A sterilization module for household appliances

Abstract

The sterilization module according to the present invention comprises a body (1) which has a base (1a), a hole (1b) provided at the base (1a), and first side walls (1g) which create a chamber form with the base (1a); a first housing (1c) located in the chamber so as to surround the hole (1b); a second housing (1d) provided in the chamber so as to surround the first housing (1c); a permeable element (4) provided in the first housing (1c) and positioned to prevent liquid passage through the hole (1b) into the chamber; a control board (6) having a light source (S) thereon and located in the second housing (1d) such that the permeable element (4) remains between the control board (6) and the hole (1b) and that the light source (S) emits light through the permeable element (4) out of the chamber; a first cover (2) in a plate structure having a first opening (2a) thereon; a second cover (3) located on a side of the first cover (2) not facing the chamber, so as to cover the first opening (2a), overlapping the first opening (2a), and having a second opening (3a); and a power element (P) which is connected with the control board (6) on one side thereof, and another side of which is configured to pass through the first opening (2a) and the second opening (3a) to extend out of the sterilization module, so that it is connected to a power transmission element provided in the household appliance.

Description

[0001] A STERILIZATION MODULE FOR HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to sterilization modules which are suitable for use in household appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, and emit light at ultraviolet wavelengths.

[0004] Backqround of the Invention

[0005] Considering the changing living conditions, it is of great importance to clean objects from harmful elements, such as viruses and bacteria, in order to effectively protect the health of living things. Various applications are provided for the cleaning process; however, these applications may not provide sufficient cleaning and / or may lead to excessive consumption of energy resources for effective cleaning. In addition, cleaning agents, such as detergent, used in the cleaning process must be used excessively for effective cleaning and / or chemically stronger cleaning agents may be required. If said cleaning agents are not rinsed properly, this may cause residues to be left on the cleaned objects, which may be dangerous for the health of living things, and / or may adversely affect the environmental health when discharged out of the household appliance with water.

[0006] For example, in household appliances such as dishwashers, in order for the objects to be cleaned in an optimised way and to provide them with the required hygiene, the cleaning agents used in the cleaning process, such as detergent, must be used in large quantities, and at the same time, the cleaning liquid / water must have a high temperature. Excessive use of the cleaning agent necessitates good rinsing, which leads to increased water consumption, and the need for high temperature also leads to an increase in energy consumption.

[0007] Since these negative requirements arising from conventional cleaning processes create the need for the use of alternative sterilization applications, the developing technology enables integration of external modules, such as ion / ozone generators or light sources emitting light at ultraviolet wavelengths, into the household appliances, so that the effective cleaning process in household appliances minimizes the need for conventional cleaning processes that cause above-mentioned problems. However, for the long-lasting use of said external modules in household appliances, it is necessary to minimize the liquid permeability and at the same time to ensure the sterilization efficiency of the said modules effectively in the household appliances.

[0008] Brief Description of the Invention

[0009] The sterilization module according to the present invention, which is suitable for use in household appliances comprises:

[0010] • at least one body (1) which has at least one base (1a), at least one hole (1b) provided at the base (1a), and first side walls (1g) in a frame structure, which are located to surround at least a part of the base (1a) and create a chamber form with the base (1a);

[0011] • at least a first housing (1c) located in the chamber so as to surround said hole (1b);

[0012] • at least a second housing (1d) provided in the chamber so as to contain the first housing (1c);

[0013] • at least one permeable element (4) provided in the first housing (1c), positioned to prevent liquid passage through said hole (1b) into the chamber, and having a permeability to prevent the passage of liquid and at the same time allow the passage of light;

[0014] • at least one control board (6) controlling operation of the sterilization module, having at least one light source (S) thereon, and located in the second housing (1d) such that the permeable element (4) remains between the control board (6) and the hole (1b) and that the light source (S) is placed in the first housing (1c) and emits light through the permeable element (4) out of the chamber;

[0015] • at least a first cover (2) in a plate structure having at least a first opening (2a) thereon, which is at least sized to cover the chamber;

[0016] • at least a second cover (3) located on a side of the first cover (2) not facing the chamber, so as to cover a part of said first opening (2a) and surround the first opening (2a), wherein the second cover (3) at least partially overlaps the first opening (2a) and has at least a second opening (3a); and • at least one power element (P) which is connected with the control board (6) on one side thereof, and another side of which is configured to pass through the first opening (2a) and the second opening (3a) to extend out of the sterilization module, so that it is connected to a power transmission element provided in the household appliance, wherein the power element (P) enables transmission of the electrical energy required for the operation of the control board (6) to the control board (6).

