Sterilization device

Abstract

To provide a sterilizer which can easily and quickly remove bacteria existing in various kinds of small-sized devices such as an earphone, a nail clipper, a shaver and a portable phone at home.SOLUTION: A sterilizer includes: a body part having a storage space for storing a target; a housing which includes an outer surface facing the storage space of the body part and an inner surface opposite to the outer surface, and is coupled to the body part covering the inner surface; an irradiation hole formed in the housing; a light source which is arranged on a substrate arrange on the inner surface, and is configured to emit light toward the storage space of the body part through the irradiation hole; a reflection part which is formed in the storage space of the body part so as to reflect the light emitted from the light source toward the storage space; a power source which is configured to supply power to the light source and turn the light source on; a detection unit which is arranged on the inner surface and is configured to detect the state of the body part; and a controller which is configured to control the power source, on the basis of the detection result of the detection unit.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sterilization device using ultraviolet light emitting diodes that sterilizes an area to be sterilized by irradiating it with ultraviolet light. [Background technology]

[0002] Many types of small devices that come into contact with the human body, such as earphones, nail clippers, razors, and mobile phones, are stored in various locations such as bags, purses, and inside vehicles for the convenience of the user rather than in a specific case. As a result, they are prone to come into contact with various types of bacteria that live in each storage location, and are constantly exposed to the air, making them subject to an environment in which airborne bacteria can easily invade.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to remove bacteria present on small devices that are used in contact with the human body, but cleaning the small devices with detergent every time for this purpose is very troublesome, and cleaning may be impossible depending on the type of small device.

[0004] In addition, the drain of the sink is an environment in which bacteria and microorganisms can easily multiply. Therefore, if food waste is not removed frequently and the bacteria and microorganisms that grow there are not frequently disinfected, the bacteria and microorganisms will soon multiply again.

[0005] To prevent unsanitary conditions in sink drains, chemicals are available on the market to inhibit the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms, but these cause environmental pollution and must be replaced or replenished frequently as the chemicals are continually washed away by the water. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a sterilization device that can easily and quickly remove bacteria from various types of small devices such as earphones, nail clippers, razors, and mobile phones at home.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a drain plug with an ultraviolet sterilization function that can easily and quickly remove bacteria present in the drain and filter of a kitchen sink at home.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sterilizer having a simple and reliable waterproof structure and an ultraviolet ray transmitting window protection structure.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sterilization device that can maximize the sterilization area and has strong sterilization power.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sterilization device equipped with a safety device that prevents ultraviolet light from being irradiated into spaces other than the sterilization area in either case.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sterilization device that can easily perform sterilization for a variety of purposes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a storage space for storing devices to be sterilized is formed inside a cover body part, the storage space being open toward the bottom surface on which the devices to be sterilized are placed, and a light source is installed on the side facing the bottom surface of the cover body part and is turned on to irradiate ultraviolet rays toward the storage space. There is provided a sterilization device comprising: an ultraviolet light emitting diode; a power supply unit that supplies power to the ultraviolet light emitting diode for lighting the ultraviolet light emitting diode; and a control unit that adjusts the operation of the power supply unit.

[0013] The cover further includes a detector for detecting movement of the cover body, and the controller adjusts the operation of the power supply unit depending on the presence or absence of movement of the cover body detected by the detector.

[0014] The sensing unit includes a gyro sensor that senses the position of the cover body, and the control unit determines whether the cover body has moved based on the position of the cover body sensed by the sensing unit, and controls the operation of the power supply unit so that power supply to the ultraviolet light-emitting diodes is interrupted when the cover body has moved to a position away from the bottom surface on which the device to be sterilized is placed.

[0015] The sensing unit is installed inside the cover body and includes a photosensitive sensor that detects light. The control unit determines whether the cover body has moved depending on whether the sensing unit detects light. When the cover body has moved to a position away from the bottom surface on which the device to be sterilized is placed, the control unit controls the operation of the power supply unit so that power supply to the ultraviolet light-emitting diodes is interrupted.

[0016] The power supply unit may further include a switch for controlling the operation of the power supply unit, and the control unit may adjust the operation of the power supply unit by operating the switch.

[0017] The cover body includes a plate-shaped cover plate and a sidewall formed to extend downward from an edge of a lower surface of the cover plate facing the bottom surface, and the ultraviolet light LED is installed on the lower surface of the cover plate so as to be located in an internal region of the cover body surrounded by the lower surface and the sidewall of the cover plate.

[0018] The cover further includes a reflecting portion formed on the cover body portion for reflecting ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light emitting diode toward the accommodation space.

[0019] The reflector is formed by coating an aluminum layer on the lower surface of the cover plate and the inner area of ​​the cover body surrounded by the side walls.

[0020] The power supply unit may further include a timer for inputting a time for which the power supply unit supplies power to the ultraviolet light emitting diode, and the control unit may adjust a power supply time of the power supply unit according to the time adjusted by the timer.

[0021] The peak wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitting diode is located between 250 nm and 280 nm.

[0022] The cover further includes a visible light emitting diode disposed on the cover body portion and emitting light in the visible light region.

[0023] The visible light emitting diode lights up in conjunction with the ultraviolet light emitting diode.

[0024] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a sterilization device including: a cover body portion configured to open and close a drain outlet having a drain tube and a filter installed therein; an ultraviolet light LED installed on the side of the cover body portion facing the drain tube and the filter and turned on to irradiate ultraviolet light toward the drain tube and the filter; a power supply portion that supplies power to the ultraviolet light LED to turn on the ultraviolet light LED; and a control portion that adjusts the operation of the power supply portion.

[0025] The control unit further includes a sensor for detecting whether the drain outlet of the cover body is open or closed. The operation of the power supply unit is adjusted depending on whether the drain outlet of the cover body is open or closed.

[0026] The sensing unit includes a gyro sensor that senses the position of the cover main body, and the control unit determines whether the drain outlet of the cover main body is open or closed based on the position of the cover main body sensed by the sensing unit, and controls the operation of the power supply unit so that power supply to the ultraviolet light-emitting diode is interrupted when the cover main body is positioned to open the drain outlet.

[0027] The sensing unit is installed inside the drain and includes a photosensitive sensor that detects light, and the control unit determines whether the drain in the cover main body is open or closed depending on whether the sensing unit detects light, and controls the operation of the power supply unit so that power supply to the ultraviolet light-emitting diode is interrupted when the cover main body is positioned to open the drain.

[0028] The cover body further includes a magnet member built into it, and the detection unit includes a sensor that detects the magnetic flux of the magnet member. The control unit determines whether the drain outlet of the cover body is open or closed based on the magnetic flux of the magnet member detected by the detection unit, and controls the operation of the power supply unit so that the power supply to the ultraviolet light-emitting diode is interrupted when the cover body is positioned to open the drain outlet.

[0029] The power supply unit further includes a switch for controlling the operation of the power supply unit, and the control unit adjusts the operation of the power supply unit in response to the operation of the switch.

[0030] The cover further includes a handle provided on an upper portion of the cover body for a user to grip the cover body, and the switch is provided on the handle.

[0031] The cover body includes a cover plate formed in a plate shape corresponding to the shape of the drain outlet, and a side wall formed to extend downward from an edge of the lower surface of the cover plate facing the drain tube and the filter, and the ultraviolet LED is installed on the lower surface of the cover plate so as to be located in an internal region of the cover body surrounded by the lower surface and side wall of the cover plate.

[0032] The cover further includes a reflecting portion formed on the cover body portion for reflecting the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light emitting diode toward the drain tube and the filter.

[0033] The reflector is formed by coating an aluminum layer on the lower surface of the cover plate and the inner area of ​​the cover body surrounded by the side walls.

[0034] At least one of the cover body and the side wall is formed with an air vent hole for communicating an internal region of the cover body surrounded by the lower surface of the cover plate and the side wall with the outside of the drain outlet.

[0035] The power supply unit may further include a timer for inputting a time for which the power supply unit supplies power to the ultraviolet light emitting diode, and the control unit may adjust the power supply time according to the time adjusted by the timer.

[0036] The peak wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitting diode is located between 270 nm and 280 nm.

[0037] The cover further includes a visible light emitting diode disposed on the cover body portion and emitting light in the visible light region.

[0038] The visible light emitting diode lights up in conjunction with the ultraviolet light emitting diode.

[0039] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a sterilization device including: a housing including an outer surface facing an area to be sterilized; a cover body portion connected to the housing and defining a space inside the housing; an irradiation hole provided in the housing; a window member accommodating portion provided on the inner surface of the housing around the irradiation hole; a window member installed in the window member accommodating portion; a step portion provided on an edge of the window member accommodating portion; a first O-ring placed on a part of the window member and on the step portion; a crimping member fixed to the housing and crimping the first O-ring, the crimping member having a hole whose center is aligned with the irradiation hole when fixed to the housing; and a substrate installed inside the housing and having an ultraviolet light emitting diode mounted thereon for irradiating ultraviolet light through the hole and the irradiation hole.

[0040] The height of the step portion is substantially the same as the height of the window member accommodated in the window member accommodating portion.

[0041] The illumination aperture includes an illumination aperture extension that gradually widens in cross section from the inner surface to the outer surface of the housing.

[0042] The illumination hole is circular and the first O-ring is annular.

[0043] The window member is square in shape.

[0044] The housing has an inner surface provided with a first step that supports an outer circumferential surface of the first O-ring.

[0045] The crimping member is provided with a protruding step that supports the inner circumferential surface of the first O-ring.

