, there is no intermediate element. Other expressions describing relationships between elements, such as "between," "directly between," "adjacent to," or "directly adjacent to," should be interpreted in the same manner.

[0050] Throughout this specification, the same reference numerals denote the same parts. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., when used in this specification, specify the presence of the said parts, steps, operations, and / or elements, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other parts, steps, operations, and / or elements thereof.

[0051] One object of this disclosure is to provide a UV sterilization device for sterilizing enclosed indoor spaces, particularly the passenger compartment of a vehicle.

[0052] Regarding UV-C LEDs, as the distance from the emission source to the target to be sterilized increases, or depending on the emission angle, the light intensity decreases, and the sterilization performance deteriorates. Therefore, the longer the distance between the UV-C LED and the target to be sterilized, the longer the emission time.

[0053] Furthermore, UV-C LEDs are less efficient and more prone to failure in high-temperature environments. When UV-C LEDs operate in high-temperature environments, such as when a vehicle is parked in direct sunlight, the LED's effectiveness may decrease, or it may be damaged by the high temperature.

[0054] Typically, bacteria accumulate in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, particularly on the steering wheel, door handles, seatbelts, cupholders, gear selector, and center dashboard. Therefore, it is necessary to install sterilization devices in the vehicle to apply sterilization to various points within the passenger compartment.

[0055] One object of this disclosure is to provide a UV sterilization device and a method for controlling a UV sterilization device, which can prevent the decrease in sterilization performance due to the increase in distance to the target to be sterilized, prevent the performance degradation of the sterilization device in high temperature environments, and provide sterilization effect throughout various areas of a vehicle.

[0056] This disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the UV sterilization device 1 according to this disclosure can be used in any indoor space requiring sterilization. Specifically, when used in a limited indoor space such as the passenger compartment of a vehicle, the UV sterilization device according to this disclosure can achieve sterilization more effectively.

[0058] The UV sterilization device 1 according to this disclosure can be installed at any location in the vehicle V. Specifically, as shown in the figure... Figure 2 As shown, the UV sterilization device 1 can be installed on the upper side of the passenger compartment of the vehicle V, such as the roof, head lining, or overhead console OC of the vehicle V. The following description will use examples of the UV sterilization device 1 being installed in the overhead console OC. However, the UV sterilization device 1 is not necessarily installed in the overhead console OC; it can be installed in any location, as long as the device 1 can move vertically.

[0059] like Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the UV sterilization device 1 according to this disclosure is configured to be movable. The UV sterilization device 1 is configured to be able to be raised and lowered while mounted in a top-mounted control console OC. Specifically, the UV sterilization device 1 is configured to move up and down to meet temperature conditions and / or improve sterilization performance. This is described below.

[0060] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the UV sterilization device 1 includes a motor 10, a pulley 20, and a sterilization unit 30 for lifting. The motor 10 and the pulley 20 are fixed, and the sterilization unit 30 is configured to move up and down by the operation of the motor 10 and the pulley 20.

[0061] The motor 10 and pulley 20 are fixed in the top-mounted control console OC, and the motor 10 provides driving force to the pulley 20. According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the pulley 20 includes a first pulley 22 and a second pulley 24.

[0062] The pulley 20 can be fixed to the top control console OC via a fixed panel 40. The fixed panel 40 is connected to the top control console OC via a support pin 50. Each of the first pulley 22 and the second pulley 24 is rotatably mounted to the fixed panel 40 via a pulley pin 26. Furthermore, the pulley 20 is configured such that when the first pulley 22 rotates, the second pulley 24 also rotates with the first pulley. More specifically, when the motor 10 provides rotational force to the first pulley 22, the second pulley 24, which engages with the first pulley 22, also rotates with the first pulley.

[0063] A first wire 60 is wound around a first pulley 22. When the motor 10 rotates in a first direction to rotate the first pulley 22, the first wire 60 wound around the first pulley 22 can be unwound from the first pulley. Similarly, a second wire 70 is wound around a second pulley 24. When the second pulley 24 rotates in association with the first pulley 22, the second wire 70 wound around the second pulley 24 can be unwound from the second pulley. The first wire 60 can be one of an anode wire and a cathode wire, while the second wire 70 can be the other of an anode wire and a cathode wire.