[0017] Thanks to the sterilization module according to the present invention, the hygiene efficiency of a household appliance can be increased without causing undesirable negative situations such as increased energy consumption, increased water consumption and / or increased detergent consumption. In addition, an effective fluid insulation can be provided in the sterilization module and in this way, it can be used reliably even in household appliances that perform a cleaning function by using water.

[0018] Object of the Invention

[0019] An object of the present invention is to provide a sterilization module suitable for use in household appliances such as dishwashers.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sterilization module suitable for use in household appliances that perform the cleaning process with a liquid.

[0021] A further object of the present invention is to provide a sterilization module that is sealed without compromising the sterilization efficiency.

[0022] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a sterilization module that reduces the energy consumption of household appliances.

[0023] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a sterilization module that reduces the amount of cleaning agent needed during the cleaning process in household appliances.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sterilization module that is easy, practical and reliable to manufacture and assemble. Description of the Drawings

[0025] Exemplary embodiments of the sterilization module according to the present invention are illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the sterilization module according to the invention.

[0027] Figure 2 is another perspective view of the sterilization module according to the invention. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the sterilization module according to the invention, in a disassembled state.

[0028] Figure 4 is a side-sectional view of the sterilization module according to the invention, in a disassembled state.

[0029] Figure 5 is a sectional perspective view of the sterilization module according to the invention.

[0030] Figure 6 is another sectional perspective view of the sterilization module according to the invention.

[0031] Figure 7 is a further sectional perspective view of the sterilization module according to the invention.

[0032] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a body of the sterilization module according to the invention.

[0033] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a first cover of the sterilization module according to the invention.

[0034] Figure 10 is another perspective view of the first cover of the sterilization module according to the invention.

[0035] All the parts illustrated in figures are individually assigned a reference numeral and the corresponding terms of these numbers are listed below:

[0036] Light source (S)

[0037] Power element (P)

[0038] Body (1)

[0039] Base (1a)

[0040] Hole (1b)

[0041] First housing (1c) Second housing (1d)

[0042] First tab (1e)

[0043] Mounting part (1f)

[0044] First side wall (1g)

[0045] First cover (2)

[0046] First opening (2a)

[0047] Holding extension (2b)

[0048] Second tab (2c)

[0049] Connection wall (2d)

[0050] Second side wall (2e)

[0051] Second cover (3)

[0052] Second opening (3a)

[0053] Extension (3b)

[0054] Placement channel (3c)

[0055] Permeable element (4)

[0056] First insulation element (5)

[0057] Mounting slot (5a)

[0058] Control board (6)

[0059] Second insulation element (7) Binding element (8)

[0060] Description of the Invention

[0061] Household appliances with cleaning functions, such as dishwashers, that make our daily life easier are widely used. Considering the changing living conditions, the level of hygiene provided by the household appliances must be much higher in order to effectively protect the health of living things. However, the high level of hygiene leads to an increase in the amount of chemical cleaning agents used, the amount of water consumed and the amount of electricity consumed. For this reason, there is a need for the use of alternative applications to increase the hygiene level of household appliances, and accordingly, the use of sterilization modules, e.g. which emit light at ultraviolet wavelength, in these household appliances is becoming more common day by day. However, said modules should be used in household appliances in such a way that maximum insulation is ensured without compromising the sterilization efficiency and that they can be easily mounted on household appliances. Therefore, the present invention provides a sterilization module for solving above-mentioned problems.

[0062] The sterilization module according to the present invention, as illustrated in Figures 1-10, which is especially suitable for use in a household appliance with a liquid cleaning function such as a dishwasher, comprises:

[0063] • at least one body (1) preferably having a quadrilateral form (e.g. rectangular), which has at least one base (1a), at least one hole (1b) (preferably at least two holes located side by side) provided at the base (1a) (the hole (1b) has preferably a circular form), and first side walls (1g) in a frame structure, which are located to surround at least a part of the base (1a) and create a chamber form with the base (1a);

[0064] • at least a first housing (1c) (preferably at least two housings, at least one for each hole (1b) if there is a plurality of holes (1b)) located in the chamber so as to surround said hole (1b);