[0046] The tip of the protruding step is spaced apart from the window member by a predetermined distance.

[0047] The first O-ring is made of silicone having a softness of less than 30 on a hardness scale of 0 to 100, and the crimping member is made of a material having a higher hardness than the first O-ring.

[0048] An additional elastic material is interposed between the window member and the window member receiving portion.

[0049] A second O-ring is fitted into a second O-ring receiving groove provided outside the first step around the irradiation hole, and the second O-ring is crimped by a crimping member.

[0050] The second O-ring receiving groove is located between the first step and a second step provided outside the first step with the irradiation hole at the center.

[0051] The substrate is fixed to a compression member.

[0052] The ultraviolet light emitting diode emits ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength in the range of 260 nm to 280 nm.

[0053] A sensor unit is further provided for sensing the installation position or attitude of the sterilization device.

[0054] The sensing unit is disposed on the substrate at a position exposed to the outside through the illumination hole and the sensing unit includes an illuminance sensor.

[0055] The sensing unit is disposed on the substrate at a position exposed to the outside through the irradiation hole and the hole, and the sensing unit includes a distance sensor. Effect of the Invention

[0056] The sterilizer of the present invention can be used in a variety of small appliances and sinks with a simple on / off operation. It allows existing bacteria to be removed easily, quickly and effectively at home.

[0057] Furthermore, the present invention has the advantage that it can be manufactured small and therefore easy to carry, and also that it is easy to carry and use, since small devices placed on the bottom surface can be easily sterilized simply by covering them.

[0058] In addition, the present invention can further improve the operating efficiency of the device by irradiating ultraviolet rays only when all of the multiple safety conditions are met, and can effectively reduce the risk of accidents and ultraviolet leakage.

[0059] According to the present invention, even with a simple structure, it is possible to realize reliable waterproofing and a function of preventing damage to fragile parts.

[0060] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the sterilization efficiency and area can be further increased.

[0061] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the possibility of ultraviolet rays being irradiated onto the human body is extremely low.

[0062] Furthermore, the present invention allows for convenient sterilization in a variety of applications. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0063] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portable multi-use sterilization device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a portable multi-purpose sterilization device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of use of a portable multi-purpose sterilization device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a graph showing the inactivation level of E. coli according to the irradiation time and irradiation dose of ultraviolet light of a portable multi-purpose sterilization device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is a graph showing the inactivation level of E. coli according to the irradiation time and irradiation dose of ultraviolet light of a portable multi-purpose sterilization device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]1 is a graph showing the inactivation level of Staphylococcus aureus depending on the irradiation time and irradiation dose of ultraviolet light of a portable multi-purpose sterilization device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a graph showing the inactivation level of Staphylococcus aureus depending on the irradiation time and irradiation dose of ultraviolet light of a portable multi-purpose sterilization device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the installation state of a drain plug having an ultraviolet sterilization function according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a drain plug having an ultraviolet sterilization function according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a drain plug having an ultraviolet sterilization function according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of use of a drain plug having an ultraviolet sterilization function according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing another example of use of a drain plug having an ultraviolet sterilization function according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1 is a graph showing the inactivation level of E. coli according to the ultraviolet irradiation time and irradiation amount of a drain plug having an ultraviolet sterilization function according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 1 is a graph showing the inactivation level of E. coli according to the ultraviolet irradiation time and irradiation amount of a drain plug having an ultraviolet sterilization function according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 1 is a graph showing the inactivation level of Staphylococcus aureus according to the ultraviolet irradiation time and irradiation amount of a drain plug having an ultraviolet sterilization function according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 1 is a graph showing the inactivation level of Staphylococcus aureus according to the ultraviolet irradiation time and irradiation amount of a drain plug having an ultraviolet sterilization function according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the sterilization device according to the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view showing the window member, the battery, and the charging terminal in an assembled state in FIG. [Figure 19]FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the first O-ring and the second O-ring in FIG. 18 are assembled. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view showing the pressure bonding member in an assembled state in FIG. 19. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view showing the state in which the substrate and the housing O-ring are assembled in FIG. 20. [Figure 22] 18A to 18C are perspective views of the sterilization apparatus of FIG. 17 in an assembled state, seen from different directions. [Figure 23] 18A to 18C are perspective views of the sterilization apparatus of FIG. 17 in an assembled state, seen from different directions. [Figure 24] 22 is a cross-sectional view showing the center of the AA' cross section in FIG. 21. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of part C in FIG. 24. [Figure 26] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a state in which a window member is placed on a first O-ring. [Figure 27] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a state in which the sterilization device of the present invention is ready to operate. [Figure 28] 1 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of ultraviolet light irradiation and the sterilization rate after E. coli O157:H7 (ATCC 43894) was mixed with water and irradiated with ultraviolet light of different wavelengths. [Figure 29] 1 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of ultraviolet light irradiation and the sterilization rate after mixing B. subtilis spore (ATCC 6633) with water and irradiating it with ultraviolet light of different wavelengths. [Diagram 30] 1 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of ultraviolet light irradiation and the sterilization rate after mixing B.MS2 phage (ATCC 15597-B1) with water and irradiating it with ultraviolet light of different wavelengths. [Diagram 31] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of use of the sterilization device of the present invention. [Diagram 32] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of use of the sterilization device of the present invention. [Diagram 33] 4 is a flow chart for the operation of the sterilization device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0064] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a sterilization device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For convenience of explanation, the thickness of each line and the size of each component shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation. In addition, each term described below is a term defined in consideration of the function in the present invention, and may vary depending on the intention or practice of the user or operator. Therefore, these terms should be defined based on the contents of this specification as a whole.

[0065] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a sterilization apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a sterilization apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a sterilization device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cover body 110, an ultraviolet light emitting diode 120, a power supply unit 130, a sensor unit 140, and a control unit 150.

[0067] The cover main body 110 constitutes the main body of the sterilization device 100 according to this embodiment, and inside such cover main body 110, an accommodation space is formed for accommodating the device 1 to be sterilized (see FIG. 3).

[0068] The cover body 110 is formed so that the storage space formed therein is open toward the bottom surface B on which the device to be sterilized 1 is placed, and includes a cover plate 111 and a side wall 113.

[0069] The cover plate 111 is formed in a plate shape. In this embodiment, the cover plate 111 is formed in a rectangular plate shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the cover plate 111 may have a variety of shapes such as a circular plate, a triangular plate, or a polygonal plate depending on the purpose.

[0070] The side wall 113 is formed to extend downward from the edge of the lower surface of the cover plate 111 facing the bottom surface B.

[0071] The cover main body 110 thus formed to include the cover plate 111 and the side wall 113 may form a storage space that is optically shielded from the outside for storing the device to be sterilized 1 (see Figure 3) above the bottom surface B on which the cover main body 110 is placed.

[0072] The ultraviolet light emitting diode (LED) 120 is installed on the cover main body 110, on the side facing the bottom surface B, and lights up to irradiate ultraviolet light toward the storage space and the device 1 to be sterilized housed in the storage space.

[0073] In this embodiment, the ultraviolet light LED 120 is installed on the lower surface of the cover plate 111 so as to be located in an internal region of the cover body 110 surrounded by the lower surface of the cover plate 111 and the side wall 113 .

[0074] The ultraviolet light emitting diodes 120 irradiate ultraviolet light whose peak wavelength is between 270 nm and 280 nm toward the accommodation space and the equipment to be sterilized 1 accommodated in the accommodation space, and a plurality of the ultraviolet light emitting diodes 120 are installed at predetermined intervals so that the ultraviolet light is evenly irradiated onto the surface of the equipment to be sterilized 1 accommodated in the accommodation space.

[0075] Among ultraviolet rays, ultraviolet rays having a peak wavelength between 270 nm and 280 nm, particularly ultraviolet rays having a peak wavelength of 275 nm, have an excellent sterilizing effect.

[0076] In the present embodiment, the ultraviolet light LED 120 is configured to emit ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength of 275 nm, and the ultraviolet light LED 120 thus configured actively performs a sterilizing action within the accommodation space.

[0077] However, to achieve an efficient level of sterilization effect, ultraviolet light in the UVC range, particularly having a peak wavelength of about 250 nm to 280 nm, can be used.

[0078] Additionally, the sterilization device 100 according to this embodiment may further include a reflecting section 160 .

[0079] The reflecting portion 160 is formed on the cover body 110 and is provided to reflect the ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet light emitting diode 120 toward the accommodation space and the device 1 to be sterilized accommodated in the accommodation space.

[0080] Such a reflective portion 160 may be formed by coating the lower surface of the cover plate 111 and the inner region of the cover body portion 110 surrounded by the side wall 113 with aluminum, which has high UV reflectivity, and various other materials with high UV reflectivity can be used as the coating material other than aluminum.

[0081] The reflecting portion 160 formed in this manner reflects the ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet light LED 120 toward the accommodation space and the equipment to be sterilized 1 accommodated in the accommodation space, and concentrates the irradiation area of ​​the ultraviolet light toward the equipment to be sterilized 1, thereby making the sterilization action on the equipment to be sterilized 1 performed through the ultraviolet light more effective.

[0082] The power supply unit 130 supplies power to the ultraviolet light LED 120 to turn on the ultraviolet light LED 120 that irradiates ultraviolet light as described above.

