Sterilization device

Abstract

To provide a sterilizer and a water purifier including the sterilizer.SOLUTION: A sterilizer according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a housing part whose one side is formed open and the other side is fluidly connected to the outside; a cover part which covers the one side of the housing part, coupled to the housing part, and fluidly connected to the housing part and the outside; and a sterilization part which is formed inside the cover part housed in a cover space, and sterilizes the fluid transmitted to the housing part, where the sterilization part includes: an irradiation member which emits light sterilizing the fluid flowing in the housing part; and a heat radiation member which surrounds the irradiation member, and directly contacts the fluid flowing in the cover space, heat generated in the irradiation member is transmitted to the fluid via the heat radiation member such that the irradiation member is cooled, the fluid flows into either one of the housing part and the cover part, and can be flown out to the other one of the housing part and the cover part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sterilizer and a water purifier including the same, and more particularly to a sterilizer having a structure capable of sterilizing filtered fluid while achieving a compact size, and a water purifier including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] As interest in the cleanliness of drinking water increases, an increasing number of homes are equipped with water filtering devices. In particular, a filtering device called a water purifier is connected to a water supply system in a home and is configured to filter the supplied tap water so that it is suitable for drinking.

[0003] For this purpose, water purifiers are equipped with a filter to filter out foreign matter or suspended matter present in raw water. The filter filters raw water by removing the foreign matter or suspended matter from the raw water using physical or chemical methods.

[0004] However, depending on the circumstances, raw water may contain not only foreign matter or suspended solids but also microorganisms such as microorganisms. These microorganisms are difficult to completely remove using a filter or to separate from the raw water. If purified water in which microorganisms have not been removed is released and consumed by users, there is a risk of bacterial diseases such as food poisoning.

[0005] For this reason, there is a demand for water purifiers that can not only filter but also sterilize raw water. The simplest yet most effective method is to irradiate water with ultraviolet light. However, the materials used for sterilization are generally vulnerable to heat.

[0006] In addition, in order to sterilize and supply a sufficient amount of purified water to the user once the water is released, a container is required to temporarily store the purified water. In this case, the member may be configured to irradiate the inside of the container with ultraviolet light.

[0007] However, in the case of a container, it is difficult to separate newly introduced purified water, i.e., purified water that has not undergone a sterilization process, from previously introduced purified water that has undergone a sterilization process. Therefore, purified water before and after sterilization may be mixed and provided to a user, which may reduce sterilization efficiency.

[0008] To prevent this, it may be possible to increase the size of the container to separate the purified water before and after sterilization, but this may increase the size of the components and the entire water purifier including the components.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a technology that can reduce the size of the components and the water purifier having the same, while improving sterilization efficiency and even cooling the components.

[0010] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2229602 discloses an ultraviolet sterilization module and a water purifier including the same. Specifically, the prior art discloses an ultraviolet sterilization module having a space formed therein through which purified water is delivered and including a light-emitting unit that irradiates the incoming purified water with light for sterilization. The prior art also discloses a configuration in which the light-emitting unit that irradiates light can be rotated to change the angle of the irradiated light.

[0011] However, the prior art document only provides a method for irradiating light at various angles onto purified water flowing into an ultraviolet sterilization module, and does not provide a method for reducing the size of the ultraviolet sterilization module or cooling the light-emitting unit.

[0012] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1466634 discloses a water purifier including a UV sterilization water purification reactor. Specifically, the UV sterilization water purification reactor is equipped with a UV lamp inside a housing through which raw water passes before flowing into the water purification filter, allowing the raw water to be sterilized before being supplied to the water purification filter.

[0013] However, the prior art document sterilizes raw water, and therefore does not provide a method for sterilizing purified water immediately before serving it to a user.

[0014] Furthermore, the UV germicidal lamp in the prior art document has a structure that extends long in the longitudinal direction, and therefore does not provide a solution for achieving miniaturization of the water purifier while incorporating the UV germicidal lamp into containers of various shapes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0015] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent No. 10-2229602 [Patent Document 2] Korean Patent No. 10-1466634 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0016] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sterilizer having a structure capable of providing sterilized fluid to a user, and a water purifier including the same.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sterilizer having a structure capable of preventing mixing of sterilized fluid and non-sterilized fluid, and a water purifier including the same.

[0018] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a sterilizer having a structure capable of uniformly sterilizing a fluid, and a water purifier including the same.

[0019] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a sterilizer having a structure capable of cooling generated heat by using a fluid provided to a user, and a water purifier including the same.

[0020] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a sterilizer having a structure capable of improving the cooling efficiency of generated heat, and a water purifier including the same.

[0021] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a sterilizer having a structure that allows for miniaturization, and a water purifier including the same.

[0022] The objects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sterilization device including: a housing having one open side and the other side fluidly connected to the outside; a cover part that covers the one side of the housing part and is coupled to the housing part and fluidly connected to the housing part and the outside; and a sterilization part that is accommodated in a cover space formed inside the cover part and sterilizes the fluid transferred to the housing part, wherein the sterilization part includes an irradiation member that irradiates light to sterilize the fluid flowing in the housing part, and a heat dissipation member that surrounds the irradiation member and is in direct contact with the fluid flowing in the cover space, wherein heat generated by the irradiation member is transferred to the fluid via the heat dissipation member to cool the irradiation member, and the fluid flows into one of the housing part and the cover part and flows out to the other of the housing part and the cover part.

[0024] In this case, the housing part may include a housing body that forms the outer shape of the housing part and is coupled to the cover part, a housing space formed inside the housing body and through which the fluid flows, and an inlet part that is disposed on the other side of the housing body and is fluidly connected to the housing space to form an inlet passage between the outside and the fluid, thereby providing a sterilization device.

[0025] In addition, a sterilization device may be provided in which the inlet is disposed eccentrically with respect to the center of a cross section of the housing body, the cover includes a cover body that defines an outer shape of the cover body and is coupled to the housing body, and an outlet that is coupled to the cover body and fluidically connected to a cover space formed inside the cover body and the outside to form an outlet passage for the sterilized fluid, and the outlet is disposed opposite the inlet across an axis passing through the center of the housing body.

[0026] In this case, a sterilization device may be provided in which the cover space accommodates the sterilization unit and fluidly connects the housing space and the outlet unit.

[0027] In addition, a sterilization device may be provided in which the cover space includes: a first cover space located radially outward and into which the housing body is inserted; a second cover space located radially inward from the first cover space and fluidically connected to the housing space and the outlet portion to form a part of the outflow path for the sterilized fluid; and a third cover space located radially inward from the second cover space, accommodating the sterilization portion, and fluidically connected to the second cover space to form another part of the outflow path for the sterilized fluid.

[0028] In this case, the sterilized fluid flowing in the third cover space directly contacts the heat dissipation member, and the heat generated in the sterilizing unit is transferred to the sterilizing device.

[0029] In addition, a sterilization device may be provided in which the irradiation member is positioned adjacent to one surface of the heat dissipation member opposite the housing portion, and heat generated by the irradiation member is transferred to the fluid flowing inside the cover portion via the heat dissipation member.

[0030] In this case, a sterilization device may be provided in which the sterilization unit includes a diffusion member arranged opposite the one surface of the heat dissipation member across the irradiation member so as to transmit the light irradiated from the irradiation member, and a support member that surrounds the irradiation member radially outward and is at least partially housed in the heat dissipation member.

[0031] In addition, the housing part may include a flow path switching member that is located on one surface of the inner surface of the housing body facing the inlet part and is formed to partially surround the inlet part to switch the flow path of the fluid.

[0032] In this case, a sterilization device can be provided in which the inlet portion extends in one direction, and the flow path switching member includes a first switching surface that is spaced apart from the one surface and arranged to overlap the inlet portion, a second switching surface that is continuous with the first switching surface and the one surface and extends in the outer circumferential direction of the inlet portion but has its ends spaced apart in the extension direction, and a flow path switching space that is at least partially surrounded by the first switching surface and the second switching surface and is fluidly connected to the inlet portion and the housing space.

[0033] In addition, a sterilization device may be provided in which the flow path switching space is surrounded by the first switching surface on one side in the one direction, fluidly connected to the inlet on the other side in the one direction, and is partially surrounded by the second switching surface in its radial direction.

[0034] In this case, a sterilization device may be provided in which the inlet is disposed eccentrically in one direction with respect to the center of the cross section of the housing body, and the flow path switching space has a portion thereof opened toward the one direction and is fluidly connected to the housing space.

[0035] The inlet port is disposed adjacent to the center of a cross section of the housing body, and the flow path switching member includes: a first switching surface spaced apart from the one surface of the housing body and positioned to overlap the inlet port; a plurality of second switching surfaces continuous with the first switching surface and the one surface, and spaced apart along the outer periphery of the first switching surface; and a flow path switching space surrounded by the first switching surface and the second switching surface, and fluidically connected to the inlet port and the housing space.

[0036] In this case, a sterilization device may be provided, which includes a reflector housed inside the housing and reflects the light emitted from the irradiation member.

[0037] In addition, a sterilization device may be provided in which the reflecting part includes a reflecting body that forms the outer shape of the reflecting part and extends in the same direction as the housing part, and a reflecting hollow that is formed inside the reflecting body in the same direction and is fluidly connected to the housing space and the cover space formed inside the housing part.

[0038] In this case, the reflecting portion may include a reflective recess formed at one end toward the cover portion to fluidically connect the reflective hollow and the cover space, and the housing portion may include a housing body that forms the outer shape of the housing portion and is coupled to the cover portion, and a housing recess formed at an outer periphery of the housing body to fluidically connect the reflective recess and the cover space.

[0039] In addition, a sterilization device may be provided in which the cover part includes a cover body that forms the outer shape of the sterilization device and is coupled to the housing body, and an outlet part that is coupled to the cover body and fluidically connected to the cover space and the outside to form an outlet path for the sterilized fluid, and the outlet part is disposed opposite the reflective depression and the housing depression across an axis passing through the center of the cover body.

[0040] According to one aspect of the present invention, a sterilizer includes a water inlet fluidically connected to the outside to receive a fluid from the outside, a filtering unit fluidically connected to the water inlet to receive and filter the fluid, a sterilizer fluidically connected to the filtering unit to receive and sterilize the filtered fluid, and a water outlet fluidically connected to the sterilizer to receive the sterilized fluid from the outside, wherein the sterilizer includes a housing unit fluidically connected to one of the filtering unit and the water outlet and including a housing space through which the fluid flows, and a cover space coupled to the housing unit to cover the housing space and fluidically connected to the other of the filtering unit and the water outlet and the housing space. a cover part including a gap therebetween; and a sterilizing part housed in the cover space and sterilizing the fluid flowing in the housing space, wherein the sterilizing part includes an irradiation member that irradiates light to sterilize the fluid, and a heat dissipation member that is disposed to cover the irradiation member and is in direct contact with the fluid flowing in the cover space, wherein heat generated by the irradiation member is transferred to the fluid flowing in the cover space via the heat dissipation member so that the irradiation member is cooled, and the fluid flows into one of the housing space and the cover space, comes into contact with the heat dissipation member to cool the irradiation member, and then flows out into the other of the housing space and the cover space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0041] With the above-described configuration, the sterilizer according to the embodiment of the present invention and the water purifier including the same can provide sterilized fluid to the user.