[0065] • at least a second housing (1d) preferably having a quadrilateral form, which is provided in the chamber so as to contain the first housing (1c) (preferably all first housings (1c) if there is a plurality of first housings (1c));

[0066] • at least one permeable element (4) (preferably at least two permeable elements, at least one for each first housing (1c) if there is a plurality of first housings (1c)) (e.g. a glass) preferably having a circular form, which is provided in the first housing (1c), positioned to prevent liquid passage through said hole (1b) into the chamber, and having a permeability to prevent the passage of liquid and at the same time allow the passage of light (especially, preferably the lights at ultraviolet wavelength);

[0067] • at least one control board (6) controlling operation of the sterilization module, having at least one light source (S) (preferably at least two light sources, at least one for each first housing (1c) if there is a plurality of first housings (1c)) thereon (this light source (S) can be a light source that emits light at ultraviolet wavelength, or it can be a light source with only illumination feature (for example, LED)), and located in the second housing (1d) such that the permeable element (4) remains between the control board (6) and the hole (1b) and that the light source (S) is placed in the first housing (1c) and emits light through the permeable element (4) out of the chamber, wherein the control board (6) preferably has a dimension that at least covers the second housing (1d) (for example fitting snugly between the side edges forming the second housing (1d) or completely covering the second housing (1 d)), wherein the control board (6) is preferably fixed by means at least one mounting part (1f) (for example, at least one connection housing [boss] in which a fastener such as a screw is inserted) provided at the base (1a);

[0068] • at least a first cover (2) in a plate structure preferably having a quadrilateral form, which has at least a first opening (2a) thereon, the first opening preferably having a circular cross-section, the first cover (2) being at least sized to cover the chamber (e.g. having a dimension that fits snugly between the first side walls (1g) forming the chamber or completely covers the body (1));

[0069] • at least a second cover (3) located on an outer side of the first cover (2) not facing the chamber, so as to cover a part of said first opening (2a) and surround the first opening (2a), wherein the second cover (3) at least partially overlaps the first opening (2a) and has at least a second opening (3a) preferably of a circular cross- section; and

[0070] • at least one power element (P) (this power element (P) may preferably comprise at least one cable and / or at least one electrical socket) which is connected with the control board (6) on one side thereof, and another side of which is configured to pass through the first opening (2a) and the second opening (3a) to extend out of the sterilization module, so that it is connected to a power transmission element (for example to an electrical socket and / or a cable) provided in the household appliance, wherein the power element (P) enables transmission of the electrical energy required for the operation of the control board (6) to the control board (6).

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the permeable element (4) is placed in the first housing (1c) so as to provide fluid insulation of the hole (1b). In addition, the control board (6) comprising the light source (S) emitting light at ultraviolet wavelength is located in the second housing (1d) such that the light source (S) is placed in the first housing (1c) to emit light through the permeable element (4) out of the chamber and preferably substantially provides the fluid insulation of the second housing (1d). The first cover (2) is attached to the body (1) such that the power element (P) passes through the first opening (2a) and provides fluid insulation of the chamber. Further, the second cover (3) is attached to the first cover (2) such that it partially covers the first opening (2a) and that the power element (P) extends out of the sterilization module through the second opening (3a). In this way, it can be ensured that the sterilization module is easily mounted to ensure fluid isolation. When the developed sterilization module is intended to be used in a household appliance and the light source (S) is a source that emits light at ultraviolet wavelength, it is placed in a suitable location in the household appliance that allows the ultraviolet rays emitted through the permeable element (6) to reach the objects in the household appliance effectively, and the power element (P) extending out of the sterilization module for providing the fluid insulation is connected to a power transmission element in the household appliance. When the user wants to perform a sterilization process on the household appliance using the sterilization module and / or wants to increase the effectiveness of a cleaning function of the household appliance, the user gives the related command via a control panel in the household appliance and enables the sterilization process to be activated by energizing the control board (6) via the power element (P). Thus, the hygiene level of household appliances can be increased while minimizing the above-mentioned problems, and a sterilization module can be obtained which is easy, practical and reliable to manufacture and assemble. In an alternative embodiment, the light source (S) provided in the sterilization module according to the invention can also be a LED with illumination feature, instead of a light source that emits light at ultraviolet wavelength. In this case, the sterilization module can be used as a lighting module and can also be used to illuminate the interior of the household appliance if needed.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sterilization module according to the invention comprises at least one binding element (8) preferably made of silicone or epoxy material, which is filled into the chamber through the second opening (3a) and the first opening (2a) so as to completely cover a side of the control board (6) facing the first cover (2), wherein the binding element (8) has a fluid form during the filling process and solidifies to a large extent after the filling process such that it insulates the first opening (2a), the second opening (3a) and the control board (6), thus preventing the passage of fluid into the chamber. In this embodiment, further, the control board (6) is located in the second housing (1d) so as to prevent the binding element (8) from passing into the second housing (1d) (for example, it is located in the second housing (1d) so that it fits snugly between the side edges forming the second housing (1d) or completely covers the second housing (1d)). Thus, while the efficiency of the light source (S) located in the second housing (1d) is preserved, an effective fluid isolation can also be achieved and a reliable and long-lasting sterilization module can be obtained. In this embodiment, the sterilization module also preferably comprises a plurality of holding extensions (2b) located on a side of the first cover (2) facing the chamber, which extend from the first cover (2) into the chamber. Thanks to these holding extensions (2b), the contact surface of the binding element (8) is increased and it is ensured that it is held more firmly in the body (1).