[0064] Furthermore, when the motor 10 rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction to rotate the first pulley 22, the unwound first wire 60 can be wound back onto the first pulley 22. Similarly, when the second pulley 24 rotates in association with the first pulley 22, the unwound second wire 70 can be wound back onto the second pulley 24.

[0065] The first wire 60 and the second wire 70 are connected to the sterilization unit 30 to provide power to the sterilization unit 30. Through the operation of the motor 10 and the first pulley 22 and the second pulley 24, the first wire 60 and the second wire 70 are unwound from or wound around the first pulley 22 and the second pulley 24, respectively, thereby changing the position of the sterilization unit 30 relative to the top control console OC.

[0066] The sterilization unit 30 includes a UV emitter 302 configured to generate UV rays for sterilization. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the UV emitter 302 is a light-emitting diode (LED) configured to generate UV radiation (e.g., UV-C radiation).

[0067] refer to Figures 6 to 8The sterilization unit 30 includes an inner cover 304. The inner cover 304 is arranged to face the pulley 20. Specifically, a first wire 60 and a second wire 70 can be connected to the inner cover 304. Therefore, the sterilization unit 30 can rise or fall due to changes in the length of the first wire 60 and the second wire 70. The inner cover 304 can be made of aluminum, a material with excellent heat dissipation properties, but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0068] refer to Figure 9A and Figure 9B According to embodiments of this disclosure, at least two wire retaining rings 42 can be mounted to the mounting panel 40. One wire retaining ring 42 is used to guide a first wire 60 extending from the first pulley 22. Similarly, the other wire retaining ring 42 guides a second wire 70 extending from the second pulley 24.

[0069] Refer again Figure 7 The inner cover 304 is connected to the outer cover 306, and a space 308 is formed between the inner cover 304 and the outer cover 306. The outer cover 306 accommodates the components of the sterilization unit 30, and an opening 1306 is formed in the bottom or center of the lower surface of the outer cover 306. Light generated by the UV emitter 302 housed in the outer cover 306 is emitted to the outside of the sterilization unit 30 through the opening 1306.

[0070] A printed circuit board 312, including a heat sink 310 for heat dissipation, is disposed in space 308. The printed circuit board 312 is configured to receive instructions from a controller 80 (e.g., a vehicle controller) and control the operation of a UV emitter 302 disposed below the printed circuit board 312.

[0071] A lens assembly 314 is provided below the UV emitter 302 in space 308. Figure 10 A lens assembly 314 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The lens assembly 314 is rotatably disposed. Specifically, the lens assembly 314 is rotatably coupled to a printed circuit board 312.

[0072] Therefore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 11A and Figure 11BAs shown, the sterilization unit 30 includes a lens pin 316 connecting a printed circuit board 312 to a lens assembly 314. One side of the lens pin 316 is connected to the printed circuit board 312, and the other side of the lens pin 316 is connected to the lens assembly 314. The lens pin 316 can be configured by an external power source to be rotatable relative to the printed circuit board 312 to rotate the lens assembly 314. For example, a coin motor 318 can be used as an external power source. The coin motor 318 is mounted on the printed circuit board 312 and provides rotational force to the lens pin 316. According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the coin motor 318 can be mounted on the printed circuit board 312 via a coin motor pin 320.

[0073] like Figure 10 As shown, the lens assembly 314 can be formed in a plate shape and includes at least two different types of lenses. These lenses can include convex lenses and concave lenses, or lenses of various forms, such as wavy lenses.

[0074] Each lens is positioned so that it can overlap with the UV emitter 302 when the lens assembly 314 is rotated. In other words, this disclosure allows for the application of various lenses to adjust the sterilization range.

[0075] For example, if the lens assembly 314 is rotated such that the convex lens 1314 overlaps with the UV emitter 302 (see...) Figure 11A The convex lens 1314 can make the UV radiation energy emitted by the UV emitter 302 uniform and provide stronger light within a narrow radiation range. When the convex lens 1314 is used, the energy of the UV emitter 302 can be maximized by concentrating the radiation to concentrate high energy, thereby improving the long-range sterilization performance (see...). Figure 18A ).