[0042] The sterilization device includes a housing that can accommodate a fluid. A housing space is formed inside the housing that is fluidly connected to the outside and receives and accommodates the treated fluid. The fluid flows into one side of the housing space and flows out the other side.

[0043] A sterilization unit is provided adjacent to the housing unit. The sterilization unit is located adjacent to the other side of the housing space and is configured to irradiate light toward the housing space. The irradiated light can sterilize microorganisms remaining in the fluid.

[0044] In one embodiment, the sterilization unit may include an irradiation member that irradiates the light and a diffusion member that diffuses the irradiated light. The diffusion member is disposed so as to be exposed to the housing space, and the irradiation member is disposed so as to face the housing space across the diffusion member. The diffusion member physically separates the space in which the irradiation member is accommodated from the housing space.

[0045] That is, the fluid flowing into the housing space is sterilized by the light emitted from the sterilization unit to remove any remaining microorganisms, and then the fluid is discharged to the outside and provided to the user. As a result, the user can receive fluid that has undergone both the filtering and sterilization processes, which can improve the user's satisfaction.

[0046] Furthermore, with the above-described configuration, the sterilization device according to the embodiment of the present invention and the water purifier including the same can prevent mixing of sterilized fluid and non-sterilized fluid.

[0047] A flow path switching member may be provided in the housing space, and the flow path switching member is disposed to partially cover a through hole formed through a bottom surface of the housing surrounding one side of the housing space.

[0048] Specifically, the flow path switching member includes a first switching surface that is continuous with the bottom surface of the housing, a second switching surface that is continuous with the first switching surface and arranged to overlap the through hole, and a flow path switching space that is a space formed by being partially surrounded by the first switching surface, the second switching surface, and the bottom surface of the housing.

[0049] The first switching surface extends in the outer circumferential direction, and each end portion spaced apart from each other is located on one side of the flow path switching member facing the inner periphery of the housing, which radially surrounds the housing space. That is, the one side of the flow path switching member is open, connecting the flow path switching space and the housing space.

[0050] The flow path switching space is fluidly connected to the outside through the through-hole, and the fluid is transmitted through the flow path switching space. The fluid that flows into the flow path switching space collides with the second switching surface, and its flow direction is switched. The fluid flows into the housing space while swirling horizontally through the one side of the flow path switching space.

[0051] Therefore, before being sterilized, the fluid may flow from the position farthest from the sterilization unit in the housing space and then flow toward the sterilization unit, thereby preventing mixing of pre-sterilized fluid and non-sterilized fluid and improving sterilization efficiency of the fluid.

[0052] Furthermore, with the above-described configuration, the sterilization device according to the embodiment of the present invention and the water purifier including the same can sterilize the fluid uniformly.

[0053] In one embodiment, the housing space may include a reflector. The reflector includes a reflector body forming a body thereof and a reflector cavity formed inside the reflector body and communicating with the housing space. The fluid may flow through the reflector cavity and then flow out.

[0054] The reflecting portion may be formed of a material that reflects light. In one embodiment, the reflecting portion may be formed of a material that diffuses light. The irradiated light may be diffused by a reflective inner peripheral surface that radially surrounds the reflective hollow and travel to various positions within the reflective hollow.

[0055] Therefore, the sterilization process can be performed by irradiating the flowing fluid with light at various positions in the reflective hollow, and accordingly, the fluid flowing into the sterilization device can be sterilized uniformly, thereby improving sterilization efficiency.

[0056] Furthermore, with the above-described configuration, the sterilizer according to the embodiment of the present invention and the water purifier including the same can cool down the generated heat by using the fluid provided to the user.

[0057] The housing is coupled to the cover, and the cover includes a cover space fluidically connected to the housing space or the reflecting space, such that fluid flowing out of the housing space or the reflecting space can flow into the cover space.

[0058] The sterilizing unit is accommodated in the cover space. The sterilizing unit is disposed so as to be partially exposed to the cover space, and can directly contact and exchange heat with the fluid flowing in the cover space. That is, the fluid flows out at the user's request and comes into contact with the sterilizing unit, thereby cooling the sterilizing unit.

[0059] Therefore, the sterilizing unit can be cooled using the outflowing fluid without the need for a separate cooling means.

[0060] Furthermore, due to the above-described configuration, the sterilizer according to the embodiment of the present invention and the water purifier including the same can improve the cooling efficiency of generated heat.

[0061] The sterilizer includes a heat dissipation member having a heat dissipation space formed therein. The heat dissipation member is exposed to the cover space and can exchange heat with the fluid flowing in the cover space.

[0062] The heat dissipation space accommodates an irradiation member. The irradiation member is in contact with the heat dissipation member, and heat generated by the irradiation member can be transferred to the flowing fluid via the heat dissipation member. The irradiation member can also be in contact with a diffusion member. Heat generated by the irradiation member can be transferred to the housing space or the reflective hollow and the flowing fluid via the diffusion member.

[0063] Meanwhile, the one position where the cover space is fluidly connected to the housing space or the reflective cavity and the other position where the cover space is fluidly connected to the outside may be arranged to be opposite to each other. In other words, the one position and the other position are arranged to maximize the distance between them. Therefore, the fluid flowing into the cover space may flow the maximum distance before flowing out and may come into contact with the heat dissipation member to exchange heat.

[0064] Accordingly, the heat generated in the sterilizing section can be effectively cooled, and as a result, the cooling efficiency of the sterilizing device can be improved.

[0065] Furthermore, due to the above-described configuration, the sterilizer according to the embodiment of the present invention and the water purifier including the same can be miniaturized.

[0066] As described above, the sterilizer according to the embodiment of the present invention can cool the sterilizing unit using the outflowing fluid without a separate cooling means. Also, the upstream end and downstream end of the fluid flow path formed in the cover are formed to be separated as far as possible, thereby increasing the time and efficiency of heat exchange between the fluid and the sterilizing unit. In other words, no additional member is required to improve the heat exchange efficiency of the sterilizing unit.

[0067] Furthermore, the sterilization apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention can prevent the mixing of fluids before and after sterilization by switching the flow path of the inflowing fluids, even if it does not have a plurality of containers or divide a single container into a plurality of spaces. As described above, the mixing of fluids before and after sterilization can be prevented simply by providing a flow path switching member in the housing space.

[0068] Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the sterilizer and the water purifier including the same.

[0069] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, but should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the configuration of the invention described in the detailed description of the present invention or the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0070] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a sterilization device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA illustrating the configuration of the sterilization device of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB illustrating the configuration of the sterilization device of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the sterilization device of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 3 is a perspective view illustrating a housing portion provided in the sterilization device of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating the housing portion of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 7A and 7B are plan views illustrating one embodiment and another embodiment of the housing part of FIG. 6. [Figure 9] 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 6 illustrating the housing part. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a reflecting section provided in the sterilization device of FIG. 2. [Figure 11] 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD illustrating the reflecting portion of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a cover portion provided in the sterilization device of FIG. 2. [Figure 13] 13 is a perspective view illustrating the cover portion of FIG. 12 from a different angle. [Figure 14] 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E of the cover portion of FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 15] 3 is a partially cutaway perspective view illustrating a sterilizing section and a packing member provided in the sterilization apparatus of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configurations of the sterilization unit and packing member of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] 16A to 16C are exploded perspective views from different angles illustrating the configurations of the sterilization section and packing member of FIG. 15. [Figure 18] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the sterilization device of FIG. 2. [Figure 19] 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a sterilization process carried out inside the sterilization device of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 20] 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a sterilization process carried out inside the sterilization device of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 21] 3 is a partially cutaway perspective view illustrating fluid flow paths formed inside the sterilization device of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 22] 3 is a partially cutaway perspective view illustrating fluid flow paths formed inside the sterilization device of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 23] 3 is a partially cutaway perspective view illustrating fluid flow paths formed inside the sterilization device of FIG. 2. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0071] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts not related to the description will be omitted in the drawings, and the same reference numerals will be used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar components.

[0072] The words and terms used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted in a limited manner based on their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept that is consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention in accordance with the principle that the inventor can define the terms and concepts in order to best describe his or her invention.

[0073] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings correspond to preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, there may be various equivalents and modifications that replace the relevant configurations at the time of filing of the present invention.

[0074] In the following description, in order to clarify the features of the present invention, the description of some components may be omitted.

[0075] The term "communication" as used in the following description means that one or more components are fluidly connected to one another. In one embodiment, the communication may be formed by components such as conduits, pipes, and tubing. In the following description, communication may be used interchangeably with one or more components being "fluidly connected" to one another.

[0076] The term "electrical conduction" used in the following description means that one or more components are connected to each other so as to be able to transmit an electric current or an electrical signal. In one embodiment, electrical conduction may be achieved in a wired form using a conductive member or in a wireless form using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RFID, etc. In one embodiment, electrical conduction may include the meaning of "communication."

[0077] The term "fluid" as used in the following description refers to any form of material that can be caused to flow by an external force and can be deformed in shape, volume, etc. In one embodiment, the fluid can be a liquid such as water or a gas such as air.

[0078] The terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front" and "rear" used in the following description will be understood with reference to the coordinate system illustrated in FIG.

[0079] 1, there is shown a schematic diagram of a water purifier 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the water purifier 1 includes a sterilizer 10, a water inlet unit 20, a filtration unit 30, and a water outlet unit 40. The sterilizer 10 will be described later.

[0080] The water inlet 20 is fluidly connected to the outside. An external fluid can flow into the water purifier 1 through the water inlet 20. In one embodiment, the fluid flowing in through the water inlet 20 may be unfiltered fluid, i.e., raw water. In this embodiment, the fluid flowing in through the water inlet 20 may be suitable for use as domestic water but not suitable for drinking.

[0081] The water inlet 20 is fluidly connected to the filtering unit 30. The fluid flowing in through the water inlet 20 can be transferred to the filtering unit 30.

[0082] The filtering unit 30 filters the fluid transmitted from the water inlet 20. The fluid passes through the filtering unit 30 and is filtered to a state suitable for the purpose of the water purifier 1, for example, for drinking.

[0083] The filtration unit 30 may be provided in any form capable of processing the fluid into a form suitable for purposes such as drinking. In one embodiment, the filtration unit 30 may be configured to include a carbon filter, a reverse osmosis filter (RO filter), or the like.

[0084] The filtration unit 30 is fluidly connected to the water outlet unit 40. Specifically, the filtration unit 30 is fluidly connected to the water outlet unit 40 through the sterilizer 10. The fluid that has passed through the filtration unit 30 can be provided to the user through the water outlet unit 40 via the sterilizer 10.