[0083] Such a power supply unit 130 may be provided in a form in which a battery is installed inside the cover body unit 110 and power is supplied to the ultraviolet light LED 120 via the battery installed inside the cover body unit 110, or in a form in which power is supplied from an external source and transmitted to the ultraviolet light LED 120.

[0084] The sensing unit 140 is configured to sense the movement of the cover body 110 .

[0085] If the cover main body part 110 has its internal storage space open to the outside or if the storage space is not completely closed, there is a risk that ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet light emitting diode 120 will leak to the outside around the cover main body part 110. Therefore, in order to prevent the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet light emitting diode 120 from leaking to the outside around the cover main body part 110, it is necessary to check whether the cover main body part 110 has its internal storage space completely closed.

[0086] For this purpose, the sensor 140 is provided to obtain information regarding the position of the cover body 110 to check whether the cover body 110 completely closes the internal receiving space.

[0087] As an example, the sensing unit 140 includes a gyro sensor that senses the position and attitude of the cover body 110, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0088] As another example, the detection unit 140 may be provided in a form including a photosensitive sensor installed inside the cover body part 110. When the cover body part 110 covers the bottom surface B and the accommodation space is surrounded and closed by the cover body part 110 and the bottom surface B, the inside of the cover body part 110 becomes pitch black, so the detection unit 140 can detect the blocking of light into the cover body part 110 in this manner and check whether the cover body part 110 completely closes the accommodation space.

[0089] As yet another example, the sensing unit 140 may be configured to protrude two or more trigger switches (not shown) from the bottom surface of the side wall 113 and determine whether the storage space of the cover body 110 is closed or not depending on whether the multiple trigger switches thus installed are pressed.

[0090] It is also possible to use the above-mentioned examples of the sensing unit 140 together. For example, in a pitch black space, the position and attitude of the cover body 110 cannot be detected only by the photosensitive sensor, the gyro sensor may not be able to accurately determine whether the storage space of the cover body 110 is closed or not for an inclined bottom surface, and the trigger switch may not be able to perform its original function for an uneven bottom surface, but these problems can be overcome by combining various types of sensing units 140 as described above.

[0091] The control unit 150 controls the operation of the power supply unit 130 so as to adjust the illumination of the ultraviolet light LED 120. The control unit 150 controls the operation of the power supply unit 130 depending on whether the receiving space of the cover body 110 is opened or closed, as detected by the detection unit 140.

[0092] For example, the control unit 150 determines whether the accommodation space of the cover body 110 is opened or closed by using information about the position and attitude of the cover body 110 sensed by the sensing unit 140. When the cover body 110 is positioned to open the accommodation space, the control unit 150 turns on the ultraviolet light emitting diode 12. The operation of the power supply unit 130 can be controlled so that the power supply to the power supply circuit 130 is interrupted.

[0093] That is, the control unit 150 can turn on the ultraviolet light LED 120 by adjusting the operation of the power supply unit 130 so that power is supplied to the ultraviolet light LED 120. In this process, the control unit 150 can determine whether the storage space of the cover body part 110 is opened or closed using information regarding the position and posture of the cover body part 110 sensed by the sensing unit 140. If it is determined that the cover body part 110 has opened the storage space or has not completely closed it, the control unit 150 can control the operation of the power supply unit 130 so that the power supply to the ultraviolet light LED 120 is interrupted, thereby interrupting the irradiation of ultraviolet light by the ultraviolet light LED 120.

[0094] Meanwhile, the sterilization device 100 according to this embodiment may further include a switch 170.

[0095] The switch 170 is provided to adjust the operation of the power supply unit 130, and in this embodiment, an example is shown in which the switch 170 is provided on the upper part of the cover main body part 110, more specifically, on the upper surface side of the cover plate 111, so that the user can easily operate the switch 170.

[0096] Such a switch 170 may be provided to operate the on / off operation of the power supply unit 130, and the control unit 150 may adjust the operation of the power supply unit 130 such that the on / off operation of the power supply unit 130 is adjusted according to the operation of the switch 170.

[0097] In addition, the sterilization device 100 according to this embodiment may further include a timer 180.

[0098] The timer 180 is provided as a means for inputting the time for which the power supply unit 130 supplies power to the ultraviolet LED 120, and the control unit 150 can adjust the power supply time of the power supply unit 130 according to the time adjusted by the timer 180.

[0099] For example, if the time input through the timer 180 is 10 minutes, the control unit 150 can adjust the power supply time of the power supply unit 130 so that the ultraviolet LED 120 is turned on and irradiated with ultraviolet light for 10 minutes, and then the ultraviolet LED 120 is turned off.

[0100] In addition, the sterilization device 100 according to this embodiment may further include a visible light emitting diode 190.

[0101] The visible light LED 190 may be installed adjacent to the ultraviolet light LED 120 in the cover body 110, more specifically, in the inner region of the cover body 110 surrounded by the lower surface of the cover plate 111 and the side wall 113.

[0102] The visible light LED 190 installed in this manner irradiates light in the visible light region from a position adjacent to the ultraviolet light LED 120 when the ultraviolet light LED 120 is turned on, and lights up in conjunction with the turning on of the ultraviolet light LED 120.

[0103] That is, when the ultraviolet LED 120 is turned on and ultraviolet light is emitted, the visible light LED 190 turns on together with the ultraviolet LED 120 to emit light in the visible light region, thereby indicating that ultraviolet light is being emitted through the ultraviolet LED 120.

[0104] Due to the function of the visible light LED 190, the user can easily know that ultraviolet light is being irradiated through the ultraviolet light LED 120. Although ultraviolet light is irradiated through the light emitting diode 120, the ultraviolet light is invisible to the naked eye, and thus the user is not unaware of the ultraviolet light and is prevented from being continuously exposed to the ultraviolet light.

[0105] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of use of a sterilization device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 4 and 5 are graphs showing the inactivation level of Escherichia coli depending on the irradiation time and dose of ultraviolet light in a sterilization device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 6 and 7 are graphs showing the inactivation level of Staphylococcus aureus depending on the irradiation time and dose of ultraviolet light in a sterilization device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] Hereinafter, the operation and effects of the sterilization device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs.

[0107] 2 and 3, the sterilization device 100 according to the present embodiment sterilizes the device 1 to be sterilized, which is placed on the bottom surface B, such as small devices such as earphones, nail clippers, and mobile phones, in a state in which the device 1 to be sterilized is covered so that the device 1 is accommodated in the accommodation space inside the cover body 110, and the sterilization operation of the sterilization device 100 is controlled by the control unit 150.

[0108] The operation of the sterilization device 100 for sterilizing the equipment 1 to be sterilized housed inside the housing space may be started by operating a switch 170 or the like provided on the upper part of the cover main body 110.

[0109] For example, when a user covers the equipment 1 to be sterilized placed on the bottom surface B with the cover body 110 so that the equipment 1 to be sterilized is accommodated inside the accommodation space, and then inputs an operation signal through the switch 170, the operation signal is transmitted to the control unit 150. When the operation signal is transmitted to the control unit 150 in this manner, the control unit 150 starts to control the operation of the power supply unit 130.

[0110] At this time, the sensing unit 140 senses the position of the cover main body part 110 and acquires information regarding the position and posture of the cover main body part 110, and the control unit 150 uses the information regarding the position and posture of the cover main body part 110 thus acquired to determine whether the storage space of the cover main body part 110 is open or closed.

[0111] As a result, when it is confirmed that the storage space is closed by the cover main body portion 110, the control unit 150 controls the operation of the power supply unit 130 so that power is supplied to the ultraviolet light LED 120, and when it is confirmed that the storage space is open or is not completely closed by the cover main body portion 110, the control unit 150 controls the operation of the power supply unit 130 so that power is not supplied to the ultraviolet light LED 120.

[0112] As described above, by controlling the ultraviolet light LED 120 to operate only when the storage space is closed by the cover body part 110, inefficient operation of the sterilization device 100 can be prevented, the risk of an accident can be reduced, and ultraviolet light irradiated by the ultraviolet light LED 120 can be prevented from leaking to the outside around the cover body part 110 and causing harmful effects on the human body.

[0113] When power is supplied to the ultraviolet light LED 120 through the operational control performed by the control unit 150 as described above, the ultraviolet light LED 120 lights up and irradiates ultraviolet light toward the device 1 to be sterilized housed in the housing space.

[0114] At this time, the ultraviolet light emitting diode 120 emits ultraviolet light having strong sterilizing properties, for example, ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength within 270 nm to 280 nm, more preferably, a peak wavelength of 275 nm. Ultraviolet light having a wavelength is emitted.

[0115] In this manner, the operation of the sensing unit 140 continues even while the ultraviolet light LED 120 is operating, and during this process, if it is confirmed based on information regarding the position and posture of the cover main body part 110 acquired by the sensing unit 140 that the storage space is open or that the storage space is not completely closed by the cover main body part 110, the control unit 150 controls the operation of the power supply unit 130 so that the power supply to the ultraviolet light LED 120 is interrupted, thereby causing the ultraviolet light LED 120 to turn off and interrupting the irradiation of ultraviolet light.

[0116] In addition, the ultraviolet light LED 120 may be turned off when the power supply time of the power supply unit 130 set by the timer 180 has elapsed, and whether or not the ultraviolet light LED 120 is turned on may be confirmed by whether or not the visible light LED 190 is turned on.