[0076] Furthermore, for example, if the lens assembly 314 is rotated such that the concave lens 2314 overlaps with the UV emitter 302 (see... Figure 11B This allows for the application of uniform, weak UV radiation energy over a wide area to the sterilization target. In other words, by using the concave lens 2314, constant energy can be radiated over a wide area, thereby increasing the application range of the UV emitter 302 to radiate low energy consistently and widely, thus improving sterilization performance over a broad range (see...). Figure 18C ).

[0077] like Figure 12As shown, the UV sterilization device 1 according to this disclosure also includes a controller 80. The controller 80 is configured to move the position of the sterilization unit 30 and select the lens of the lens assembly 314 in response to input conditions. Input conditions include the temperature inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle and / or requests from passengers of the vehicle. The controller 80 is configured to drive the motor 10 to move the position of the sterilization unit 30 and to drive the coin motor 318. Additionally, the controller 80 is configured to communicate with a temperature sensor 90, which is configured to measure the temperature inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The operation of the controller 80 is described below.

[0078] The UV sterilization device 1 according to this disclosure operates automatically as follows. The UV sterilization device 1 according to this disclosure can be configured to move automatically to prevent performance degradation of the UV sterilization device in high-temperature environments (i.e., when the temperature in the passenger compartment of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined level).

[0079] refer to Figure 13 The controller 80 determines whether the vehicle's journey has ended (S10 and S12). For example, the controller 80 can sense whether the vehicle's journey has ended through communication with the vehicle controller. When the vehicle's journey ends, the sterilization unit 30 is inserted into the overhead console OC. When passengers disembark, the sterilization unit 30 enters an operational standby state.

[0080] Upon determining that the vehicle's journey has ended, controller 80 determines whether there are any passengers in the vehicle (S14). If it is determined that there are no passengers in the vehicle, then... Figure 14A As shown, the sterilization unit 30 enters the operation standby state (S16), at which time the sterilization unit 30 is located in the top control console OC.

[0081] When the sterilization unit 30 is in standby mode, the controller 80 receives real-time information about the temperature inside the vehicle's passenger compartment from the temperature sensor 90. For example, when the outdoor temperature is high and the vehicle is parked outdoors, the temperature inside the vehicle rises, and the temperature of the sterilization unit 30, located in the enclosed space, also rises. Therefore, when it is determined, based on the temperature information received from the temperature sensor 90, that the temperature inside the vehicle's passenger compartment exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature (e.g., 30 degrees Celsius) (S18), the controller 80 controls the motor 10 to be driven. The controller 80 drives the motor 10 in a first direction, causing the sterilization unit 30 to descend (S20). The operation of the motor 10 causes the first pulley 22 and the second pulley 24 to rotate, causing the sterilization unit 30 to descend (S22). The sterilization unit 30 descends and is located outside the overhead control console OC, as... Figure 14B As shown.

[0082] While the sterilization unit 30 is moving downwards, the controller 80 continuously receives information about the temperature inside the vehicle's passenger compartment from the temperature sensor 90 and determines whether the temperature inside the passenger compartment is lower than or equal to a threshold temperature (S24). When it is determined that the temperature inside the vehicle's passenger compartment is lower than or equal to 30 degrees Celsius (this is the threshold temperature), the controller 80 again drives the motor 10, causing the sterilization unit 30 to rise to its initial position. In other words, the controller 80 drives the motor 10 in a second direction opposite to the first direction (S26), thereby raising the sterilization unit 30 to its initial position. Figure 14A The position shown is (S28). This disclosure is used to prevent the sterilization unit 30 from heating up in the limited space within the top-mounted control console OC in a high-temperature environment, and to remove heat from the sterilization unit by moving the sterilization unit 30 downwards. Therefore, the sterilization performance of the sterilization unit 30 can be prevented from deteriorating due to high temperatures and its durability can be improved.

[0083] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the UV sterilization device 1 can be moved when sterilization is performed in response to a request from a passenger. The controller 80 is configured to enter sterilization mode in response to a request from a passenger.

[0084] like Figure 15 As shown, requests from passengers are transmitted to controller 80 (S100) via an interface such as the vehicle's audio-video-navigation (AVN) system or a smart device configured to communicate with the vehicle. Requests from passengers can request any of a variety of modes. For example, the requested sterilization mode may include at least a wide-area sterilization mode, a concentrated sterilization mode, and a medium-level sterilization mode. Controller 80 can drive motor 10 to adjust the descent length of the first wire 60 and the second wire 70 according to each mode.