[0085] The water outlet 40 is fluidly connected to the filtering unit 30. Fluid filtered while passing through the filtering unit 30 can be provided to a user through the water outlet 40. The water outlet 40 is fluidly connected to the sterilizer 10. Fluid filtered while passing through the filtering unit 30 can be sterilized while passing through the sterilizer 10 and then provided to a user through the water outlet 40. The water outlet 40 is fluidly connected to the outside.

[0086] In this case, in order to maximize the sterilization effect, the water outlet 40 may be disposed adjacent to the sterilizer 10. Also, the extension length of the water outlet 40 may be minimized. That is, the fluid passing through the sterilizer 10 may flow only a minimum distance before being delivered to the user.

[0087] The water outlet 40 may be provided in any form capable of providing filtered and sterilized fluid to a user. In one embodiment, the water outlet 40 may be provided in the form of a cock.

[0088] 2 to 5, a sterilization apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0089] The sterilizer 10 receives the filtered fluid passing through the filtration unit 30. The sterilizer 10 is fluidly connected to the filtration unit 30. The sterilizer 10 sterilizes the received fluid and transmits it to the water outlet 40. The sterilizer 10 is fluidly connected to the water outlet 40.

[0090] The sterilizer 10 may be located adjacent to the water outlet 40. The fluid flowing out of the sterilizer 10 may flow for a minimum distance before flowing into the water outlet 40. Accordingly, the sterilized state of the outflowing fluid may be maintained, and sterilization efficiency may be maximized.

[0091] The sterilizer 10 may have any shape that is fluidly connected to the filtering unit 30 to transfer and sterilize the filtered fluid, and is fluidly connected to the water outlet unit 40 to provide sterilized fluid. In the illustrated embodiment, the sterilizer 10 is formed such that its vertical extension length is longer than its horizontal extension length.

[0092] In the illustrated embodiment, the sterilization device 10 includes a housing portion 100 , a reflecting portion 200 , a cover portion 300 , a sterilization portion 400 and a packing member 500 .

[0093] The housing 100 forms part of the outer shape of the sterilizer 10. A space is formed inside the housing 100 to accommodate the fluid that has passed through the filtering unit 30. The space of the housing 100 is fluidly connected to the outside. The fluid that has passed through the filtering unit 30 may flow into the space. The sterilized fluid flowing in the space may then flow out to the water outlet 40.

[0094] The housing part 100 accommodates the reflecting part 200. The reflecting part 200 is accommodated in the space of the housing part 100 and can reflect light emitted from the sterilizing part 400, which will be described later. Accordingly, the emitted light is uniformly transmitted to the space of the housing part 100, so that the fluid flowing in the space can be uniformly sterilized.

[0095] The housing 100 is coupled to the cover 300. The space of the housing 100 is fluidly connected to a space formed inside the cover 300, so that fluid flowing in the housing 100 can flow into the internal space of the cover 300.

[0096] In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid that has passed through the filter unit 30 flows into the space through the lower side of the housing unit 100 and flows out to the cover unit 300 through the upper side of the housing unit 100. Alternatively, the fluid that has passed through the filter unit 30 may flow into the internal space of the cover unit 300 and flow out to the space through the upper side of the housing unit 100.

[0097] The housing 100 may be made of a lightweight yet highly rigid material. In one embodiment, the housing 100 may be made of a synthetic resin material such as plastic.

[0098] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the housing part 100 includes a housing body 110, a housing space 120, an inlet part 130, and a flow path switching member 140.

[0099] The housing body 110 forms the body of the housing part 100. A space is formed inside the housing body 110 to accommodate the fluid transferred from the filtering part 30. Light irradiated from the sterilizing part 400 travels into the space to sterilize the accommodated fluid.

[0100] The housing body 110 accommodates the reflector 200. The reflector 200 accommodated in the housing body 110 may be in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the housing body 110.

[0101] The housing body 110 is coupled to the cover part 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing body 110 is coupled to the cover part 300 at its upper side.

[0102] The housing body 110 accommodates the reflecting part 200 and may be formed in any shape that allows fluid to flow in, contain, and flow out when combined with the cover part 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing body 110 has a circular cross section and is cylindrical in shape with a certain height in the vertical direction.

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing body 110 includes a housing inner periphery 111 , a housing bottom surface 112 , a connecting arm 113 and a housing recess 114 .

[0104] The housing inner periphery 111 forms one surface of the inside of the housing body 110. The housing inner periphery 111 radially surrounds a housing space 120 formed inside the housing body 110. The housing inner periphery 111 extends in an inward circumferential direction.

[0105] The housing inner periphery 111 may be formed to correspond to the shapes of the housing body 110 and the housing space 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing body 110 and the housing space 120 are cylindrical with a vertical height and a horizontal circular cross section. Accordingly, the housing inner periphery 111 may be formed with a cylindrical horizontal shape.

[0106] The housing inner periphery 111 supports the reflector 200 accommodated in the housing space 120. The housing inner periphery 111 contacts the reflector outer surface 211 of the reflector body 210. In one embodiment, the housing inner periphery 111 may be in close contact with the reflector outer surface 211. In this embodiment, since no separate space is formed between the housing inner periphery 111 and the reflector outer surface 211, the fluid transferred to the housing part 100 may only flow into the housing space 120 and the reflector hollow 220 accommodated therein.

[0107] The housing bottom surface 112 forms the other inner surface of the housing body 110. The housing bottom surface 112 surrounds, at one longitudinal end thereof, a housing space 120 formed inside the housing body 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing bottom surface 112 surrounds the housing space 120 on the underside.

[0108] The housing bottom surface 112 may be formed to correspond to the shape of the housing body 110 and the housing space 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing bottom surface 112 is formed to have a circular cross section to correspond to the shape of the horizontal cross section of the housing body 110 or the housing space 120.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the center of the housing bottom surface 112 may be located on the same axis as the center of the housing body 110 or the housing space 120 along the height direction of the housing body 110, i.e., the up-down direction. Hereinafter, the central point located on the same axis as the centers of the housing body 110, the housing space 120, and the housing bottom surface 112 will be referred to as the "housing center C."

[0110] A through hole is formed inside the housing bottom surface 112. The through hole is formed through the housing bottom surface 112 in the thickness direction and communicates with the inlet cavity 132 of the inlet portion 130. Due to this communication, the housing space 120 and the housing inlet portion 130 may be fluidically connected.

[0111] In one embodiment, the through hole may be positioned eccentrically with respect to the housing center C. In the embodiment, the inlet 130 may also be positioned eccentrically with respect to the housing center C.

[0112] In another embodiment, the through hole may be located adjacent to the housing center C. In the above embodiment, the inlet 130 may also be located adjacent to the housing center C.

[0113] Accordingly, the fluid passing through the filtering unit 30 can flow into the housing space 120 from various positions with respect to the housing center C. This will be described in detail later.

[0114] The connecting arm 113 is a portion where the housing part 100 is connected to the cover part 300. A through hole is formed inside the connecting arm 113, and a fastening member (not shown) for fastening the cover part 300 and the housing part 100 can be inserted therethrough.

[0115] The connecting arm 113 is located adjacent to the other end in the length direction of the housing body 110, which is the upper end in the illustrated embodiment. In other words, the connecting arm 113 is located adjacent to one end of the housing body 110 in the extension direction that faces the cover part 300. The connecting arm 113 is formed to protrude in the outer circumferential direction of the housing body 110.

[0116] There may be a plurality of connecting arms 113. The connecting arms 113 may be spaced apart by a predetermined angle along the outer periphery of the housing body 110. In the illustrated embodiment, four connecting arms 113 are provided and are arranged at right angles to each other with respect to the housing center C.

[0117] The number and arrangement of the coupling arms 113 may be changed according to the number and arrangement of the coupling protrusions 311 provided on the cover part 300 .

[0118] The housing recess 114 communicates the housing space 120 with the cover space 320. The fluid contained in the housing space 120 can flow into the cover space 320 through the housing recess 114.

[0119] The housing recess 114 is recessed at the other end in the extension direction of the housing body 110, i.e., the upper end surface in the illustrated embodiment. Accordingly, the other end in the extension direction of the housing body 110, i.e., the portion of the upper end surface where the housing recess 114 is formed, may be spaced apart from the lower surface of the cover part 300. Due to this spacing, the housing recess 114 may be in communication with the cover space 320.

[0120] At this time, the housing recess 114 may be formed at a position corresponding to the position of the reflective recess 230 provided in the reflector 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing recess 114 is positioned to be biased to the right.

[0121] The housing recess 114 is in communication with the housing space 120 and the reflective recess 230. The housing recess 114 fluidly connects the housing space 120 and the reflective recess 230. The fluid contained in the housing space 120 passes through the housing recess 114 and the reflective recess 230 in order and flows out into the cover space 320.

[0122] The housing recess 114 may have any shape that can communicate with the housing space 120, the reflective recess 230, and the cover space 320. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing recess 114 is arc-shaped with its center located inside the housing body 110. In this embodiment, the center of the housing recess 114 may be located on the same axis as the housing center C.

[0123] A detailed description of the process by which the fluid contained in the housing space 120 flows out through the housing recess 114 will be given later.

[0124] The housing space 120 is a space formed inside the housing part 100. The housing space 120 is fluidly connected to the outside, specifically the filtering part 30, so that the filtered fluid can be transferred and accommodated therein. The housing space 120 is fluidly connected to another outside, specifically the water outlet part 40, so that the accommodated fluid can be discharged to the outside.

[0125] The housing space 120 is formed inside the housing body 110. The housing space 120 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the housing body 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing space 120 is formed as a cylindrical space having a vertical height and a circular cross section.

[0126] One longitudinal end of the housing space 120, which is the upper end in the illustrated embodiment, is open. This end of the housing space 120 is covered by a cover part 300. Light irradiated from the sterilization part 400 can travel through this end of the housing space 120.

[0127] The other end of the housing space 120 in the length direction, which is the lower end in the illustrated embodiment, is surrounded by the housing bottom 112. As described above, through holes are formed inside the housing bottom 112. The housing space 120 can be fluidly connected to the inlet section 130 and the filtering section 30, respectively, through the through holes.

[0128] The housing space 120 is partially surrounded by the housing inner periphery 111. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing space 120 is radially surrounded by the housing inner periphery 111.

[0129] The housing space 120 is partially surrounded by the housing bottom surface 112. As described above, the housing space 120 is surrounded by the housing bottom surface 112 at the other end in the length direction, i.e., the lower side.

[0130] The housing space 120 communicates with the housing recess 114. The fluid contained in the housing space 120 can flow out to the cover space 320 through the housing recess 114.

[0131] The housing space 120 communicates with the inlet portion 130. The inlet portion 130 allows the housing space 120 to be fluidly connected to the filtering portion 30. Fluid that has passed through the filtering portion 30 can flow into the housing space 120 through the inlet portion 130.

[0132] The housing space 120 accommodates the reflector 200. The housing space 120 communicates with the reflector cavity 220 of the reflector 200. Accordingly, the fluid flowing in through the inlet 130 can flow into the reflector cavity 220.

[0133] The inlet portion 130 fluidly connects the housing space 120 and the filtering portion 30. A hollow formed inside the inlet portion 130 (i.e., an inlet hollow 132 described below) connects the housing space 120 and the filtering portion 30.