[0117] That is, in the sterilization device 100 according to the present embodiment, ultraviolet rays are irradiated when an operation signal is input via the switch 170 while the storage space is closed by the cover body part 110, and if an unstable state occurs during operation of the cover body part 110 where there is a risk of ultraviolet rays leaking to the outside, or if a set time has elapsed, the power supply is automatically cut off so that the irradiation of ultraviolet rays is interrupted, and the lighting of the ultraviolet light-emitting diode 120 and the irradiation of ultraviolet rays through it can be confirmed by the lighting of the visible light-emitting diode 190.

[0118] The sterilization device 100 of the present embodiment can further improve the operating efficiency of the device by irradiating ultraviolet rays only when all of the multiple safety conditions set out above are satisfied, and can effectively reduce the risk of accidents and leakage of ultraviolet rays.

[0119] Meanwhile, the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light emitting diode 120 is irradiated towards the equipment 1 to be sterilized housed in the housing space, so that a sterilizing effect is performed on the surface of the equipment 1 to be sterilized.

[0120] According to this embodiment, a plurality of ultraviolet light LEDs 120 are installed so that ultraviolet light is evenly irradiated over the entire area of ​​the equipment 1 to be sterilized, and the ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet light LEDs 120 is reflected by a reflecting unit 160 toward the accommodation space and the equipment 1 to be sterilized housed in the accommodation space, thereby concentrating the irradiation area of ​​the ultraviolet light toward the equipment 1 to be sterilized housed in the accommodation space, so that the sterilization action is actively performed over the entire area of ​​the equipment 1 to be sterilized.

[0121] To explain the sterilization effect of the sterilization action of the sterilization device 100 performed as described above, it was confirmed that the inactivation of E. coli was nearly 99.9% at about 15 minutes after the ultraviolet rays were irradiated on the sterilization target device 1 using the sterilization device 100 of this embodiment, and during this process, the ultraviolet rays were irradiated on the sterilization target device 1 at about 5 mJ / cm. 2 The ultraviolet rays are irradiated at about the same level, killing the It can be seen that almost all of the E. coli remaining on the surface of the target device 1 has been sterilized (see Figs. 4 and 5).

[0122] In the case of Staphylococcus aureus, it was confirmed that the inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus was nearly 99.9% at about 20 minutes after the sterilization target device 1 was irradiated with ultraviolet light using the sterilization device 100 of this embodiment, and during this process, the sterilization target device 1 was irradiated with about 7 mJ / cm 2 The ultraviolet light is irradiated at about 1000 nm, and the yellow blotch remaining on the surface of the sterilization target device 1 is It can be seen that almost all of the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria were killed (see Figures 6 and 7).

[0123] According to the sterilization device 100 of the present embodiment as described above, ultraviolet sterilization of many types of small devices such as earphones, nail clippers, and mobile phones can be automatically performed with a simple on / off operation, and various types of bacteria remaining in the small devices to be sterilized can be efficiently removed, thereby easily, quickly, and effectively removing bacteria present in various types of small devices at home.

[0124] In addition, the sterilization device 100 of this embodiment can be manufactured in a small size, making it easy to carry around, and has the advantage of being easy to carry around because small devices placed on the bottom surface can be easily sterilized simply by covering them.

[0125] In addition, the sterilization device 100 of the present embodiment irradiates ultraviolet rays only when multiple safety conditions are satisfied, such as operation of the switch 170, detection of whether the storage space is closed through the detection unit 140, and setting of the operation time through the timer 180, thereby further improving the operating efficiency of the device and effectively reducing the risk of accidents and leakage of ultraviolet rays.

[0126] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the installation state of a sterilization apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a sterilization apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a sterilization apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0127] 8 to 10, a sterilization device 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention is installed at the bottom of a sink bowl 11 of a sink 210 and is installed so as to open and close a drain outlet 212 provided at the bottom of the sink bowl 211.

[0128] A drain pipe 214 is installed inside the drain outlet 212, connecting the drain outlet 212 to the drain pipe 213, and a filter 215 is installed in the drain pipe 214 to filter out food waste and foreign matter remaining in the wastewater discharged through the drain outlet 212.

[0129] The sterilization device 200 of this embodiment is detachably installed on a sink bowl 211 so as to open and close the drain outlet 212 at the top of a drain tube 214 and a filter 215, and may include a cover main body part 110, an ultraviolet light emitting diode 120, a power supply part 130, a sensing part 140 and a control part 150.

[0130] The cover body 110 constitutes the main body of the sterilization device 200 according to the present embodiment, and is provided to open and close the drain outlet 212 in which the drain tube 214 and the filter 215 are installed. The cover body 110 is provided in a form including a cover plate 111 and a side wall 113.

[0131] The cover plate 111 is formed in a plate shape corresponding to the shape of the drain outlet 212. In this embodiment, the case where the drain outlet 212 is formed to have a circular shape and the cover plate 111 is formed in a disk shape corresponding to the shape of the drain outlet 212 is illustrated as an example.

[0132] The side wall 113 is formed to extend downward from the edge of the lower surface of the cover plate 111 facing the drain tube 214 and the filter 215 .

[0133] The cover body part 110 formed in this manner including the cover plate 111 and the side wall 113 can close the drain outlet 212 by inserting the side wall 113 into the inside of the drain outlet 212 and connecting the cover plate 111 to the sink bowl 211 in a form covering the upper part of the drain outlet 212, and can be separated from the sink bowl 211 to open the drain outlet 212.

[0134] However, the side wall 113 does not necessarily have to be inserted into the drain port 212. The bottom surface of the side wall 113 may be placed on the top surface of the bottom portion of the sink bowl 211 .

[0135] In addition, the sterilization device 200 of this embodiment may further include a handle 115.

[0136] The handle 115 may be provided to protrude from the upper part of the cover body 110, i.e., the upper surface of the cover plate 111, so that a user can grip the cover body 110. The user can easily open and close the drain outlet 212 by gripping the handle 115 provided in this manner.

[0137] The ultraviolet light emitting diode (LED) 120 is installed on the cover body 110, facing the drain tube 214 and the filter 215, and is turned on to irradiate ultraviolet light toward at least one of the drain tube 214 and the filter 215.

[0138] In this embodiment, the ultraviolet light LED 120 is installed on the lower surface of the cover plate 111 so as to be located in an internal region of the cover body 110 surrounded by the lower surface of the cover plate 111 and the side wall 113 .

[0139] At least one of the cover body 111 and the side wall 113 may have an air circulation hole (not shown).

[0140] The air flow holes form a passageway that connects the internal area of ​​the cover body 110 surrounded by the lower surface and side wall 113 of the cover plate 111 with the outside of the drain outlet 212, thereby smoothly discharging moisture inside the drain outlet 212 to the outside of the drain outlet 212, thereby suppressing the effect of moisture remaining inside the drain tube 214 and the filter 215 on the ultraviolet light emitting diode 120.

[0141] The ultraviolet light emitting diodes 120 irradiate the drain pipe 214 and the filter 215 with ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength between 270 nm and 280 nm, and a plurality of the ultraviolet light emitting diodes 120 are installed at predetermined intervals so that the ultraviolet light is evenly irradiated over the entire area of ​​the drain pipe 214 and the filter 215.

[0142] Among ultraviolet rays, ultraviolet rays having a peak wavelength between 270 nm and 280 nm, particularly ultraviolet rays having a peak wavelength of 275 nm, have an excellent sterilizing effect.

[0143] In this embodiment, the ultraviolet light LED 120 is configured to emit ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength of 275 nm, and the sterilization action is actively performed within the drain pipe 2 due to the action of the ultraviolet light LED 120 configured in this manner.

[0144] However, to achieve an efficient level of sterilization effect, ultraviolet light in the UVC range, particularly having a peak wavelength of about 950 nm to 280 nm, can be used.

[0145] Additionally, the sterilization device 200 according to this embodiment may further include a reflecting unit 160 .

[0146] The reflecting portion 160 is formed on the cover body 110 and is provided to reflect the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light emitting diode 120 toward the drain tube 214 and the filter 215 .

[0147] The reflecting portion 160 may be formed by coating aluminum, which has a high ultraviolet reflectance, on the lower surface of the cover plate 111 and the inner region of the cover body 110 surrounded by the side wall 113. In addition to aluminum, various other materials with high ultraviolet reflectance may be used for the coating. It can be used as a coating material.

[0148] The reflecting portion 160 formed in this manner reflects the ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet light LED 120 toward the drain duct 214 and the filter 215, concentrating the ultraviolet light irradiation area toward the drain duct 214 and the filter 215, thereby making the sterilization action of the drain duct 214 and the filter 215 performed through the ultraviolet light more effective.

[0149] The power supply unit 130 supplies power to the ultraviolet light LED 120 to turn on the ultraviolet light LED 120 that irradiates ultraviolet light as described above.

[0150] Such a power supply unit 130 may be provided in a form in which a battery is installed inside the cover body unit 110 and power is supplied to the ultraviolet light LED 120 via the battery installed inside the cover body unit 110, or in a form in which power is supplied from an external source and transmitted to the ultraviolet light LED 120.

[0151] The sensor 140 is provided to sense whether the drain outlet 212 of the cover body 110 is open or closed.

[0152] If the cover main body part 110 leaves the drain outlet 212 open or does not completely close the drain outlet 212, there is a risk that ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet light-emitting diode 120 will leak outside the drain outlet 212. Therefore, in order to prevent the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet light-emitting diode 120 from leaking outside the drain outlet 212, it is necessary to check whether the cover main body part 110 completely closes the drain outlet 212.

[0153] For this purpose, the sensor 140 is provided to obtain information regarding the position of the cover body 110 to check whether the cover body 110 completely closes the drain opening 212 .

