Far-UVC generator and home appliance having same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a far-UVC generator and a home appliance having same. The present invention may comprise: a first electrode unit (130A); and a second electrode unit (130B) disposed to be spaced apart from the first electrode unit (130A). A barrier (126) may be disposed between the first electrode unit (130A) and the second electrode unit (130B). An ultraviolet lamp (140) may have an electrode connection surface (141B) disposed toward the surface of the first electrode unit (130A), the surface of the second electrode unit (130B), and the surface of the barrier (126), and a light extraction surface (141A) disposed toward the opposite side of the electrode connection surface (141B). At this time, at least one of the surface of the first electrode unit (130A) or the surface of the second electrode unit (130B) and the surface of the barrier (126) may be spaced apart from each other to form a separation unit (136). The separation part (136) may be open toward the electrode connection surface (141B).

Description

Ultraviolet ray generator and home appliances equipped therewith

[0001] The present invention relates to a device that generates far-UVC rays and a home appliance having the same.

[0002] UV lamps generate ultraviolet rays and are used in various fields for the purpose of sterilizing bacteria, fungi, and other organisms. UV lamps generate ultraviolet rays (UV) of various wavelengths depending on the materials provided inside the lamp. For example, UV lamps can generate UV-A (315 nm to 400 nm), UV-B (280 nm to 315 nm), and UV-C (100 nm to 280 nm).

[0003] Among these, UV-C wavelengths have the strongest sterilizing power. When bacteria and fungi are exposed to UV-C, their DNA is damaged and they die. In other words, UV-C has an effective sterilizing effect against a wide range of bacteria by damaging their DNA. Therefore, sterilization using UV lamps is more effective than sterilization using heat, chemicals, ozone, or radiation.

[0004] Recently, devices have been developed that selectively irradiate ultraviolet light in the 200-230 nm wavelength range, specifically the 222 nm wavelength known as Far UVC, which has been shown to be harmless to the human body while achieving a sterilizing effect. To obtain light with a wavelength of 222 nm, the excimer gas KrCl is primarily used as a dust-proofing gas.

[0005] These UV lamps require a vacuum atmosphere within the tube's interior and gas to be injected between the tubes. This internal space serves as a discharge space, capable of generating ultraviolet radiation through luminescence. These UV lamps induce discharge by applying voltage across the electrodes.

[0006] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0049890 (prior patent 1) and Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1646862 (prior patent 2) disclose technologies for circular and square tube-shaped UV lamps, respectively. Prior patents 1 and 2 each include technologies for contacting an electrode with a UV lamp and applying voltage to the UV lamp through the electrode to discharge the UV lamp.

[0007] However, conventional UV lamps, including those described in Prior Patents 1 and 2, are sensitive to the installation environment—temperature, humidity, or atmospheric pressure—and often fail to start. For example, when operating at low temperatures or after prolonged inactivity, the UV lamp may fail to start or take a long time to start. Failure to start, in this way, also hinders stable discharge.

[0008] To address these issues, techniques for providing auxiliary means for starting UV lamps are known. For example, International Patent Publication No. WO 2021 / 025064 (prior patent 3) discloses a technique for providing an auxiliary light source to assist in the initial operation of UV lamps. Furthermore, Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2023-0163552 (prior patent 4) discloses a technique for providing a separate auxiliary electrode, or conductor, to assist in the initial operation of UV lamps.

[0009] However, prior patents 3 and 4 require the addition of a separate electrode or light source in addition to the electrode that applies voltage to the UV lamp, which complicates and enlarges the overall structure of the UV generator, as well as increasing the number of components, leading to higher manufacturing costs. Furthermore, because the auxiliary electrode or auxiliary light source must be appropriately controlled, a structure for controlling these must also be added, which also increases the overall size of the UV generator.

[0010] Alternatively, a high voltage can be applied to the UV lamp. However, applying a high voltage increases the size of the power supply for lighting. Furthermore, applying a high voltage can cause sparks, which can compromise the stability of the UV lamp.

[0011] The present invention is intended to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and the purpose of the present invention is to enable the initial operation of an ultraviolet lamp to be stably performed without installing a separate auxiliary lighting device in an ultraviolet generating device.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to prevent sparks from being generated by voltage applied during initial operation of an ultraviolet ray generator.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to reduce the number of parts of an ultraviolet ray generating device and simplify its structure.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to configure the light extraction surface and electrode connection surface of the ultraviolet ray generating device as flat surfaces.

[0015] According to a feature of the present invention for achieving the above-described object, the present invention may include a first electrode part and a second electrode part spaced apart from the first electrode part. A barrier may be arranged between the first electrode part and the second electrode part. The ultraviolet lamp may have an electrode connection surface arranged toward the surface of the first electrode part, the surface of the second electrode part, and the surface of the barrier, and a light extraction surface arranged toward the opposite side of the electrode connection surface. At this time, at least one of the surface of the first electrode part or the surface of the second electrode part and the surface of the barrier may be spaced apart from each other to form a separation portion. The separation portion may be opened toward the electrode connection surface. The barrier may be a type of dielectric arranged between the two electrode parts, and may induce lighting of the ultraviolet lamp through electric polarization.

[0016] In addition, the first electrode portion may include a first surface facing the surface of the barrier and spaced apart from the surface of the barrier by a first distance. The first electrode portion may include a second surface facing the surface of the barrier and spaced apart from the surface of the barrier by a second distance longer than the first distance. In this case, the spacer may be formed between the second surface and the surface of the barrier. The spacer may prevent a spark from occurring when a voltage is applied to the two electrode portions.