[0085] Upon receiving a sterilization request from a passenger, the controller 80 determines whether there is a passenger in the vehicle (S102). If it is determined that there is no passenger in the vehicle, the sterilization unit 30 enters an operation standby state, in which the sterilization unit 30 can be moved (S104).

[0086] Depending on the mode, the descent distance of the sterilization unit 30 can be set by adjusting the lengths of the first wire 60 and the second wire 70 extending from the top control console OC. For example... Figure 16A and Figure 16B As shown, according to the requested sterilization mode, the controller 80 controls the lead-out length of the first wire 60 and the second wire 70 to the minimum length Lmin of the first wire 60 and the second wire 70. Figure 16A ) to the maximum length Lmax( Figure 16BThe controller 80 can drive the motor 10 to a rotational degree set according to the requested mode in the first direction (S106), thereby causing the sterilization unit 30 to descend a predetermined distance (S108).

[0087] For example, when a passenger requests extensive sterilization, the sterilization unit 30 descends a relatively short distance from the overhead console OC. Figure 16A On the other hand, when a passenger requests centralized sterilization, the sterilization unit 30 descends from the top control console OC a predetermined maximum distance ( Figure 16B Additionally, when a passenger requests intermediate sterilization, the sterilization unit 30 descends a suitable distance. The sterilization performance of the sterilization device depends on the distance to the target to be sterilized. According to this disclosure, good sterilization performance can be ensured by moving the UV sterilization device 1 closer to the target to be sterilized. Furthermore, this disclosure provides both wide-range sterilization and concentrated sterilization functions in response to user selection, thereby offering versatility and convenience in sterilization.

[0088] After the sterilization unit 30 descends and performs sterilization for a predetermined time, the controller 80 drives the motor 10 in the second direction (S110). As a result, the sterilization unit 30 rises and is inserted into the top control console OC to return to its initial position (S112).

[0089] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, more subtle and various sterilization controls can be performed by controlling the lens assembly 314.

[0090] Referring to Figure 17, in step S200, the passenger of the vehicle selects and requests the vehicle's sterilization mode through the interface, and the controller 80 receives the passenger's selection and request.

[0091] Next, the controller 80 checks whether there are passengers in the vehicle (S202). If it is determined that there are no passengers, the sterilization unit 30 is placed in a movable standby state (S204).

[0092] The sterilization unit 30 moves under the control of the controller 80 to execute a mode matching the passenger's request (S206). Furthermore, the controller 80 drives the coin motor 318 to rotate the lens assembly 314, thereby selecting a lens suitable for the requested sterilization mode (S208). For example, a convex lens 1314, a concave lens 2314, or no lens can be selected. Figure 18A As shown, if a concentrated radiation mode is requested, the controller 80 rotates the lens assembly 314 so that the convex lens 1314 overlaps with the UV emitter 302. Figure 18B As shown, a lens is not required. Furthermore, as... Figure 18CAs shown, if a wide-range radiation mode is requested, the controller 80 rotates the lens assembly 314 so that the concave lens 2314 overlaps with the UV emitter 302.

[0093] Furthermore, in some modes, the UV radiation angle can be adjusted by having only a portion of a selected lens overlap with the UV emitter 302. The controller 80 adjusts the rotation angle of the lens assembly 314, for example, allowing only approximately the right half of the convex lens 1314 to overlap with the UV emitter 302 (see...). Figure 19A In this case, an off-center effect can be expected on the right side. Furthermore, the controller 80 can adjust the rotation angle of the lens assembly 314 such that only approximately the left half of the convex lens 1314 overlaps with the UV emitter 302, thereby providing an off-center effect on the left side (see...). Figure 19B ).

[0094] After executing the sterilization mode according to the user's request, the controller 80 drives the motor 10 in the second direction (S210) to move the sterilization unit 30 upward and return the sterilization unit 30 to the initial position (S212).

[0095] According to this disclosure, the sterilization unit 30 can be configured to be movable, thereby adjusting the distance between the sterilization target and the sterilization unit, which can improve sterilization performance.