[0154] As an example, the sensing unit 140 includes a gyro sensor that senses the position and attitude of the cover body 110, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0155] As another example, the detection unit 140 may be provided in a form including a light-sensitive sensor installed inside the drain 212. When the drain 212 is covered by the cover body 110, the inside of the drain 212 becomes pitch black, so the detection unit 140 can detect the blocking of light to the inside of the drain 212 in this manner and check whether the cover body 110 completely closes the drain 212.

[0156] As yet another example, the sensing unit 140 may be configured in such a way that a magnetic member is built into the inside of the cover body portion 110 and a sensor that detects the magnetic flux of such a magnetic member is installed at the drain outlet 212, or a sensor that has a built-in switch that is pressed when covering the cover body portion 110 is used.

[0157] As yet another example, the sensing unit 140 may be configured to protrude two or more trigger switches (not shown) from the bottom surface of the side wall 113 and determine whether the drain opening 212 of the cover body 110 is closed or not depending on whether the multiple trigger switches thus installed are pressed.

[0158] The control unit 150 controls the operation of the power supply unit 130 so as to adjust the illumination of the ultraviolet light LED 120. The control unit 150 controls the operation of the power supply unit 130 depending on whether the drain hole 212 of the cover body 110 is open or closed, as detected by the detection unit 140.

[0159] As an example, the control unit 150 can determine whether the drain outlet 212 of the cover body part 110 is open or closed using information regarding the position and posture of the cover body part 110 sensed by the sensing unit 140, and when the cover body part 110 is positioned to open the drain outlet 212, control the operation of the power supply unit 130 so that the power supply to the ultraviolet light-emitting diode 120 is interrupted.

[0160] In other words, the control unit 150 can turn on the ultraviolet light LED 120 by adjusting the operation of the power supply unit 130 so that power is supplied to the ultraviolet light LED 120, and in this process, can determine whether the drain outlet 212 of the cover body part 110 is open or closed using information regarding the position and posture of the cover body part 110 sensed by the sensing unit 140, and if it is determined that the cover body part 110 has the drain outlet 212 open or not completely closed, can control the operation of the power supply unit 130 so that the power supply to the ultraviolet light LED 120 is interrupted, and can interrupt the irradiation of ultraviolet light by the ultraviolet light LED 120.

[0161] Meanwhile, the sterilization device 200 according to this embodiment may further include a switch 170 .

[0162] The switch 170 is provided to adjust the operation of the power supply unit 130, and in this embodiment, the switch 170 is provided on the handle 115 so that the user can easily operate the switch 170.

[0163] Such a switch 170 may be provided to perform on / off operations of the power supply unit 130, and the control unit 150 may adjust the operation of the power supply unit 130 such that the on / off, etc. of the power supply unit 130 is adjusted according to the operation of the switch 170.

[0164] In addition, the sterilization device 200 according to this embodiment may further include a timer 180.

[0165] The timer 180 is provided as a means for inputting the time for which the power supply unit 130 supplies power to the ultraviolet LED 120, and the control unit 150 can adjust the power supply time of the power supply unit 130 according to the time adjusted by the timer 180.

[0166] For example, if the time input through the timer 180 is 10 minutes, the control unit 150 can adjust the power supply time of the power supply unit 130 so that the ultraviolet LED 120 is turned on and irradiated with ultraviolet light for 10 minutes, and then the ultraviolet LED 120 is turned off.

[0167] In addition, the sterilization device 200 according to this embodiment may further include a visible light emitting diode 190.

[0168] The visible light LED 190 may be installed adjacent to the ultraviolet light LED 120 in the cover body 110, more specifically, in the inner region of the cover body 110 surrounded by the lower surface of the cover plate 111 and the side wall 113.

[0169] The visible light LED 190 installed in this manner irradiates light in the visible light region from a position adjacent to the ultraviolet light LED 120 when the ultraviolet light LED 120 is turned on, and lights up in conjunction with the turning on of the ultraviolet light LED 120.

[0170] That is, when the ultraviolet light LED 120 is turned on and ultraviolet light is emitted, the visible light LED 190 is turned on together with the ultraviolet light LED 120 to emit light in the visible light region. By irradiating the ultraviolet light, the ultraviolet light LED 120 serves to indicate that ultraviolet light is being irradiated.

[0171] Due to the function of the visible light LED 190, the user can easily know that ultraviolet light is being irradiated through the ultraviolet light LED 120. This prevents the user from continuing to be exposed to ultraviolet light even though it is being irradiated through the ultraviolet light LED 120, due to the invisible characteristics of ultraviolet light.

[0172] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing one example of use of a sterilization device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 12 is a diagram showing another example of use of a sterilization device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Also, Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 are graphs showing the inactivation level of Escherichia coli according to the irradiation time and irradiation amount of ultraviolet light of a sterilization device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 are graphs showing the inactivation level of Staphylococcus aureus according to the irradiation time and irradiation amount of ultraviolet light of a sterilization device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0173] Hereinafter, the operation and effects of the sterilization device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs.

[0174] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the sterilization device 200 of this embodiment is installed to open and close the drain outlet 212 provided at the bottom of the sink bowl 211, and performs a sterilizing action on the drain tube 214 and filter 215 inside the drain outlet 212 when the drain outlet 212 is closed, and the sterilization operation of the sterilization device 200 is controlled by the control unit 150.

[0175] Operation of the sterilizer 200 for sterilizing the drain tube 214 and the filter 215 inside the drain outlet 212 may be initiated by operating a switch 170 or the like provided on the handle 115 .

[0176] For example, when a user grasps the handle 115 and closes the drain outlet 212 with the cover body 110, and then inputs an activation signal through the switch 170, this activation signal is transmitted to the control unit 150, and when the activation signal is transmitted to the control unit 150 in this manner, the control unit 150 begins to control the operation of the power supply unit 130.

[0177] At this time, the sensing unit 140 senses the position of the cover main body part 110 and acquires information regarding the position and posture of the cover main body part 110, and the control unit 150 uses the information regarding the position and posture of the cover main body part 110 thus acquired to determine whether the drain outlet 212 of the cover main body part 110 is open or closed.

[0178] As a result, when it is confirmed that the drain outlet 212 is closed by the cover main body portion 110, the control unit 150 controls the operation of the power supply unit 130 so that power is supplied to the ultraviolet light LED 120, and when it is confirmed that the drain outlet 212 is open or is not completely closed by the cover main body portion 110, the control unit 150 controls the operation of the power supply unit 130 so that power is not supplied to the ultraviolet light LED 120.

[0179] As described above, by controlling the operation of the ultraviolet light LED 120 to occur only when the drain outlet 212 is closed by the cover body 110, the sterilization device 200 is prevented from operating inefficiently, the risk of an accident occurring can be reduced, and ultraviolet light irradiated by the ultraviolet light LED 120 can be prevented from leaking outside the drain outlet 212 and causing harmful effects on the human body.

[0180] When power is supplied to the ultraviolet light LED 120 through the operation control performed by the control unit 150 as described above, the ultraviolet light LED 120 turns on and irradiates ultraviolet light toward the drain tube 214 and the filter 215.

[0181] At this time, the ultraviolet light LED 120 emits ultraviolet light with strong sterilizing properties, for example, ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength within a range of 270 nm to 280 nm, and more preferably ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength of 275 nm.

[0182] In this manner, the operation of the sensing unit 140 continues even while the ultraviolet light LED 120 is operating, and during this process, if it is confirmed based on information regarding the position and posture of the cover main body part 110 acquired by the sensing unit 140 that the drain outlet 212 is open or that the drain outlet 212 is not completely closed by the cover main body part 110, the control unit 150 controls the operation of the power supply unit 130 so that the power supply to the ultraviolet light LED 120 is interrupted, thereby causing the ultraviolet light LED 120 to turn off and interrupting the irradiation of ultraviolet light.

[0183] In addition, the ultraviolet light LED 120 may be turned off when the power supply time of the power supply unit 130 set by the timer 180 has elapsed, and whether or not the ultraviolet light LED 120 is turned on may be confirmed by whether or not the visible light LED 190 is turned on.

[0184] That is, in the sterilization device 200 according to the present embodiment, ultraviolet rays are irradiated when an operation signal is input through the switch 170 while the drain outlet 212 is closed by the cover body part 110, and if an unstable state occurs during operation of the cover body part 110 where there is a risk of ultraviolet rays leaking to the outside, or if a set time has elapsed, the power supply is automatically cut off so that the irradiation of ultraviolet rays is interrupted, and the lighting of the ultraviolet light-emitting diode 120 and the irradiation of ultraviolet rays through it can be confirmed by the lighting of the visible light-emitting diode 190.

[0185] The sterilization device 200 of the present embodiment can further improve the operating efficiency of the device by irradiating ultraviolet rays only when all of the multiple safety conditions set out above are satisfied, and can effectively reduce the risk of accidents and leakage of ultraviolet rays.

[0186] Meanwhile, the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light emitting diode 120 is irradiated toward the drain pipe 214 and the filter 215, so that the drain pipe 214 and the filter 215 perform a sterilizing action.

[0187] According to this embodiment, a plurality of ultraviolet light LEDs 120 are installed so that ultraviolet light is evenly irradiated over the entire area of ​​the drain duct 214 and the filter 215, while the ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet light LEDs 120 is reflected toward the drain duct 214 and the filter 215 using the reflector 160, thereby concentrating the irradiation area of ​​the ultraviolet light toward the drain duct 214 and the filter 215, so that the sterilization action is actively performed over the entire area of ​​the drain duct 214 and the filter 215.