[0134] The inlet 130 is coupled to one end of the housing body 110 in the extension direction, which is the lower end in the illustrated embodiment. In other words, the inlet 130 is coupled to one end of the housing body 110 in the extension direction that is opposite the cover 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet 130 is coupled to the housing bottom surface 112.

[0135] The inlet 130 may be coupled to the housing bottom surface 112 at any position. As described above, in one embodiment, the inlet 130 may be positioned eccentrically with respect to the housing center C (see FIG. 8(a)). In another embodiment, the inlet 130 may be positioned adjacent to the housing center C (see FIG. 8(b)). In either case, it is sufficient that the fluid flowing in through the inlet 130 does not flow directly into the housing space 120, but rather changes direction at least once before flowing.

[0136] The inlet 130 extends in the extension direction of the housing body 110, which is the vertical direction in the illustrated embodiment. Of the ends of the inlet 130 in the extension direction, one end facing the housing body 110, which is the upper end in the illustrated embodiment, is coupled to the housing bottom surface 112. Of the ends of the inlet 130 in the extension direction, the other end facing away from the housing body 110, which is the lower end in the illustrated embodiment, is coupled to the filtering unit 30.

[0137] As described above, in another embodiment, fluid that has passed through the filter unit 30 may flow into the cover unit 300 and then flow out through the housing unit 100. In this embodiment, the other end of the inlet unit 130, which is the lower end in the illustrated embodiment, may be coupled to the outlet unit 40.

[0138] In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet section 130 includes an inlet body 131 and an inlet cavity 132 .

[0139] The inlet body 131 forms the body of the inlet portion 130. The inlet body 131 is a portion where the inlet portion 130 is connected to the housing body 110 and the filtering portion 30 (or the water outlet portion 40).

[0140] The inlet body 131 may be formed in any shape that can be coupled to the housing body 110 and fluidly connect the housing space 120 to the outside. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet body 131 is a cylindrical shape that has a circular cross section and is elongated in the vertical direction.

[0141] An inlet cavity 132 is formed inside the inlet body 131 .

[0142] The inlet cavity 132 communicates with the housing space 120 and the outside. Fluid that has passed through the filtration unit 30 can flow into the housing space 120 through the inlet cavity 132. The inlet cavity 132 is formed penetrating the inside of the inlet body 131. The inlet cavity 132 is disposed coaxially with the through-hole formed in the housing bottom surface 112. Therefore, the through-hole formed in the housing bottom surface 112 may be defined as the upper end of the inlet cavity 132.

[0143] The inlet cavity 132 extends in the same direction as the inlet body 131, that is, in the vertical direction in the illustrated embodiment. One end of the inlet cavity 132 in the extension direction, that is, the upper end in the illustrated embodiment, is open and communicates with the housing space 120 and the flow path switching space 143. The other end of the inlet cavity 132 in the extension direction, that is, the lower end in the illustrated embodiment, is open and communicates with the filtering unit 30.

[0144] The inlet cavity 132 may be formed in any shape that can connect the housing space 120 and the flow path switching space 143 with the filtering section 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet cavity 132 is formed as a cylindrical space having a circular cross section and extending in the same direction as the inlet body 131, that is, in the vertical direction in the illustrated embodiment.

[0145] The flow path switching member 140 switches the flow path of the fluid that has flowed in through the inlet portion 130. The fluid that has flowed along the inlet cavity 132 has its flow direction switched at least once by the flow path switching member 140 and then flows into the housing space 120.

[0146] Accordingly, it is possible to prevent mixing of the sterilized fluid previously stored in the housing space 120 with the fluid newly introduced through the inlet 130. As a result, it is possible to improve the sterilization efficiency of the fluid.

[0147] The flow path switching member 140 is accommodated in the housing space 120. The flow path switching member 140 is located adjacent to one end of the housing space 120 in the extension direction, which is adjacent to the inlet portion 130, i.e., the lower end in the illustrated embodiment.

[0148] The flow path switching member 140 is coupled to the housing bottom surface 112. The flow path switching member 140 is disposed so as to cover the through-hole formed in the housing bottom surface 112, i.e., the upper end of the inlet cavity 132.

[0149] That is, the flow path switching member 140 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the position of the inlet portion 130. In one embodiment, the flow path switching member 140 may be positioned eccentrically with respect to the housing center C (see FIG. 8(a)). In another embodiment, the flow path switching member 140 may be positioned adjacent to the housing center C (see FIG. 8(b)).

[0150] In either case, the flow path switching member 140 is disposed so as to cover the inlet portion 130 and is positioned so as to change the flow direction of the fluid that has passed through the inlet cavity 132 at least once.

[0151] At this time, the structure of the flow path switching member 140 may be changed in various ways. Hereinafter, the structure of the flow path switching member 140 according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 8(a) will be described first, and then the structure of the flow path switching member 140 according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 8(b) will be described.

[0152] 8(a), there is shown a flow path switching member 140 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow path switching member 140 includes a first switching surface 141, a second switching surface 142, and a flow path switching space 143.

[0153] The first switching surface 141 is a portion where the flow path switching member 140 is connected to the housing body 110. The first switching surface 141 is continuous with the housing bottom surface 112. The first switching surface 141 is formed to protrude upward in the illustrated embodiment toward the cover part 300. In one embodiment, the first switching surface 141 may protrude perpendicular to the housing bottom surface 112.

[0154] The first switching surface 141 may extend to partially surround the flow path switching space 143. In the illustrated embodiment, the first switching surface 141 is disposed to partially surround the flow path switching space 143 radially outward. In other words, the horizontal cross section of the first switching surface 141 has the shape of an arc whose center is located on the flow path switching space 143.

[0155] In the above embodiment, the center of the first switching surface 141 may be located on the same axis as the center of the inlet cavity 132. In other words, the first switching surface 141 and the inlet cavity 132 may be arranged coaxially.

[0156] In this case, the point where the ends of the first switching surface 141 in the extension direction are spaced apart, in other words, the point where the flow path switching space 143 communicates with the housing space 120 in the radial direction, may be located opposite to the housing center C. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the point where the ends of the first switching surface 141 in the extension direction are spaced apart is located toward the outside of the housing inner circumference 111.

[0157] Therefore, the fluid that has flowed into the flow path switching space 143 cannot immediately flow toward the housing center C, but instead flows out of the flow path switching space 143 in a direction toward the housing inner periphery 111. This increases the length of the flow path through which the fluid that has flowed into the flow path switching space 143 travels before entering the housing space 120. Furthermore, the length of the flow path through which the fluid that has entered the housing space 120 travels before flowing out into the cover space 320 may also increase.

[0158] Therefore, the time that the fluid remains in the housing space 120 (and the reflective hollow 220 communicating therewith) increases, and the time that the sterilization process by the irradiated light proceeds also increases. Therefore, the fluid can be provided to the user after being sufficiently sterilized without increasing the size of the sterilizer 10 or the housing body 110.

[0159] In one embodiment, the first switching surface 141 may be disposed to overlap the inlet body 131 in the extension direction of the inlet portion 130, i.e., in the illustrated embodiment, in the vertical direction. That is, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the first switching surface 141 is disposed to overlap the right outer periphery of the inlet body 131 in the vertical direction.

[0160] The first transition surface 141 is continuous with the second transition surface 142 .

[0161] The second switching surface 142 is disposed to cover the inlet cavity 132 in its extension direction, or from the upper side in the illustrated embodiment. The second switching surface 142 is disposed to be spaced apart from the housing bottom surface 112. Accordingly, a space is formed between the second switching surface 142 and the housing bottom surface 112. As will be described later, this space may be defined as a flow path switching space 143.

[0162] The second switching surface 142 is continuous with the first switching surface 141. The second switching surface 142 may be continuous with the first switching surface 141 at a predetermined angle. In one embodiment, the second switching surface 142 may extend perpendicular to the first switching surface 141.

[0163] The second transition surface 142 is disposed to cover the through-hole or inlet cavity 132 formed in the housing bottom surface 112. As described above, the second transition surface 142 is spaced apart from the housing bottom surface 112, and it can be said that the second transition surface 142 is disposed to overlap the inlet cavity 132 along the length of the inlet cavity 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the second transition surface 142 is disposed to overlap the inlet cavity 132 in the vertical direction.

[0164] The second switching surface 142 prevents the fluid flowing out of the inlet cavity 132 from immediately entering the housing space 120. Therefore, it can be said that the second switching surface 142 essentially performs the function of switching the flow direction of the fluid flowing out of the inlet cavity 132 at least once.

[0165] The second switching surface 142 is continuous with the first switching surface 141 and is disposed to cover the inlet cavity 132, and may have any shape that can switch the flow path of the fluid flowing out of the inlet cavity 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the second switching surface 142 has a sector shape with its center located inside the second switching surface 142. In this case, the second switching surface 142 is formed to have an area larger than the cross section of the inlet cavity 132, and can cover the upper side of the inlet cavity 132.

[0166] The space surrounded by the first switching surface 141 , the second switching surface 142 and the housing bottom surface 112 is defined as a flow path switching space 143 .

[0167] The flow path switching space 143 is a space through which the fluid flows after passing through the inlet cavity 132. The flow path switching space 143 communicates with the inlet cavity 132.

[0168] The fluid that has flowed into the flow path switching space 143 can flow out into the housing space 120 and the reflecting hollow 220 that communicates with the housing space 120. The flow path switching space 143 communicates with the housing space 120 and the reflecting hollow 220, respectively.

[0169] The flow path switching space 143 is partially surrounded by the first switching surface 141, the second switching surface 142, and the housing bottom surface 112. Parts of each side of the flow path switching space 143 may be open and communicate with the inlet cavity 132, the housing space 120, and the reflecting cavity 220, respectively.

[0170] In the illustrated embodiment, one side of the flow path switching space 143 facing the inlet portion 130, i.e., the lower side, is open and communicates with the inlet cavity 132. Fluid flowing in the inlet cavity 132 can flow into the flow path switching space 143 through the one side of the flow path switching space 143, i.e., the lower side.

[0171] In the illustrated embodiment, the other side of the flow path switching space 143 in the radial direction that is not surrounded by the first switching surface 141, i.e., the left side, is open and communicates with the housing space 120 and the reflective cavity 220. The fluid that flows into the flow path switching space 143 can flow out into the housing space 120 and the reflective cavity 220 through the other side.

[0172] As described above, the other side of the flow path switching space 143 may be formed in a direction opposite to the housing center C. In the illustrated embodiment, the other side of the flow path switching space 143 is formed to open toward the left side of the housing inner periphery 111. The other side of the flow path switching space 143 may be defined as an opening formed by separating each end of the first switching surface 141 in the extension direction.

[0173] The flow path switching member 140 according to the present embodiment described above may be disposed eccentrically with respect to the housing center C. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow path switching member 140 is disposed offset to the left of the housing center C. Alternatively, the flow path switching member 140 may be disposed adjacent to the housing center C.