[0073] In another alternative embodiment, the sterilization module according to the invention preferably comprises at least a first insulation element (5) which is located in the first housing (1c) to fit inside the first housing (1c) and preferably comprises at least one cavity located in its middle part, wherein the permeable element (4) is located in the first insulation element (5) so as to cover said cavity. Thanks to the fact that the first insulation element (5) preferably has a circular cross-section, is preferably made of a rubber material, and preferably has a shore hardness in the range of 55-70, the passage of fluid can be prevented through the hole (1b) to the part of the first housing (1c) where the light source (S) is located. In this embodiment, there is also preferably at least one mounting slot (5a) which is located in the first insulation element (5) so as to overlap said cavity, and in which the permeable element (4) is placed. Thus, while at least a part of the permeable element (4) is embedded in the first insulation element (5), another part thereof covers the cavity, so that the insulation efficiency can be increased.

[0074] In a further embodiment of the sterilization module according to the invention, the sterilization module also preferably comprises at least one extension (3b) which is located in the second cover (3) so as to surround the first opening (2a), wherein at least one placement channel (3c) is provided between the extension (3b) and the first cover (2); and at least a second insulation element (7) which is located in the placement channel (3c) and provides fluid insulation between the first cover (2) and the second cover (3). The second insulation element (7) also preferably has a circular cross-section, is preferably made of a rubber material and preferably has a shore hardness in the range of 55-70.

[0075] Yet in another embodiment, the sterilization module preferably comprises at least one connection wall (2d) located on an opposite side of the chamber-facing side of the first cover (2) to surround the first opening (2a), wherein the second cover (3) is located to cover the connection wall (2d). Thanks to this connection wall (2d), the binding element (8) can be filled into the chamber in a more correct manner. In this embodiment, preferably, there are provided helical grooves located on an outer surface of the connection wall (2d) not facing the first opening (2a), and there are provided another helical grooves on the inner surface of the second cover (3) surrounding the connection wall (2d), which correspond to said helical grooves and engage these helical grooves to allow the second cover (3) to be tightly connected to the first cover (2). Thus, the second cover (3) can be attached to and removed from the first cover (2) both in an easy and tight manner.

[0076] In an alternative embodiment, the sterilization module preferably comprises second side walls (2e) having a frame structure, which are located in the first cover (2) to extend towards the chamber and placed in the chamber substantially overlapping the first side walls (1g); at least a first tab (1e) (preferably a plurality of first tabs) located on a side of the first side walls (1g) facing the chamber; and at least a second tab (2c) (preferably a plurality of second tabs) which is located on a side of the second side walls (2e) facing the first sidewalls (1g) so as to correspond to the first tab (1e), and engages with the first tab (1e) such that the body (1) and the first cover (2) are connected to each other in a solid and substantially fluid-insulated manner.