[0188] As another example, by irradiating the drain pipe 214 with ultraviolet light while removing the filter 215 from inside the drain pipe 214, the sterilization action on the drain pipe 214 can be more intensively performed (see FIG. 12).

[0189] The sterilization effect of the sterilization action of the sterilization device 200 performed as described above will be explained. When the sterilization device 200 of this embodiment is used to irradiate the drain tube 214 and the filter 215 with ultraviolet light, It was confirmed that the E. coli was inactivated by approximately 99.9% after about 15 minutes had passed since the inactivation, and during this process, the drain pipe 214 and the filter 215 were exposed to approximately 5 mJ / cm 3 The ultraviolet rays of about 100 nm are irradiated to the drain pipe 214 and the filter 215, and most of the E. coli bacteria remaining in the drain pipe 214 and the filter 215 are removed. It can be seen that almost all of the sterilization was performed (see Figures 13 and 14).

[0190] In addition, in the case of Staphylococcus aureus, it was confirmed that the inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus was nearly 99.9% when about 20 minutes had passed since the drain pipe 214 and the filter 215 were irradiated with ultraviolet light using the sterilization device 200 of this embodiment, and during this process, about 7 mJ / cm was applied to the drain pipe 214 and the filter 215. 3 UV rays of about 100 nm are emitted, and the wastewater It can be seen that almost all of the Staphylococcus aureus remaining in the tube 214 and the filter 215 has been sterilized (see FIGS. 15 and 16).

[0191] According to the sterilization device 200 of the present embodiment as described above, the drain pipe 214 and the filter 215 installed inside the drain 212 are automatically sterilized with ultraviolet light by simply turning on / off the drain pipe 214 and the filter 215. As a result, various bacteria remaining in the drain pipe 214 and the filter 215 can be efficiently removed, and bacteria present in the drain pipe 214 and the filter 215 of the kitchen sink 210 can be easily, quickly, and effectively removed at home.

[0192] In addition, the sterilization device 200 of this embodiment irradiates ultraviolet rays only when multiple safety conditions are met, such as operation of the switch 170, detection of whether the drain outlet 212 is closed or not through the sensor 140, and setting of the operation time through the timer 180, thereby further improving the operating efficiency of the device and effectively reducing the risk of accidents and ultraviolet leakage.

[0193] 22 and 23 are perspective views of the assembled state of the sterilization device of FIG. 17, FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing the center of the A-A' cross section of FIG. 21, FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of portion C of FIG. 24, FIG. 26 is a plan view showing the state in which the window member, the power supply unit, and the charging terminal are assembled in FIG. 17, and FIG. 27 is a front view showing the state in which the sterilization device of the present invention is operable.

[0194] 22 and 23, the present invention includes a housing 10 of a sterilizer having various configurations with a sterilizing function, a cover body 110, and a stand 30 on which the sterilizer is placed. The four legs 32 of the stand 30 are placed on a flat bottom, and the housing 10 and cover body 110 of the sterilizer are placed on the stand 30.

[0195] 17 and 27, the sterilizer includes a circular housing 10, which is a flat portion, and a curved cover body 110 that covers the upper portion of the housing. The bottom surface (see FIG. 27), which is the outer surface of the housing 10, faces the sterilization area. An irradiation hole 11 is provided in the center of the housing 10, through which ultraviolet light can be emitted from a light source that is installed inside the cover body 110 and irradiates ultraviolet light. A switch 170 for operating the sterilizer and a visible light emitting diode 190 for checking whether the sterilizer is operating are installed in the cover body 110.

[0196] First, a waterproof structure and a window member protection structure installed around the irradiation hole 11 of the housing 10 will be described. Referring to Figs. 17, 18 and 24, the inner surface of the housing 10 has a circular A square-shaped window member accommodating portion 12 is provided surrounding an irradiation hole 11 having a square shape. A step portion 13 is formed around the periphery of the window member accommodating portion 12 to prevent the window member 40 fitted in the window member accommodating portion 12 from moving sideways. The height of the step portion 13 is substantially the same as the height of the window member 40 in a state in which the window member 40 is accommodated in the window member accommodating portion 12. When these heights are substantially the same, there is no step difference on the upper surfaces of the window member 40 and the step portion 13, so that sealing can be easily realized simply by placing and tightly contacting a sealing member (a first O-ring described later) that can cover the boundary between the window member and the step portion.

[0197] The window member 40 is made of a material that can transmit deep ultraviolet light emitted from an ultraviolet light emitting diode (described later), and may be made of quartz or fused silica.

[0198] 18, 19 and 24, a first O-ring 50 is placed on the window member 40 and the step 13 fitted in the window member accommodating portion 12, covering at least the gap between the window member and the step. The first O-ring 50 is annular, and its outer circumferential surface 51 is larger than the periphery of the window member 40 and / or the inner side surface of the step, and its inner circumferential surface 52 is smaller than the window member 40 (see FIG. 26). Therefore, when the first O-ring 50 is placed on the window member 40 and the step 13 fitted in the window member accommodating portion 12, the gap between the window member and the step is covered by the first O-ring 50.

[0199] As shown in the figure, a first step 14 is formed on the outside of the portion where the first O-ring 50 is placed, which regulates the position of the first O-ring 50. In addition, a second O-ring receiving groove 16 into which a second O-ring 56 is fitted is provided on the outside of the first step 14, and a second step 15 having substantially the same height as the first step 14 is formed on the outside of the second O-ring receiving groove 16. The second O-ring described later is received in the second O-ring receiving groove 16, and the present invention can further ensure waterproofing by providing a two-stage sealing structure in a path where water intrusion is likely to occur. In particular, when the heights of the two steps 14 and 15 are the same, not only is it easier to receive the second O-ring, but when a crimping member described later presses the second O-ring, the crimping force is not biased to one side, so that the second O-ring can be uniformly expanded.

[0200] 19, 20 and 24, a crimping member 60 is installed on the first O-ring 50 and the second O-ring 56. As shown in the drawings, the crimping member 60 is in the form of a ring-shaped flat plate, with a circular hole 62 formed in the center and a rib 61 formed on the outer periphery to reinforce the rigidity of the crimping member 60. In addition, three fastening parts 66 are formed at intervals of 120 degrees. A fastening screw (not shown) can pass through the fastening part 66, and the screw passing through the fastening part is screwed into the inner surface of the housing, so that the crimping member 60 is firmly crimped and fixed to the inner surface of the housing 10.

[0201] This pressure is transmitted to the first O-ring 50 and the second O-ring 56, so that the upper surface of the first O-ring comes into close contact with the lower surface of the crimping member 60, and the lower surface of the first O-ring comes into close contact with the upper surface of the window member 40 and the upper surface of the step portion 13. When the first O-ring 50 is crimped, the first O-ring is pushed by the pressure, and the outer peripheral surface 51 of the first O-ring tries to expand in a direction in which its diameter increases, and the inner peripheral surface 52 tries to expand in a direction in which its diameter decreases. The outer peripheral surface 51 of the first O-ring is prevented from expanding by the first step 14, and the two surfaces come into close contact with each other. Meanwhile, the inner peripheral surface of the first O-ring is prevented from expanding by the protruding step 64, which protrudes downward around the hole 62 of the crimping member 60 in the direction of the window member. At this time, the lower end of the protruding step 64 does not come into contact with the window member 40, and a gap of a certain distance is formed with respect to the window member. If the protruding step 64 comes into contact with the window member 40, the window member 40 may be damaged due to concentrated pressure at the protruding step 64. Therefore, a certain distance is required between the window member and the protruding step. Since the inner circumferential surface of the O-ring expands freely inward, the adhesive force between the vicinity of the inner circumferential surface of the first O-ring and the compression member and window member decreases. Therefore, it is preferable that the protruding step 64 is formed to a height that does not apply concentrated pressure to the window member and allows the window member and the first O-ring to adhere with uniform pressure, taking into consideration the material of the first O-ring, etc. That is, the lower the protruding step protrudes, the higher the possibility that concentrated pressure will not be applied to the window member, while the uniformity of the pressure applied between the window member and the first O-ring decreases. Also, the higher the protruding step protrudes, the higher the possibility that concentrated pressure will be applied to the window member, while it can be said to be advantageous in ensuring the uniformity of the pressure applied between the window member and the first O-ring. The protruding height of the protruding step can be determined to an optimal height so as to satisfy the above-mentioned conditions, taking into consideration the material of the first O-ring, the gap between the protruding step and the window member, etc.

[0202] The cross-sectional area of ​​second O-ring 56 is set to be slightly larger than the cross-sectional area formed by second O-ring accommodating groove 16, first step 14, second step 15, and the crimping member, so that when the crimping member crimps the second O-ring, the outer surface of the second O-ring is in close contact with second O-ring accommodating groove 16, first step 14, second step 15, and the crimping member with uniform pressure.

[0203] Silicone material theoretically has a hardness of 0 to 100, but the first O-ring 50 is made of a silicone material having a softness of less than 30. This is because if the hardness is greater than 30, there is a high possibility that the window member 40 will be damaged due to concentrated pressure being applied to a specific portion of the window member 40 when the first O-ring is crimped with the crimping member. Of course, the crimping member may be made of a material harder than the first O-ring, such as ABS resin.