[0174] 8(b), there is shown a flow path switching member 140 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow path switching member 140 includes a first switching surface 141, a second switching surface 142, and a flow path switching space 143.

[0175] In this embodiment, the first switching surface 141, the second switching surface 142, and the flow path switching space 143 have the same functions as the first switching surface 141, the second switching surface 142, and the flow path switching space 143 according to the previously described embodiment. However, the structure of each component of the flow path switching member 140 according to this embodiment is different from the structure of each component of the flow path switching member 140 according to the previously described embodiment.

[0176] In this embodiment, the first switching surface 141 is formed in the shape of a rib extending from the housing bottom surface 112 toward the cover part 300, that is, upward.

[0177] The first transition surface 141 is continuous with the housing bottom surface 112 and the second transition surface 142. The first transition surface 141 may extend at a predetermined angle with the housing bottom surface 112 and the second transition surface 142. In one embodiment, the first transition surface 141 may form an acute angle with the housing bottom surface 112 and may be continuous with the second transition surface 142 at an obtuse angle.

[0178] It will be appreciated that in the above embodiment, the first transition surface 141 extends radially inward in a direction from the housing bottom surface 112 towards the second transition surface 142 .

[0179] There may be a plurality of first switching surfaces 141. The plurality of first switching surfaces 141 may be continuous with the housing bottom surface 112 and the second switching surface 142, respectively.

[0180] In the illustrated embodiment, four first switching surfaces 141 are provided, and are spaced apart at a predetermined angle relative to the center formed inside the second switching surface 142. In one embodiment, the predetermined angle may be a right angle.

[0181] The second switching surface 142 is disposed to cover the inlet cavity 132 in its extension direction, or from the upper side in the illustrated embodiment. At this time, the second switching surface 142 is disposed apart from the housing bottom surface 112, and a flow path switching space 143 may be formed therebetween.

[0182] In the illustrated embodiment, the second switching surface 142 has a circular cross section and a disk shape with a certain height in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the diameter of the cross section of the second switching surface 142 may be greater than or equal to the diameter of the cross section of the inlet cavity 132. In this embodiment, the center of the second switching surface 142 may be aligned coaxially with the center of the cross section of the inlet cavity 132.

[0183] The flow path switching space 143 is located between the housing bottom surface 112 and the second switching surface 142. The lower side of the flow path switching space 143 communicates with the inlet cavity 132, allowing fluid to be transmitted therethrough. The upper side of the flow path switching space 143 is formed to be covered by the second switching surface 142.

[0184] Therefore, the fluid that flows into the flow path switching space 143 through the inflow cavity 132 collides with the second switching surface 142, and the flow direction of the fluid can be switched.

[0185] The radial direction of the flow path switching space 143 is partially surrounded by the first switching surface 141. As described above, a plurality of first switching surfaces 141 may be provided and spaced apart. In this case, the radial direction of the flow path switching space 143 may communicate with the housing space 120 or the reflective cavity 220 through the space formed by the plurality of first switching surfaces 141 spaced apart from each other.

[0186] The flow path switching member 140 according to the present embodiment described above may be disposed adjacent to the housing center C. Alternatively, the flow path switching member 140 may be disposed eccentrically relative to the housing center C.

[0187] 10 and 11, a sterilization device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a reflecting part 200. As shown in FIG.

[0188] The reflecting unit 200 is configured to reflect the light emitted from the sterilizing unit 400. The reflecting unit 200 allows the emitted light to travel uniformly in the housing space 120, thereby sterilizing the contained fluid uniformly.

[0189] The reflecting portion 200 is coupled to the housing portion 100. Specifically, the reflecting portion 200 is accommodated in the housing space 120. The reflecting portion 200 may be in contact with the housing inner periphery 111 that surrounds the housing space 120 in the radial direction. In one embodiment, the reflecting portion 200 is in close contact with the housing inner periphery 111, so that fluid may be prevented from flowing between the reflecting portion 200 and the housing inner periphery 111.

[0190] The reflective portion 200 may be made of any material capable of reflecting irradiated light. In one embodiment, the reflective portion 200 may be configured to provide diffused reflection of irradiated light.

[0191] In addition, the reflector 200 may be made of a material that is thermally stable and chemically resistant. In one embodiment, the reflector 200 may be made of a PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) material.

[0192] In the illustrated embodiment, the reflector 200 includes a reflector body 210 , a reflector cavity 220 and a reflector depression 230 .

[0193] The reflector body 210 forms the body of the reflector 200. The reflector body 210 is formed in the same shape as the housing space 120 and is housed in the housing space 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the reflector body 210 has a circular cross section similar to the housing space 120 and is cylindrical in shape with a certain height in the vertical direction.

[0194] A reflective cavity 220 is formed through the interior of the reflective body 210. In addition, a reflective recess 230 is formed at one end of the reflective body 210 in the extension direction, which is the end facing the cover part 300, i.e., the upper end in the illustrated embodiment.

[0195] In the illustrated embodiment, the reflective body 210 includes a reflective outer surface 211 , a reflective inner surface 212 and a reflective bottom surface 213 .

[0196] The reflective outer surface 211 forms one outer surface of the reflective body 210. In embodiments in which the reflective body 210 is cylindrical, the reflective outer surface 211 may be defined as the outer lateral surface of the reflective body 210.

[0197] When the reflector 200 is accommodated in the housing space 120, the reflector outer surface 211 may be in contact with the housing inner periphery 111. In one embodiment, the reflector outer surface 211 may be in close contact with the housing inner periphery 111 to prevent fluid from flowing therebetween.

[0198] The reflective inner peripheral surface 212 forms the inner surface of the reflective body 210. In an embodiment in which the reflective cavity 220 is formed through the interior of the reflective body 210, the reflective inner peripheral surface 212 is formed to radially surround the reflective cavity 220. In other words, the reflective inner peripheral surface 212 partially surrounds the reflective cavity 220.

[0199] The reflective bottom surface 213 forms the other outer surface of the reflective body 210. The reflective bottom surface 213 forms one side of the outer surface of the reflective body 210 facing the housing bottom surface 112, i.e., the lower surface in the illustrated embodiment. In an embodiment in which the reflective body 210 is cylindrical, the reflective bottom surface 213 may be defined as the lower surface of the reflective body 210.

[0200] When the reflector 200 is accommodated in the housing space 120, the reflective bottom surface 213 is supported by the housing bottom surface 112. In one embodiment, the reflective bottom surface 213 may be in close contact with the housing bottom surface 112. In this embodiment, the reflective bottom surface 213 may be in close contact with the housing bottom surface 112 to prevent fluid from flowing between them.

[0201] The reflective hollow 220 is a space through which the fluid flowing into the housing part 100 flows. Light irradiated from the sterilization part 400 can travel through the reflective hollow 220. The fluid accommodated in the reflective hollow 220 can be sterilized by the irradiated light and then flow.

[0202] The reflective hollow 220 is partially surrounded by the reflective inner peripheral surface 212. As described above, the radially outer side of the reflective hollow 220 is surrounded by the reflective inner peripheral surface 212. Light irradiated from the sterilization unit 400 is reflected by the reflective inner peripheral surface 212 and can travel uniformly in the reflective hollow 220. As a result, the sterilization efficiency of the fluid contained in the reflective hollow 220 can be improved.

[0203] The reflective cavity 220 communicates with the housing space 120, and fluid flowing into the housing part 100 can be transmitted therethrough. The reflective cavity 220 communicates with the cover space 320. Fluid flowing into the reflective cavity 220 can be discharged into the cover space 320.

[0204] The reflective cavity 220 is formed to penetrate the interior of the reflective body 210. The reflective cavity 220 extends in the same direction as the reflective body 210, that is, in the vertical direction in the illustrated embodiment. Each end of the reflective cavity 220 in the extension direction, that is, the upper end and the lower end in the illustrated embodiment, is open.

[0205] The reflective cavity 220 communicates with the inlet cavity 132. Fluid flowing in along the inlet cavity 132 can flow into the reflective cavity 220 through the flow path switching space 143. At this time, the flow direction of the inlet fluid can be switched by the first switching surface 141 and the second switching surface 142, which will be described in detail later.

[0206] The reflective cavity 220 communicates with the cover space 320. Specifically, the reflective cavity 220 communicates with the cover space 320 through the reflective recess 230 and the housing recess 114. The fluid that flows into the reflective cavity 220 can be sterilized by the sterilization unit 400 and then flow out into the cover space 320.

[0207] The reflective cavity 220 may have any shape that allows fluid to flow therethrough and that can reflect light emitted from the sterilization unit 400. In the illustrated embodiment, the reflective cavity 220 is a cylindrical space having a circular cross section and a certain height in the vertical direction.

[0208] One end of the reflective cavity 220 in the extension direction, i.e., the upper end in the illustrated embodiment, is open, so that light irradiated from the sterilization unit 400 can travel to the reflective cavity 220 through this end, i.e., the upper end.

[0209] The other end of the reflecting cavity 220 in the extension direction, i.e., the lower end in the illustrated embodiment, is open. Fluid that flows into the flow path switching space 143 via the inlet cavity 132 can flow into the reflecting cavity 220 through the other end, i.e., the lower end.

[0210] The fluid flowing into the reflective hollow 220 can flow out into the cover space 320 through the reflective depression 230 .

[0211] The reflective depression 230 is recessed at one end of the reflective body 210 in the extension direction, which is toward the cover part 300. The reflective depression 230 communicates the reflective cavity 220 and the cover space 320. In the illustrated embodiment, the reflective depression 230 is recessed at the upper end of the reflective body 210 and is located between the reflective outer peripheral surface 211 and the reflective inner peripheral surface 212.

[0212] The reflective depression 230 may be disposed at any position that allows communication between the reflective cavity 220 and the cover space 320. In this case, the reflective depression 230 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the housing depression 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the reflective depression 230 is positioned to the right and communicates with the housing depression 114, which is also positioned to the right.

[0213] The fluid contained in the reflective cavity 220 and sterilized may flow into the cover space 320 by passing through the reflective recess 230 and the housing recess 114 in this order, as will be described in detail later.

[0214] 12 to 14, the sterilization device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a cover part 300. As shown in FIG.

[0215] The cover part 300 forms another part of the outer shape of the sterilizer 10. The cover part 300 is coupled to the housing part 100. A space (i.e., a cover space 320 described below) communicating with the housing space 120 is formed inside the cover part 300, so that the fluid sterilized in the housing part 100 can be delivered.

[0216] The cover part 300 is coupled to the housing body 110 while covering the housing space 120 and the reflector 200 accommodated in the housing space 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover part 300 is coupled to the housing body 110 while covering the housing space 120 from above.

[0217] The cover part 300 accommodates the sterilizing part 400. The sterilizing part 400 can irradiate light toward the housing space 120 covered by the cover part 300 and the reflecting part 200 accommodated therein.

[0218] The cover part 300 communicates with the housing part 100 and the reflecting part 200. The sterilized fluid flowing in the housing space 120 (or the reflecting hollow 220) can flow into the cover part 300.