[0096] According to this disclosure, when the UV sterilization device 1 is placed under high temperature conditions, the sterilization unit 30 can be separated from the top control console (OC), which allows for cooling.

[0097] According to this disclosure, a lens assembly 314 may be included to provide various UV light radiation modes, which can improve sterilization performance as well as user convenience and satisfaction.

[0098] The present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and drawings, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various substitutions, modifications and changes can be made without departing from the technical spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An ultraviolet sterilization device, wherein, The ultraviolet sterilization device includes: A sterilization unit, the sterilization unit being configured to move to a specific location, and the sterilization unit including an ultraviolet emitting unit; A drive unit configured to move the sterilization unit; and A lens assembly comprising at least two different types of lenses disposed on the front surface of the ultraviolet emitting unit, wherein the at least two different types of lenses are rotatably mounted on the sterilization unit and include at least one convex lens and at least one concave lens; There is an offset between the center of the lens assembly and the center of the ultraviolet emitting unit; and The at least two different types of lenses are arranged to be spaced apart from each other and configured such that any one of the at least two different types of lenses overlaps with the ultraviolet emitting unit by rotation of the lens assembly.

2. The ultraviolet sterilization device according to claim 1, in, The driving unit includes: An electric motor, the electric motor being configured to provide rotational force; and A pulley, which is rotated by the motor, and the pulley has a wire connected to the sterilization unit and wound around the pulley so as to be unwound.

3. The ultraviolet sterilization device according to claim 2, in, The pulley includes: A first pulley, the first pulley being configured to directly receive rotational force from the motor and having a first wire wound around the first pulley; and A second pulley is configured to rotate in conjunction with the first pulley and has a second wire wound around it.

4. The ultraviolet sterilization device according to claim 2 further includes: A wire retaining ring configured to guide the wire as it is unwound from the pulley.

5. The ultraviolet sterilization device according to claim 2, in, The sterilization unit includes: A cover, the cover being connected to the wire; and A printed circuit board, housed within the cover, configured to control the operation of the ultraviolet emitting unit, and the ultraviolet emitting unit mounted on the printed circuit board.

6. The ultraviolet sterilization device according to claim 5, in, The lens assembly is rotatably connected to the printed circuit board.

7. The ultraviolet sterilization device according to claim 6, in, The lens assembly receives rotational force from a coin motor mounted on the printed circuit board.

8. The ultraviolet sterilization device according to claim 7 further includes: A temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature in the sterilization unit; as well as A controller configured to control the operation of the motor based on the temperature received from the temperature sensor.

9. The ultraviolet sterilization device according to claim 8, in, The controller is configured to receive sterilization mode input through an interface communicating with the ultraviolet sterilization device, and the controller is configured to control the operation of the coin motor based on the received sterilization mode.

10. A method for controlling the ultraviolet sterilization device according to claim 1, wherein, The method includes: The temperature in the enclosed space is detected, and the sterilization unit is positioned in the enclosed space; When the temperature exceeds a preset threshold, the sterilization unit is drawn out of the housing positioned in the enclosed space by a drive motor. The motor is configured to move the sterilization unit into or out of the housing positioned in the enclosed space. When the temperature is equal to or below the threshold temperature, the motor is driven to return the sterilization unit to the outer casing located in the enclosed space.

11. The method according to claim 10, in, The motor is driven in a first direction to draw the sterilization unit out of the housing positioned in the enclosed space, and in a second direction opposite to the first direction to return the sterilization unit to the housing positioned in the enclosed space.

12. The method according to claim 10, in, The enclosed space is the vehicle, and the outer shell is the overhead console.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: Before detecting the temperature, determine whether there are passengers inside the vehicle.

14. A method for controlling the ultraviolet sterilization device according to claim 1, the method comprising: Receive a sterilization request from an interface configured to communicate with the ultraviolet sterilization device according to claim 1; as well as The drive unit is driven according to the requested sterilization mode. The sterilization unit is configured to move a preset distance according to the requested sterilization mode.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: The lens assembly is rotated according to the requested sterilization mode.

16. The method according to claim 14, in, The sterilization range is adjusted by applying various lenses to the lens assembly.

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