[0077] Thanks to the sterilization module according to the present invention, the hygiene efficiency of a household appliance can be increased without causing undesirable negative situations such as increased energy consumption, increased water consumption and / or increased detergent consumption. In addition, an effective fluid insulation can be provided in the sterilization module and in this way, it can be used reliably even in household appliances that perform a cleaning function by using water.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A sterilization module which is suitable for use in household appliances, characterized by comprising:• at least one body (1) which has at least one base (1a), at least one hole (1b) provided at the base (1a), and first side walls (1g) in a frame structure, which are located to surround at least a part of the base (1a) and create a chamber form with the base (1a);• at least a first housing (1c) located in the chamber so as to surround said hole (1b);• at least a second housing (1d) provided in the chamber so as to contain the first housing (1c);• at least one permeable element (4) provided in the first housing (1c), positioned to prevent liquid passage through said hole (1b) into the chamber, and having a permeability to prevent the passage of liquid and at the same time allow the passage of light;• at least one control board (6) controlling operation of the sterilization module, having at least one light source (S) thereon, and located in the second housing (1d) such that the permeable element (4) remains between the control board (6) and the hole (1b) and that the light source (S) is placed in the first housing (1c) and emits light through the permeable element (4) out of the chamber;• at least a first cover (2) in a plate structure having at least a first opening (2a) thereon, which is at least sized to cover the chamber;• at least a second cover (3) located on an outer side of the first cover (2) so as to cover a part of said first opening (2a) and surround the first opening (2a), wherein the second cover (3) at least partially overlaps the first opening (2a) and has at least a second opening (3a); and• at least one power element (P) which is connected with the control board (6) on one side thereof, and another side of which is configured to pass through the first opening (2a) and the second opening (3a) to extend out of the sterilization module, so that it is connected to a power transmission element provided in the household appliance, wherein the power element(P) enables transmission of the electrical energy required for the operation of the control board (6) to the control board (6).

2. A sterilization module according to claim 1, characterized in that the control board (6) is at least sized to cover the second housing (1d).

3. A sterilization module according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one mounting part (1f) provided at the base (1a) for fixing the control board (6).

4. A sterilization module according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one binding element (8) which is filled into the chamber through the second opening (3a) and the first opening (2a) so as to completely cover a side of the control board (6) facing the first cover (2), wherein the binding element (8) has a fluid form during the filling process and solidifies to a large extent after the filling process such that it insulates the first opening (2a), the second opening (3a) and the control board (6), thus preventing the passage of fluid into the chamber.

5. A sterilization module according to claim 4, characterized in that the control board (6) is located in the second housing (1d) so as to prevent the binding element (8) from passing into the second housing (1d).

6. A sterilization module according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of holding extensions (2b) located on a side of the first cover (2) facing the chamber, which extend from the first cover (2) into the chamber.

7. A sterilization module according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least a first insulation element (5) which is located in the first housing (1c) to fit inside the first housing (1c) and comprises at least one cavity, wherein the permeable element (4) is located in the first insulation element (5) so as to cover said cavity.

8. A sterilization module according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises at least one mounting slot (5a) which is located in the first insulation element (5) so as to overlap said cavity, and in which the permeable element (4) is placed.

9. A sterilization module according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one extension (3b) which is located in the second cover (3) so as to surround the first opening (2a), wherein at least one placement channel (3c) is provided between the extension (3b) and the first cover (2); and at least a second insulation element (7) which is located in the placement channel (3c) and provides fluid insulation between the first cover (2) and the second cover (3).

10. A sterilization module according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one connection wall (2d) located on an opposite side of the chamber-facing side of the first cover (2) to surround the first opening (2a), wherein the second cover (3) is located to cover the connection wall (2d).

11. A sterilization module according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises helical grooves located on an outer surface of the connection wall (2d) not facing the first opening (2a); and another helical grooves on the inner surface of the second cover (3) surrounding the connection wall (2d), which correspond to said helical grooves and engage these helical grooves to allow the second cover (3) to be tightly connected to the first cover (2).

12. A sterilization module according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises second side walls (2e) having a frame structure, which are located in the first cover (2) to extend towards the chamber and placed in the chamber substantially overlapping the first side walls (1g); at least a first tab (1e) located on a side of the first side walls (1g) facing the chamber; and at least a second tab (2c) which is located on a side of the second side walls (2e) facing the first sidewalls (1g) so as to correspond to the first tab (1e), and engages with the first tab (1e) such that the body (1) and the first cover (2) are connected to each other in a solid and substantially fluid-insulated manner.

13. A sterilization module according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light source (S) is a light source that emits light at ultraviolet wavelength.

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