[0219] The cover unit 300 is fluidly connected to the outside. The fluid that flows into the cover unit 300 flows while cooling the sterilizing unit 400 and can be discharged toward the water outlet unit 40. That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the cover unit 300 forms a passage through which the sterilized fluid flows to the outside. In this embodiment, the cover unit 300 is fluidly connected to the water outlet unit 40.

[0220] Alternatively, the cover unit 300 may be fluidly connected to the external filter unit 30 to transmit the filtered fluid. In the above embodiment, the inflow fluid (i.e., the filtered fluid) may pass through the housing unit 100 and flow out to the outlet unit 40 via the inflow unit 130.

[0221] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover portion 300 includes a cover body 310 , a cover cavity 320 , an outlet portion 330 , a support protrusion 340 and a support rib 350 .

[0222] The cover body 310 forms the body of the cover part 300. Other components of the cover part 300 are coupled to or formed on the cover body 310. In the illustrated embodiment, a cover space 320 is formed inside the cover body 310. An outlet 330, a support protrusion 340, and a support rib 350 are coupled to the cover body 310.

[0223] The cover body 310 is coupled to the housing part 100. Specifically, the cover body 310 is coupled to the housing body 110 while covering the housing space 120 and the reflector 200 accommodated therein.

[0224] The cover body 310 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the housing part 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover body 310 has a circular cross section and is formed to have a certain height in the vertical direction. At this time, the diameter of the cross section of the cover body 310 is formed to decrease in the direction opposite to the housing part 100, i.e., toward the top. That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the cover body 310 has a rounded dome shape that bulges upward.

[0225] A flow path through which the sterilized fluid flows out is formed inside the cover body 310. The sterilized fluid can flow out of the sterilizer 10 while cooling the sterilizing unit 400 housed in the internal space of the cover body 310 (i.e., the cover space 320).

[0226] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover body 310 includes a coupling protrusion 311 , a cover opening 312 and a cover partition 313 .

[0227] The coupling protrusion 311 is a portion where the cover body 310 is coupled to the housing body 110. The coupling protrusion 311 is coupled to the coupling arm 113 of the housing part 100. A through-hole may be formed inside the coupling protrusion 311 in the height direction of the cover body 310, that is, in the vertical direction in the illustrated embodiment. For this coupling, a separate fastening member (not shown) may be provided and coupled to the coupling protrusion 311 and the coupling arm 113, respectively.

[0228] The coupling protrusions 311 are formed to protrude radially outward from the outer periphery of the cover body 310. The coupling protrusions 311 may be arranged to overlap with the coupling arms 113 in the height direction, i.e., in the vertical direction in the illustrated embodiment.

[0229] A plurality of coupling protrusions 311 may be formed. The coupling protrusions 311 are spaced apart from one another and may be coupled to the coupling arms 113, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, four coupling protrusions 311 are provided and spaced apart at a predetermined angle from one another with respect to the center of the cover body 310. The four coupling protrusions 311 may be coupled to the four coupling arms 113, respectively.

[0230] The number and arrangement of the coupling protrusions 311 may be changed to correspond to the number and arrangement of the coupling arms 113 .

[0231] The cover opening 312 is formed through the interior of the cover body 310. The cover opening 312 communicates the outside with a cover space 320 formed inside the cover body 310. The sterilizing unit 400 accommodated in the cover space 320 can be cooled through the cover opening 312.

[0232] The cover opening 312 is formed on one side of the cover body 310 opposite the housing part 100, i.e., on the upper side in the illustrated embodiment. The cover opening 312 is arranged in the height direction of the cover body 310, i.e., in the illustrated embodiment, to overlap with the sterilization part 400 in the vertical direction.

[0233] The cover opening 312 may have any shape that allows communication between the cover space 320 and the outside. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover opening 312 is a cylindrical space with a circular cross section and a certain height in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the radially outer side of the cover opening 312 is surrounded by the second cover partition wall 313b.

[0234] The cover partitions 313 divide the cover space 320 into a plurality of small spaces. The cover partitions 313 are formed to radially surround the cover opening 312 and define the cover opening 312. The cover partitions 313 also support the sterilization unit 400 accommodated in the cover space 320 under pressure.

[0235] The cover partition 313 is located in the cover space 320 radially inward of the outer periphery of the cover body 310. The cover partition 313 extends from the inner surface of the upper side of the cover body 310 toward the housing part 100, or downward in the illustrated embodiment.

[0236] The cover partition 313 may have any shape that can divide the cover space 320 into a plurality of small spaces. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover partition 313 is formed to have a ring-shaped cross section that extends along the outer periphery of the cover body 310.

[0237] There may be a plurality of cover partitions 313. The cover partitions 313 are spaced apart from one another in the radial direction, and can divide the cover space 320 into a plurality of small spaces that are spaced apart in the radial direction.

[0238] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover partition 313 includes a first cover partition 313a and a second cover partition 313b.

[0239] The first cover partition 313a divides the cover space 320 into a first cover space 321 and a second cover space 322. The first cover partition 313a is located radially inward from the outer periphery of the cover body 310 and radially outward from the second cover partition 313b.

[0240] The second cover partition 313b is located radially inward of the first cover partition 313a.

[0241] The second cover partition 313b divides the cover space 320 into the cover opening 312 and the third cover space 323. The second cover partition 313b radially surrounds the cover opening 312. The second cover partition 313b is located radially inward of the first cover partition 313a and the support rib 350.

[0242] The height direction end of the second cover partition 313b, i.e., the lower end in the illustrated embodiment, is configured to partially support the heat dissipation member 410 of the sterilization unit 400 (see FIGS. 3 and 4), thereby preventing the sterilization unit 400 from shaking.

[0243] In one embodiment, the lower end of the second cover partition 313b may be tightly attached to the heat dissipation member 410. Accordingly, communication between the cover opening 312 and the third cover space 323 is blocked, and fluids are prevented from flowing into the sterilization unit 400.

[0244] The cover space 320 is a space formed inside the cover body 310. The cover space 320 accommodates the sterilizing unit 400.

[0245] The cover space 320 is connected to the housing space 120 and the reflective hollow 220 housed therein, respectively, so that the sterilized fluid can flow in. The cover space 320 is connected to the housing space 120 and the reflective hollow 220, respectively.

[0246] The cover space 320 communicates with the outside through the outlet 330, so that the inflowing fluid can be discharged to the outside. At this time, the fluid that has flowed into the cover space 320 can flow toward the outlet 330 while cooling the sterilization unit 400. The cover space 320 communicates with the outlet hollow 332 of the outlet 330.

[0247] The cover space 320 is partially surrounded by the cover body 310. In the illustrated embodiment, an upper portion of the cover space 320 is configured to be surrounded by the cover body 310. A lower portion of the cover space 320 is open and can accommodate the sterilization unit 400. Light emitted by the sterilization unit 400 can travel through the lower portion of the cover space 320 to the housing space 120 and the reflective hollow 220.

[0248] The cover space 320 is divided into a plurality of small spaces by the cover partitions 313 and the support ribs 350. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover space 320 includes a first cover space 321, a second cover space 322, and a third cover space 323.

[0249] The first cover space 321 is located radially outward among a plurality of small spaces formed by dividing the cover space 320. The first cover space 321 is located between the first cover partition wall 313a and the outer periphery of the cover body 310.

[0250] The first cover space 321 accommodates an upper end of the housing body 110. The first cover space 321 accommodates a first packing member 510, so that the housing part 100 and the cover part 300 can be coupled to each other in an airtight manner.

[0251] The first cover partition wall 313a and the second cover space 322 are located radially inward of the first cover space 321.

[0252] The second cover space 322 is located radially in the middle of the multiple small spaces formed by partitioning the cover space 320. The second cover space 322 is located radially inward of the first cover space 321 and the first cover partition wall 313a and radially outward of the support rib 350.

[0253] The second cover space 322 communicates with the housing space 120 and the reflective cavity 220. The fluid flowing out of the reflective cavity 220 flows along the second cover space 322 and can be discharged to the outside through the outlet 330. The second cover space 322 forms a part of the flow path of the sterilized fluid.

[0254] A support rib 350 and a third cover space 323 are located radially inward of the second cover space 322 .

[0255] The third cover space 323 is located radially innermost among a plurality of small spaces formed by partitioning the cover space 320. The third cover space 323 is located between the second cover partition wall 313b and the support rib 350.

[0256] The third cover space 323 communicates with the second cover space 322. A portion of the fluid that has flowed into the second cover space 322 flows along the third cover space 323 and may be discharged to the outside through the outlet 330. The third cover space 323 forms another portion of the sterilized fluid.

[0257] The third cover space 323 is blocked from communication with the cover opening 312 by the second cover partition wall 313b. The fluid that has flowed into the third cover space 323 does not flow out to the cover opening 312.

[0258] At this time, the heat dissipation member 410 of the sterilization unit 400 is positioned across the first to third cover spaces 321, 322, and 323. Therefore, the heat dissipation member 410 can be cooled by the fluids flowing in the cover spaces 320. This will be described in detail later.

[0259] The cover space 320 communicates with the outflow portion 330 .

[0260] The outlet 330 is a passage through which fluid flowing in the cover space 320 is discharged to the outside. The outlet 330 is in communication with the cover space 320, allowing fluid to flow in. The outlet 330 is fluidly connected to the external water outlet 40, allowing the inflowing fluid to flow out to the water outlet 40.

[0261] The outlet 330 is coupled to the cover body 310. The outlet 330 may be disposed at any position that allows fluid communication with the cover space 320 and the outside.

[0262] In this case, it is preferable that the outlet 330 is positioned opposite the housing depression 114 or the reflective depression 230. In the above embodiment, the fluid that flows into the cover space 320 through the housing depression 114 and the reflective depression 230 flows sufficiently around the cover space 320 and then flows out through the outlet 330. Therefore, the contact time between the fluid and the heat dissipation member 410 increases, and the heat dissipation efficiency of the sterilization unit 400 can be improved.

[0263] In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet 330 is located on the left side of the cover body 310 and extends toward the left side. As described above, the housing recess 114 and the reflective recess 230 are formed on the right side of the housing body 110 and the right side of the reflective body 210, respectively, opposite the location of the outlet 330.

[0264] In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet section 330 includes an outlet body 331 and an outlet cavity 332 .

[0265] The outflow body 331 forms the body of the outflow part 330. The outflow body 331 is connected to the cover body 310 and the external filtering part 30 or the water outlet part 40. An outflow cavity 332 is formed through the inside of the outflow body 331.

[0266] The outflow body 331 may have any shape that can be coupled with the cover body 310 and the outside, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the outflow body 331 is cylindrical with a length in the left-right direction.

[0267] An outlet cavity 332 is formed through the inside of the outlet body 331 .

[0268] The outlet cavity 332 communicates with the cover space 320 and the outside. The fluid flowing in the cover space 320 while cooling the sterilizing unit 400 can be discharged to the outside through the outlet cavity 332.