[0204] 25(b), an additional elastic material 59 may be further interposed between the window member 40 and the window member receiving portion 12. This has the effect of eliminating the possibility of pressure concentrating at a specific location between the window member and the window member receiving portion, and further enhancing the waterproof effect by the adhesive force of the elastic material.

[0205] Meanwhile, the hole 62 of the crimping member 60 and the irradiation hole 11 of the housing 10 are aligned at their centers. In addition, the hole 62 of the crimping member and the irradiation hole 11 of the housing 10 are both circular in shape. The inner circumferential surface of the first O-ring also has a circular shape and a center that coincides with these. This corresponds to the irradiation form of the light emitting diode described below, which is a point light source that irradiates in a cone-shaped diffused form, and is for the purpose of allowing the crimping force between the crimping member 60 and the housing 10 to act uniformly between the first O-ring 50 and the window member 40, minimizing the area of ​​the window member exposed to the outside and maximizing the area irradiated with ultraviolet light.

[0206] On the other hand, the window member 40 may be configured to have a square shape. Configuring the window member to have a square shape facilitates the manufacture of the window member, and also makes it possible to restrict not only the lateral movement of the window member but also the rotation of the window member in its original position when the position of the window member is restricted by the step portion 13. The shapes of such a window member 40 and first O-ring 50 have already been described in relation to FIG. 26.

[0207] 20, 21, 24 and 25, a substrate 70 is fixed on a pressure bonding member 60. The substrate 70 is provided with fixing portions 76 at two locations facing each other with respect to the center of the substrate, and fastening screws passing through the fixing portions 76 are screwed into fixing portions 68 provided on the pressure bonding member 60. The fixing portions 68 may be provided at a position that does not overlap with the positions of the fastening portions 66 of the pressure bonding member described above.

[0208] An ultraviolet light emitting diode 120 is mounted on the substrate 70 at a position facing the irradiation hole 11 and the hole 62 and aligned with the center of the irradiation hole 11 and the hole 62. As an example, the irradiation angle of the ultraviolet light emitting diode 120 may be 120 degrees. The ultraviolet light irradiated from the door 120 passes through the window member 40 and passes through the irradiation hole 11 to be emitted to the outside. As a result, the sterilization area facing the housing 10 is exposed to the ultraviolet light.

[0209] In order to maximize the irradiation angle of the ultraviolet light LED, the irradiation hole 11 may have an irradiation hole expansion portion 321 whose cross section gradually becomes wider toward the outside (see FIG. 25). The irradiation hole expansion portion 321 may be curved as shown in FIG. 25(a) or tapered as shown in FIG. 25(b). In either form, the irradiation hole expansion portion 321 secures the maximum irradiation area a according to the irradiation angle of the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light LED, while also securing an area to support the window member 40 accordingly. Without the irradiation hole expansion portion 321, the diameter of the irradiation hole 11 would have to be increased accordingly to expand the irradiation area by a, which would result in a reduction in the area of ​​the window member receiving portion that supports the window member. In addition, the larger the diameter of the irradiation hole 11, the larger the diameter of the hole 62 in the compression member 60 should be (if the diameter of the hole in the compression member is smaller than the diameter of the irradiation hole, unevenness will occur in the area where pressure is applied to the window member from above and below, which increases the possibility of the window member being damaged), which increases the area of ​​the window member 40 that is not supported by the top and bottom surfaces, further increasing the possibility of the window member being damaged. On the other hand, by forming the irradiation hole expansion portion 321 as in the present invention, it is possible to further reduce the possibility of the window member being damaged while maximizing the ultraviolet ray irradiation area.

[0210] For example, the ultraviolet light emitting diode 120 emits deep ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength of 275 nm.

[0211] The ultraviolet light source used in the present invention is an ultraviolet light emitting diode 120, which is a light source with strong directivity in one direction. The ultraviolet light emitting diode can finely adjust the peak wavelength of the light radiated according to the ratio of the constituent components. Therefore, the efficiency of ultraviolet light can be increased by manufacturing and using an ultraviolet light emitting diode having a peak wavelength that is the most efficient ultraviolet light wavelength in the environment in which ultraviolet light is used.

[0212] It is generally believed that 253 nm ultraviolet light is the most effective wavelength for sterilization. However, actual experiments have confirmed that the most effective wavelength for sterilizing bacteria in water is 270 nm.

[0213] Figure 28 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of ultraviolet light irradiation and the sterilization rate after E. coli O157:H7 (ATCC 43894) was mixed with water and irradiated with ultraviolet light of different wavelengths. The initial concentration of bacteria mixed into the water was 1.9 to 3.0 x 105 cfu / mL. The remaining experimental conditions, except for the ultraviolet light wavelength, were the same.

[0214] As a result of the experiment, the ultraviolet light of 270 nm was 1.4 mJ / cm 2 99% sterilization when only irradiated This is a much better figure than other wavelengths of ultraviolet light.

[0215] FIG. 29 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of ultraviolet light irradiation and the sterilization rate after B. subtilis spore (ATCC 6633) was mixed with water and irradiated with ultraviolet light of different wavelengths.

[0216] As a result of the experiment, the ultraviolet light of 270 nm was 22 mJ / cm 2 99% sterilization rate when only irradiated This is a much better figure than other wavelengths of ultraviolet light.

[0217] FIG. 30 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of ultraviolet light irradiation and the sterilization rate after B.MS2 phage (ATCC 15597-B1) was mixed with water and irradiated with ultraviolet light of different wavelengths.

[0218] As a result of the experiment, 270 nm ultraviolet light was 42 mJ / cm 2 99% sterilization rate when only irradiated This is a much better figure than other wavelengths of ultraviolet light.

[0219] Analysis of the experimental results led to the conclusion that the DNA or RNA of bacteria and viruses present in water may be even more sensitive to 270 nm. Most of the bacteria and viruses that enter the human body through food depend on the moisture in the food, and the sink drain is also an environment rich in food residue and water, so the above experiment was carried out under experimental conditions that fully reflected the area to be sterilized.

[0220] As a result of the experiment, it was confirmed that the sterilization efficiency decreases as the wavelength becomes farther in the +- direction from 270 nm. Therefore, in the present invention, the sterilization efficiency against bacteria and microorganisms is improved by using an ultraviolet light emitting diode that irradiates ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength within a range of about ±10 nm from 270 nm.

[0221] Although the ultraviolet light emitting diode 120 applied to the sterilization device of the present invention irradiates ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength in a wavelength band that deviates to a certain extent from 253 nm, which is the wavelength that human DNA absorbs best, the harmful effects of direct irradiation on humans cannot be eliminated. Therefore, a safety device is required to ensure that the ultraviolet light of the sterilization device of the present invention is irradiated only in situations for sterilization.

[0222] As shown in Figure 24, the sterilization device of the present invention further includes multiple sensors that measure different factors. A safety device that defines the environment in which the sterilization device of the present invention is used and operates the sterilization device to irradiate ultraviolet light only when the environments measured by the multiple sensors all match the defined environment in which the sterilization device is used is more urgently required for the present invention in which deep ultraviolet light can be irradiated.

[0223] For example, since the sterilizer of the present invention functions as a cover for covering the drain of a sink, the area in which sterilization is performed can be specified to be in a dark state with external light (visible light) blocked. In addition, when sterilization is performed, the orientation of the drain of the sink is such that the outer surface of the housing faces the direction of gravity. In addition, when sterilizing the drain of the sink, the front of the sterilizer is no longer, for example, more than 20 cm away from the outer surface of the housing (depth of the drain of the sink).

[0224] In order to measure such an environment, in the present invention, a sensing unit 140 may be installed near the ultraviolet light emitting diode 120 mounted on the substrate 70. Such a sensing unit 140 includes an illuminance sensor that detects visible light that has entered the inside of the housing from the outside through the irradiation hole 11. This is for checking whether the environment in which the sterilizer is used is a dark environment or not.

[0225] However, this alone has limitations in accurately assuring the usage environment. For example, when all the lights in the room are turned off and it becomes dark, the illuminance sensor alone cannot ensure the correct usage environment of the sterilizer.

[0226] Therefore, in the present invention, the sensing unit 140 installed on the substrate 70 may further include a distance sensor (e.g., an IR sensor). The distance sensor of the sensing unit measures the distance of an object in front of the outer surface of the housing through the irradiation hole 11. If the measured distance is farther than the reference distance (the distance at which an object is placed in front of the housing during normal sterilization), it can be determined that the sterilization device is not in an operating environment.

[0227] In addition, the present invention provides a posture sensor (e.g., a gyro sensor or a tilt sensor). Since the sterilizer of the present invention is used in the form of a lid, the housing of the sterilizer faces the bottom in a normal usage environment (see FIG. 27). Therefore, if it is detected that the sterilizer is not facing the bottom, it can be determined that the sterilizer is not in the usage environment.

[0228] In the present invention, a plurality of sensors for measuring various environments are installed, the usage environment is measured, and if all of these meet the safety standards, a control circuit that enables the supply of power to the UV LED can be embodied on the substrate 70.

[0229] Of course, the turning on and off of the ultraviolet LED 120 is preferentially controlled by the switch 170, and even if the switch 170 is turned on, if the environment sensed through the above-mentioned multiple sensors deviates from the safety standard, the power supply to the ultraviolet LED 120 is cut off.