[0269] The outlet cavity 332 is formed through the inside of the outlet body 331. One end of the outlet cavity 332 in the extension direction, that is, the left end in the illustrated embodiment, is open and fluidly connected to the outside. The other end of the outlet cavity 332 in the extension direction, that is, the right end in the illustrated embodiment, is open and fluidly connected to the cover space 320.

[0270] The support protrusions 340 support the sterilizing unit 400 accommodated in the cover space 320. The support protrusions 340 support the sterilizing unit 400 on one side, the lower side in the illustrated embodiment, to prevent any shaking or separation of the sterilizing unit 400. Therefore, the other side of the sterilizing unit 400, i.e., the upper side, is supported by the second cover partition 313b and the support rib 350, and the lower side is supported by the support protrusions 340.

[0271] The support protrusion 340 is continuous with the first cover partition 313a. The support protrusion 340 extends downward in the illustrated embodiment from the first cover partition 313a toward the housing part 100. The end of the support protrusion 340 protrudes inward, so that the support protrusion 340 and the sterilization part 400 can be hook-fitted to each other.

[0272] A plurality of support protrusions 340 may be formed. The plurality of support protrusions 340 may be spaced apart from one another along the extension direction of the first cover partition 313a, i.e., the circumferential direction of the cover body 310. In the illustrated embodiment, three support protrusions 340 are provided, and the three support protrusions 340 are spaced apart from one another at a predetermined angle relative to the center of the cover body 310.

[0273] The support rib 350 supports the other side, i.e., the upper side, of the sterilization unit 400 housed in the cover space 320. The support rib 350 extends from the inner surface of the upper side of the cover body 310 toward the sterilization unit 400, or downward in the illustrated embodiment.

[0274] The support ribs 350 are located between the plurality of cover partitions 313. In the illustrated embodiment, the support ribs 350 are located between the first cover partition 313a and the second cover partition 313b.

[0275] The support rib 350 can divide the cover space 320 into a plurality of small spaces along the radial direction thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the support rib 350 is located between the second cover space 322 and the third cover space 323.

[0276] The support rib 350 may be provided in any shape that can define the second cover space 322 and the third cover space 323. In the illustrated embodiment, the support rib 350 is formed in the shape of an arc having a center inside the cover body 310.

[0277] A plurality of support ribs 350 may be formed. The plurality of support ribs 350 may be spaced apart at predetermined angles relative to the center of the cover body 310. In the illustrated embodiment, three support ribs 350 are formed and spaced apart at obtuse angles.

[0278] In this case, the sum of the lengths of the support ribs 350 extending in the E direction may be smaller than the length of the circumference of a circle whose outer periphery is the support rib 350. In other words, a predetermined space is formed between the plurality of support ribs 350. The second cover space 322 and the third cover space 323 may be in communication with each other through the space.

[0279] Referring again to FIGS. 15 to 18, the sterilization device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a sterilization section 400 and a packing member 500.

[0280] The sterilization unit 400 is configured to sterilize the fluid flowing inside the housing unit 100 or the reflecting unit 200. The sterilization unit 400 can emit any light for sterilizing the fluid flowing inside the housing space 120 or the reflecting hollow 220. In one embodiment, the sterilization unit 400 can emit light such as UV light to remove microorganisms remaining in the fluid.

[0281] The sterilizing unit 400 is coupled to the cover unit 300. The sterilizing unit 400 is accommodated in a cover space 320 formed inside the cover unit 300. One side of the sterilizing unit 400, which is the upper side in the illustrated embodiment, is supported by the second cover partition wall 313b and the support rib 350. The other side of the sterilizing unit 400, which is the lower side in the illustrated embodiment, is supported by the support protrusion 340. Furthermore, the radial direction of the sterilizing unit 400 is supported by the support rib 350.

[0282] The sterilizing unit 400 is positioned adjacent to the housing unit 100 or the reflecting unit 200. When the cover unit 300 is combined with the housing unit 100, the sterilizing unit 400 is positioned facing the housing space 120 or the reflecting hollow 220. As described above, the housing space 120 or the reflecting hollow 220 is open on one side facing the cover unit 300, which is the upper side in the illustrated embodiment.

[0283] The light irradiated from the sterilization unit 400 may travel through the upper side to the housing space 120 or the reflective hollow 220. Accordingly, the fluid flowing in the housing space 120 or the reflective hollow 220 may be sterilized by the irradiated light.

[0284] The sterilization unit 400 communicates with and is powered by an external power source (not shown) and a control unit (not shown). The power required for the sterilization unit 400 to operate can be transmitted from the external power source (not shown). The control signal required for the sterilization unit 400 to operate can be transmitted from the control unit (not shown).

[0285] In the illustrated embodiment, the sterilization unit 400 includes a heat dissipation member 410 , a support member 420 , an irradiation member 430 and a diffusion member 440 .

[0286] The heat dissipation member 410 forms part of the outer shape of the sterilization section 400. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat dissipation member 410 forms the radially outer and upper side of the sterilization section 400.

[0287] The heat dissipation member 410 accommodates the support member 420, the irradiation member 430, and the diffusion member 440. Therefore, a heat dissipation space 411 is formed inside the heat dissipation member 410.

[0288] The heat dissipation member 410 may be in contact with the radiation member 430. That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper inner surface of the heat dissipation member 410 may be in contact with the upper side of the radiation member 430. At this time, the upper outer surface of the heat dissipation member 410 is disposed to cover the cover opening 312. The heat dissipation member 410 may exchange heat with the outside air flowing through the cover opening 312.

[0289] Also, the inner surface of the heat dissipation member 410 in the radial direction may be in contact with the outer surface of the radiation member 430 in the radial direction. Due to this contact, the heat generated in the radiation member 430 may be transferred to the heat dissipation member 410.

[0290] The heat dissipation member 410 may come into contact with the fluid flowing in the cover space 320. Through this contact, the heat transferred to the heat dissipation member 410 may be transferred to the fluid, thereby cooling the radiation member 430 and preventing thermal damage or malfunction.

[0291] The heat dissipation member 410 may be made of a material that has high thermal conductivity, and is chemically and water resistant. In one embodiment, the heat dissipation member 410 may be made of a metal material such as stainless steel (SUS).

[0292] The heat dissipation member 410 is coupled to the cover part 300. Specifically, the heat dissipation member 410 may be accommodated across the second cover space 322 and the third cover space 323. The upper side of the heat dissipation member 410 may be supported by the second cover partition wall 313b and the support rib 350. The lower side of the heat dissipation member 410 may be supported by the support protrusion 340. Furthermore, the radial outer side of the heat dissipation member 410 may be supported by the support rib 350.

[0293] The heat dissipation member 410 may be of any shape that can be combined with the cover unit 300, accommodate other components of the sterilization unit 400, and exchange heat with the fluid flowing in the cover space 320. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat dissipation member 410 has a circular cross section and a certain height in the vertical direction, but its diameter decreases toward the top.

[0294] A heat dissipation space 411 is formed inside the heat dissipation member 410 .

[0295] The heat dissipation space 411 is a space that accommodates other components of the sterilization unit 400. The heat dissipation space 411 accommodates the support member 420, the irradiation member 430, and the diffusion member 440.

[0296] The heat dissipation space 411 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the heat dissipation member 410. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat dissipation space 411 has a circular cross section and a certain height in the vertical direction, but is formed as a space in the shape of a three-dimensional figure, with its diameter decreasing toward the top.

[0297] One side of the heat dissipation space 411, which faces the housing space 120 or the reflective cavity 220, i.e., the bottom side in the illustrated embodiment, is open. Light emitted from the illumination member 430 can pass through the diffusion member 440 through the one side of the heat dissipation space 411 and travel to the housing space 120 or the reflective cavity 220.

[0298] The heat dissipation space 411 does not communicate with the cover space 320. That is, the heat dissipation space 411 is physically separated from the cover space 320 by the heat dissipation member 410. Therefore, the fluid flowing in the cover space 320 does not enter the heat dissipation space 411, and damage to the irradiation member 430 can be prevented.

[0299] The support member 420 is coupled to the diffusion member 440 and supports the diffusion member 440. The support member 420 is accommodated in the heat dissipation space 411. The support member 420 is located below the radiation member 430.

[0300] The support member 420 may have any shape capable of supporting the diffusion member 440. In the illustrated embodiment, the support member 420 is formed in a ring shape with a hollow formed therein. The diffusion member 440 can be fitted into the hollow of the support member 420. The support member 420 surrounds the combined diffusion member 440 radially outward.

[0301] The support member 420 may be made of a flexible material to store restoring force through deformation of the shape and to stably support the diffusion member 440 using the stored restoring force. In one embodiment, the support member 420 may be made of a rubber or silicone material.

[0302] The radially outer side of the support member 420 may be surrounded by the outer periphery of the heat dissipation member 410. In one embodiment, the support member 420 may be elastically coupled to the outer periphery of the heat dissipation member 410. That is, in this embodiment, the outer diameter of the support member 420 may be greater than or equal to the inner periphery of the heat dissipation member 410, and the support member 420 and the heat dissipation member 410 may be force-fitted together.

[0303] Accordingly, the heat dissipation space 411 and the cover space 320 can be physically separated in a reliable manner.

[0304] The irradiation member 430 irradiates light for sterilizing fluid flowing in the housing space 120 or the reflective hollow 220. The irradiation member 430 may include a member for irradiating light and a member for controlling the member.

[0305] The radiation member 430 is accommodated in the heat dissipation space 411. The radiation member 430 is physically separated from the cover space 320 by the heat dissipation member 410. The radiation member 430 is physically separated from the housing space 120 or the reflective hollow 220 by the support member 420 and the diffusion member 440 coupled to the support member 420.

[0306] Therefore, contact between the radiation member 430 and the fluid is blocked, and damage to the radiation member 430 by the fluid can be prevented.

[0307] The radiation member 430 may be in contact with the heat dissipation member 410 and the diffusion member 440. Heat generated in the radiation member 430 may be transferred to the heat dissipation member 410 or the diffusion member 440. Accordingly, the radiation member 430 may be cooled.

[0308] In the illustrated embodiment, the illumination member 430 includes a PCB 431 and an LED 432 .

[0309] The PCB 431 receives power and control signals for controlling the LEDs 432 and controls the LEDs 432. The PCB 431 is coupled to and energized with the LEDs 432. In the illustrated embodiment, the PCB 431 is located above the LEDs 432. In other words, the PCB 431 is disposed to face the diffusion member 440 with the LEDs 432 interposed therebetween.

[0310] The LED 432 emits light to sterilize fluid flowing in the housing space 120 or the reflective hollow 220. The LED 432 can be operated by being coupled to the PCB 431 and energized. The LED 432 is located below the PCB 431. In other words, the LED 432 is disposed to face the heat dissipation member 410 across the PCB 431.

[0311] The diffusion member 440 is configured to diffuse light emitted from the LED 432. The diffusion member 440 is disposed between the housing space 120 or the reflective hollow 220 and the LED 432. The light emitted from the LED 432 may pass through the diffusion member 440 and travel to the housing space 120 or the reflective hollow 220.

[0312] The diffusion member 440 is disposed facing the housing space 120 or the reflective cavity 220. The diffusion member 440 is exposed to the housing space 120 or the reflective cavity 220. Fluid flowing in the housing space 120 or the reflective cavity 220 may be coupled with the diffusion member 440 and come into contact with the diffusion member 440.

[0313] The diffusion member 440 is supported by the support member 420. In one embodiment, the diffusion member 440 can be hermetically coupled to the support member 420. That is, in the embodiment, the outer diameter of the diffusion member 440 is formed to be equal to or larger than the inner diameter of the support member 420, and the diffusion member 440 and the support member 420 can be force-fitted together.

[0314] Accordingly, the heat dissipation space 411, i.e., the space in which the radiation member 430 is accommodated, can be physically separated from the housing space 120 or the reflective cavity 220 in a reliable manner.

[0315] The diffusion member 440 may be provided in any form capable of diffusing light passing through it, and in one embodiment, the diffusion member 440 may be provided in the form of a lens made of quartz material.

[0316] The diffusion member 440 may be in contact with the irradiation member 430. Heat generated in the irradiation member 430 may be transferred to the fluid flowing in the housing space 120 or the reflective cavity 220 via the diffusion member 440.

[0317] The packing member 500 is disposed inside the sterilization unit 400 or at a position where the cover unit 300 is connected to the housing unit 100 or the sterilization unit 400. The packing member 500 is configured to maintain airtightness at the connection points between the components of the sterilization device 10.

[0318] The packing member 500 may be provided in any form capable of maintaining airtightness. In the illustrated embodiment, the packing member 500 is provided in the form of an O-ring. The packing member 500 may be formed of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone.

[0319] A plurality of packing members 500 may be provided. The plurality of packing members 500 may be configured to maintain airtightness at the connection portions between the components of the sterilization apparatus 10 at different positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the packing members 500 include a first packing member 510, a second packing member 520, and a third packing member 530.

[0320] The first packing member 510 is provided at a portion where the housing part 100 and the cover part 300 are joined together. The first packing member 510 is configured to maintain airtightness between the outside of the cover part 300 and the cover space 320. The first packing member 510 is accommodated in the first cover space 321.

[0321] The second packing member 520 is provided at a portion where the cover unit 300 is coupled to the sterilization unit 400. Specifically, the second packing member 520 is disposed to radially surround the second cover partition wall 313b from the outside, and blocks communication between the cover opening 312 and the heat dissipation space 411.

[0322] The third packing member 530 is provided between the irradiation member 430 and the diffusion member 440. The third packing member 530 is disposed to surround the outer periphery of the LED 432, and is configured to maintain the bonding between each component of the sterilization unit 400 and airtightness from the outside.

[0323] Hereinafter, the travel path of the light formed inside the sterilization device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, that is, the light irradiated for sterilization, will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0324] 18, a cross-sectional view of the arrangement of the components of the sterilization device 10 is shown. At this time, the reflecting portion 200 is accommodated in the housing space 120, and the reflecting hollow 220 is fluidically connected to the housing space 120. Accordingly, the reflecting hollow 220 is also fluidically connected to the inlet hollow 132 of the inlet portion 130, so that fluid can flow into the reflecting hollow 220.

[0325] The sterilization unit 400 is located adjacent to the upper end of the reflective hollow 220 and is partially exposed to the reflective hollow 220. Specifically, the diffusion member 440 and the support member 420 that supports the diffusion member 440 are exposed to the reflective hollow 220. At this time, the connection between the diffusion member 440 and the support member 420 blocks communication between the reflective hollow 220 and the heat dissipation space 411 in which the irradiation member 430 is accommodated.

[0326] 19 and 20, light emitted from the irradiation member 430 of the sterilization unit 400 passes through the diffusion member 440 and travels to the reflective cavity 220. At this time, the reflective body 210 surrounding the reflective cavity 220 is made of a material with high light reflectivity. Accordingly, the light passing through the diffusion member 440 is reflected by the reflective inner peripheral surface 212 and can travel uniformly in the reflective cavity 220.

[0327] Therefore, the fluid flowing through the reflective hollow 220 can be uniformly sterilized by the irradiated light, thereby improving the sterilization efficiency of the fluid.

[0328] Hereinafter, the fluid flow path formed inside the sterilizer 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, that is, the flow path through which the fluid flows out while cooling the sterilization section 400, will be described with reference to Figs.

[0329] 21 and 22, the fluid that has passed through the filtering section 30 flows into the housing space 120 through the inlet section 130. As shown in FIG.

[0330] At this time, a flow path switching member 140 is provided in the housing space 120. The flow path switching member 140 includes a second switching surface 142 that is spaced apart from the housing bottom surface 112 and is arranged to vertically overlap the inlet cavity 132. The fluid that passes through the inlet cavity 132 collides with the second switching surface 142, thereby switching its flow direction.

[0331] The flow path switching member 140 also includes a first switching surface 141 extending between the housing bottom surface 112 and the second switching surface 142. The first switching surface 141 extends while partially surrounding the flow path switching space 143. An opening is formed in the flow path switching space 143 in the portion not surrounded by the first switching surface 141, that is, in the left portion in the illustrated embodiment, and communicates with the reflective cavity 220.

[0332] Therefore, the inflowing fluid flows in the reflecting hollow 220 while making large horizontal turns along the reflecting inner circumferential surface 212. As a result, the length of the fluid flow path formed inside the reflecting hollow 220 may increase. In addition, since the fluid that has passed through the inflow hollow 132 does not directly flow into the reflecting hollow 220, mixing of pre-sterilized fluid and non-sterilized fluid may be prevented.

[0333] As the inflowing fluid flows along the reflective cavity 220, the pre-sterilized fluid is pushed in the direction toward the cover part 300, i.e., upward. As described above, the housing depression 114 and the reflective depression 230 are recessed on one side of the upper end of the housing body 110 and the reflective body 210, i.e., on the right side in the illustrated embodiment, to connect the reflective cavity 220 and the cover space 320.

[0334] Referring to FIG. 23, the fluid that has flowed to the upper side passes through the reflective depression 230 and the housing depression 114 in order, and then flows into the cover space 320 .

[0335] At this time, the fluid that has passed through the reflective depression 230 and the housing depression 114 flows along the second cover space 322 and the third cover space 323, which are located in the middle of the cover space 320 along the radial direction. The heat dissipation member 410 that contacts the irradiation member 430 is exposed in the second cover space 322 and the third cover space 323.

[0336] The fluid flowing along the second cover space 322 and the third cover space 323 comes into contact with the heat dissipation member 410 and exchanges heat. Therefore, the heat generated in the radiation member 430 is transferred to the fluid flowing in the cover space 320 via the heat dissipation member 410. As a result, the radiation member 430 can be cooled effectively.

[0337] Meanwhile, the outlet 330, which connects the cover space 320 to the outside, is located opposite the housing recess 114 or the reflective cavity 220. As described above, the housing recess 114 and the reflective cavity 220 are located to the right, whereas the outlet 330 is located to the left of the cover 300.

[0338] Therefore, the fluid flowing into the cover space 320 may flow out after contacting at least half of the area of ​​the heat dissipation member 410. As a result, the contact time between the fluid and the heat dissipation member 410 increases, and the heat dissipation efficiency of the sterilization unit 400 may be improved.

[0339] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described, the concept of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment presented in this specification, and a person skilled in the art who understands the concept of the present invention may easily propose other embodiments by adding, changing, deleting, or adding components within the scope of the same concept, which may also be considered to fall within the scope of the concept of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0340] 1: Water purifier 10: Sterilizer 20: Water entry section 30:Filtration section 40: Demizube 100: Housing part 110: Housing body 111: Inner circumference of housing 112: Bottom of housing 113: Binding arm 114: Housing recess 120: Housing space 130:Inflow section 131:Inflow fuselage 132:Inflow hollow 140: Flow path switching member 141: First switching surface 142: Second switching surface 143: Flow path switching space 200:Reflector 210: Reflective body 211: Reflective outer surface 212: Reflective inner surface 213: Reflective bottom 220:Reflection Hollow 230: Reflection depression 300: Cover part 310: Cover body 311: Combination protrusion 312: Cover opening 313: Cover bulkhead 313a: First cover bulkhead 313b: Second cover bulkhead 320: Cover space 321: First cover space 322: Second cover space 323: Third cover space 330: Outlet 331: Leaked fuselage 332: Outflow Hollow 340: Support protrusion 350: Support rib 400: Sterilization department 410: Heat dissipation material 411: Heat dissipation space 420: Support member 430: Irradiation member 431: PCB 432: LED 440: Diffusion material 500: Packing materials 510: First packing member 520: Second packing member 530: Third packing member C: Housing center S1: Flow space

Claims

1. a housing part having one side open and the other side fluidly connected to the outside; a cover part that covers the one side of the housing part, is coupled to the housing part, and is fluidly connected to the housing part and the outside; a sterilizing unit accommodated in a cover space formed inside the cover unit and sterilizing the fluid transferred to the housing unit, The sterilization unit includes: an irradiation member that irradiates the fluid flowing in the housing with light to sterilize the fluid; a heat dissipation member that surrounds the irradiation member and is in direct contact with the fluid flowing in the cover space, heat generated by the irradiation member is transferred to the fluid via the heat dissipation member so that the irradiation member is cooled; The fluid is The fluid flows into one of the housing part and the cover part and flows out to the other of the housing part and the cover part, The housing portion includes: a housing body that defines an outer shape, is coupled to the cover, and extends between the one side and the other side; a housing space formed inside the housing body and through which the fluid flows; an inlet portion disposed on the other side of the housing body, fluidly connected to the housing space to form an inlet passage for the fluid to flow between the outside and the housing space, and extending in the same direction as the housing body; a flow path switching member located on one surface of the inner surface of the housing body facing the inlet portion, the flow path switching member being formed to partially surround the inlet portion and switching the flow path of the fluid to a direction different from an extension direction of the inlet portion, The cover portion is a cover body that defines an outer shape and is coupled to the housing body; an outlet portion coupled to the cover body and fluidically connected to a cover space formed inside the cover body and an outside to form an outlet path for the sterilized fluid, The cover space is a first cover space located radially outward and into which the housing body is inserted; a second cover space located radially inward of the first cover space and fluidly connected to the housing space and the outlet portion so as to form a part of an outlet passage for the sterilized fluid; a third cover space located radially inward of the second cover space to accommodate the sterilizing unit and fluidically connected to the second cover space to form another part of an outflow passage for the sterilized fluid, Sterilizer.

2. The inlet portion is The housing body is disposed eccentrically with respect to the cross-sectional center thereof, The outflow portion is The sterilizer according to claim 1 , wherein the sterilizer is disposed opposite the inlet portion across an axis passing through the center of the housing body.

3. The cover space is The sterilizer according to claim 2 , which accommodates the sterilizing section and fluidly connects the housing space and the outlet section.

4. The sterilizer according to claim 1 , wherein the sterilized fluid flowing in the third cover space directly contacts the heat dissipation member, and heat generated in the sterilizing unit is transferred thereto.

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