[0230] In addition, the sterilization device of the present invention further includes a visible light LED 190 connected in series with the ultraviolet light LED near the switch 170 and turned on and off. Whether or not the visible light LED is on can be confirmed with the naked eye by the visible light LED. When the visible light LED is connected in series with the ultraviolet light LED in this way, the visible light LED 190 and the ultraviolet light LED 120 are turned on and off together. Therefore, the user can check with the naked eye whether or not the visible light LED is on and intuitively judge whether or not the sterilization device is operating. When these are connected in series, if any one of the ultraviolet light LED and the visible light LED is broken, both are not turned on, so the ultraviolet light LED does not operate when the visible light LED is not turned on due to a break in the visible light LED. Therefore, it is possible to guarantee that the ultraviolet light LED does not operate when the visible light LED is not turned on.

[0231] Meanwhile, sterilization may be performed by ultraviolet rays or by creating a dry environment by drying moisture. In the present invention, a far-infrared light source may be further provided on the substrate 70 to realize not only ultraviolet irradiation but also a drying function. The far-infrared light source irradiates the sterilization area with far-infrared rays through the irradiation holes 11, and dries the sterilization area, thereby further enhancing the sterilization effect.

[0232] 20 to 23, when the housing 10 and the cover body 110 are fastened together, the two housings are pressed together with the housing O-ring 58 fitted into the housing O-ring receiving groove 18 provided around the area where they face each other and are closely attached and fixed. As described above, when waterproofing is achieved around the area where the two housings 10, 20 are closely attached to each other as well as the area of ​​the irradiation hole 11, waterproofing of the internal space of the housings 10, 20 is guaranteed. The level of waterproofing to be guaranteed in the sterilizer of the present invention is sufficient to prevent water from entering the inside of the sterilizer when water is accidentally turned on in a sink, for example.

[0233] When fastening the housing 10 and the cover body 110, as shown in the drawing, a fastening screw (not shown) is fitted from the outer surface of the housing 10 toward the cover body 110. The fastening screw is screwed into the cover body 110 by passing through the fastening hole 380 of the housing. A support member 80 is installed on the outer surface of the housing 10 where the fastening hole 380 is formed. The support member 80 is made of a material that has elasticity, such as rubber, and can achieve both anti-slip and sealing properties, and can prevent water from seeping in through the fastening hole 380 as well as smoothly maintain the original position on the surface on which the sterilization device is placed without slipping.

[0234] On the other hand, in the present invention, the power source for operating the ultraviolet light emitting diode is the inside of the sterilization device. The power supply unit 130 may be built in the power supply unit 230 to supply power. For example, the power supply unit 130 may be a battery, which is a secondary battery. The power supply unit 130, the board 70, and the switch 170 are electrically connected inside the cover body 110 and the housing 10. The power supply unit 130 is also electrically connected to the charging terminal 97. Here, the charging terminal 97 is a path through which an external power source for charging the power supply unit 230 is supplied. The inlet of the charging terminal 97 is exposed toward the outside of the cover body 110 and the housing 10, and a waterproof cover is detachably fitted to the inlet, so that the waterproof cover can be removed and an external power source can be connected when charging the power supply unit 130. In the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in the drawings, in order to further ensure waterproofing of the inside of the cover body 110 and the housing 10, a waterproof structure is designed in such a way that the charging terminal is fixed outside the housing O-ring 58, and the part of the charging terminal that should be protected from water is covered with silicone or the like. With this structure, even if water accidentally seeps into the charging terminal when the waterproof cover of the charging terminal is not covered, the water will not penetrate into the cover body 110 and the inside of the housing 10, so it is sufficient to dry only the charging terminal.

[0235] The sterilization device of the present invention can sterilize various objects. For example, the specifications (diameters) of the drains of sinks may be different from each other. Taking this into consideration, the sterilization device of the present invention has an alignment protrusion 390 shown in FIG. 27 on the outer surface of the housing 10. A plurality of alignment protrusions may be provided so as to be concentric with the ultraviolet irradiation hole 11 and have different diameters (r1, r2). The alignment protrusion may be in the form of an annular ring centered on the ultraviolet irradiation hole, or may be a part of an annular ring, or may be a collection of points located on an annular ring. These diameters (r1, r2) may be determined according to the diameter specifications of the drains of sinks in circulation.

[0236] The sterilizer of the present invention may also be used in a manner to sterilize the inside of various containers by placing it in place of the lid of the container. For example, the sterilizer may be placed on the opening of a cup or tumbler that is deep enough that it cannot be touched by hands.

[0237] Meanwhile, as shown in the drawings, the sterilization apparatus of the present invention may further include a stand 30. The stand has a hollow, low cylindrical shape with closed sides, an air vent 31 formed on the bottom, and a plurality of legs 32 extending downward from the bottom, allowing the air vent 31 to smoothly ventilate with the outside air.

[0238] After washing dishes, in order to dry and sterilize the kitchen sponge, it is possible to sterilize the kitchen sponge by placing the sterilizer in the above-mentioned stand 30 with the kitchen sponge placed inside. In addition, not only kitchen utensils such as kitchen sponges, but also any object that can fit inside the stand can be sterilized using the sterilizer.

[0239] The sterilizer of the present invention can be used not only for the drain of a sink but also for sterilizing various other objects. For example, as shown in Figures 31 and 32, instead of the lid of a tumbler 35 or a pot 38, which are containers that require internal sterilization, the sterilizer of the present invention can be used to cover them and sterilize them.

[0240] Next, the operation of the present invention will be described.

[0241] The user charges the power supply unit 130 by placing the sterilizer on the stand 30 or on the bottom and connecting an external power source via the charging terminal 97. The level of charging is displayed through the color of the visible light emitting diode 190. After charging is completed, the sterilizer with the waterproof cover fitted to the charging terminal 97 is placed on the drain of the sink. At this time, the alignment protrusion 390 protruding from the bottom allows the user to intuitively align the center of the sink drain with the center of the sterilizer, and the support member 80 allows the sterilizer to maintain its original position without slipping. .

[0242] FIG. 33 is a flow chart for the operation of the sterilization apparatus of the present invention.

[0243] When the user presses the switch 170, the control circuit on the board 70 first checks the environmental measurement results of the various sensors. That is, when the illuminance of visible light measured by the illuminance sensor is lower than the reference value and it is dark, the distance sensor detects that there is an object within a predetermined distance in front of the irradiation hole, and the attitude sensor detects that the ultraviolet light irradiation direction of the sterilization device is facing downward (i.e., the sterilization device is placed horizontally), the control circuit supplies power to the ultraviolet light LED 120. If there are no abnormalities in either the ultraviolet light LED 120 or the visible light LED 190, the ultraviolet light LED 120 irradiates ultraviolet light and at the same time the visible light LED 190 also lights up, allowing the user to check whether the sterilization device is operating or not.

[0244] The sterilizer operates on a timer. For example, power is supplied to the ultraviolet light LED until sterilization is complete, and then the power is cut off again and the sterilizer is turned off. Experiments have confirmed that when a sterilizer utilizing an embodiment of the present invention is used, 259.9% sterilization is achieved after operating for about 30 to 40 minutes. After the timer expires, the visible light LED 190 flashes. The visible light LED may be turned off after flashing several times, or may continue to flash until the user confirms.

[0245] At this time, if the sterilizer is accidentally bumped or lifted before the timer is up, at least one of the sensors will detect that the usage environment is out of safety standards and the power will be immediately cut off. Of course, even if the timer is not up, if the user turns off the sterilizer by pressing the switch, the power supplied to the UV LED will be immediately cut off.

[0246] Sterilizing the area around the sink drain in this way can suppress the growth of bacteria and mold, eliminate bad odors, and improve the quality of life. Sterilization of other items can also be carried out in the same way using a stand or similar device.

[0247] As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings illustrating the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and it is self-evident that various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention by those skilled in the art. In addition, even if the effects of the configuration of the present invention are not explicitly described while describing the above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects that can be predicted by the corresponding configuration should also be recognized.

Claims

1. A main body having a storage space for storing a target; a housing including an outer surface of the main body portion facing the storage space and an inner surface opposite to the outer surface, the housing being coupled to the main body portion and covering the inner surface; a first light source disposed on a substrate disposed on the inner surface and configured to irradiate germicidal light toward the storage space of the main body; A second light source that emits light in the visible light region; a power supply unit for supplying power to the first light source and the second light source for turning on the first light source and the second light source; A control unit that adjusts the operation of the power supply unit, When the first light source is turned on and the sterilizing light is emitted, the second light source turns on together with the first light source and irradiates light in the visible light region, thereby indicating that the sterilizing light is being irradiated via the first light source.

2. Further comprising a sensing unit that senses a state of the main body unit, The sterilizer according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit adjusts an operation of the power supply unit according to a state of the main body unit sensed by the sensing unit.

3. A sterilization device as described in claim 1, wherein the power supply unit further includes a timer that adjusts the time when power is supplied to the first light source.

4. The sterilization device of claim 2, wherein the sensing unit includes an illuminance sensor that detects visible light entering the housing and is configured to check whether the main body unit is being used in a dark environment.

5. A sterilization device as described in claim 1, further comprising a reflecting portion that reflects light emitted from the first light source.

6. A sterilization device as described in Claim 5, wherein the reflecting portion is positioned so as to reflect the sterilizing light irradiated from the first light source toward the storage space.

7. Further comprising a switch configured to operate the power supply unit, The sterilizer according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the power supply unit in response to an operation of the switch.

8. A sterilization device as described in claim 1, further comprising a window member disposed on the first light source and having a material that allows the sterilizing light emitted from the first light source to pass therethrough.

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