[0017] In addition, the second surface may be positioned closer to the electrode connection surface than the first surface. The second surface may induce lighting of the ultraviolet lamp through electric polarization.

[0018] Additionally, a step surface may be formed between the first surface and the second surface. The step surface may face the electrode connection surface.

[0019] In addition, the first surface can be in close contact with the surface of the barrier. The close contact of the first surface can increase the electrical polarization efficiency between the two electrode parts.

[0020] In addition, the distance (D1A) between the second surface and the surface of the barrier may be between 0.8 and 1.2 times the distance (D2A) between the step surface and the electrode connection surface. In this way, the lighting rate of the ultraviolet lamp can be increased, and at the same time, spark generation can be effectively prevented.

[0021] And, the distance (D1A) between the second surface and the surface of the barrier may be greater than or equal to the thickness (D3) of the barrier based on the direction in which the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are spaced from each other.

[0022] In addition, the separation portion may be formed between the surface of the barrier and the surface of the first electrode portion. The maximum separation distance (D1A) between the surface of the first electrode portion forming the separation portion and the surface of the barrier may be between 0.8 and 1.2 times the maximum separation distance (D2A) between the surface of the first electrode portion forming the separation portion and the electrode connection surface.

[0023] And, the separation portion can be formed by being surrounded by the surface of the first electrode portion, the surface of the barrier, and the surface of the electrode connection surface.

[0024] In addition, the electrode connection surface and the light extraction surface may each be planar. Accordingly, the ultraviolet lamp may have a surface light source structure. That is, since the surface of the ultraviolet lamp has a planar structure, the ultraviolet ray generating device can provide a wider light extraction area.

[0025] In addition, the electrode connection surface can be in contact with the upper surface of the barrier. In this way, the ultraviolet lamp can be maintained in a stable position by the barrier.

[0026] In addition, a lamp housing in which the first electrode part, the second electrode part, and the ultraviolet lamp are housed may be further included. The barrier may be integrally provided with the lamp housing or may be coupled to the lamp housing. Since the barrier may be injection-molded together with the lamp housing during the manufacturing process, there is no need to add a separate component for the initial operation of the ultraviolet lamp.

[0027] In addition, a lamp housing in which the first electrode part, the second electrode part, and the ultraviolet lamp are housed may be further included. Power connection holes connected to the first electrode part and the second electrode part may be formed on the bottom surface of the lamp housing.

[0028] In addition, a lamp housing in which the first electrode part, the second electrode part, and the ultraviolet lamp are housed may be further included. A housing fence that surrounds the side of the ultraviolet lamp may be protruded from the lamp housing. The housing fence may have a slanted diffusion surface.

[0029] In addition, the barrier may be provided with a barrier protrusion that protrudes toward the surface of the first electrode portion and the surface of the second electrode portion. An electrode groove in which the barrier protrusion is arranged may be formed in each of the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion.

[0030] In addition, a lamp housing in which the first electrode part, the second electrode part, and the ultraviolet lamp are accommodated may be further included. The barrier protrusion may extend from the bottom surface of the lamp housing toward the electrode connection surface. The electrode groove may extend from the bottom surface of the first electrode part and the bottom surface of the second electrode part, which are in contact with the bottom surface of the lamp housing, toward the electrode connection surface.

[0031] In addition, the above-mentioned separation portion can be formed continuously along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the second surface and the surface of the barrier face each other.

[0032] Additionally, an auxiliary electrode may be protruded toward the surface of the barrier in the above-mentioned separation portion.

[0033] And, the auxiliary electrode can protrude from the step surface toward the electrode connection surface.

[0034] Additionally, the auxiliary electrode can connect between the step surface and the second surface.

[0035] And, the barrier may be formed with a first barrier surface facing the surface of the first electrode portion and a second barrier surface facing the surface of the second electrode portion. The separation portion may include a first separation portion formed between the surface of the first electrode portion and the first barrier surface. In addition, the separation portion may include a second separation portion formed between the surface of the second electrode portion and the second barrier surface.

[0036] In addition, the barrier may be formed with a first barrier surface facing the surface of the first electrode portion and a second barrier surface facing the surface of the second electrode portion. A barrier depression may be formed on at least one of the first barrier surface and the second barrier surface in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are spaced apart from each other.

[0037] And, the first separation portion and the second separation portion may have an asymmetrical shape.

[0038] Additionally, the upper surface of the barrier facing the electrode connection surface may protrude further toward the electrode connection surface than the upper surface of the first electrode portion and the upper surface of the second electrode portion. Alternatively, the upper surface of the barrier facing the electrode connection surface, the upper surface of the first electrode portion, and the upper surface of the second electrode portion may have the same height.

[0039] In addition, the first electrode portion may be formed by stacking two different electrode bodies. One of the two electrode bodies may be spaced apart from the surface of the barrier to form the spaced portion.

[0040] In addition, the surface of the separation portion may be formed as an inclined surface or a curved surface so that the width of the opening from the separation portion toward the electrode connection surface gradually increases.

[0041] And, the gap may be formed between the surface of the first electrode portion and the surface of the barrier. The gap may include portions in which the distance between the surface of the first electrode portion and the surface of the barrier is different.

[0042] In addition, the barrier may include a first barrier portion and a second barrier portion connected to the first barrier portion and positioned closer to the electrode connection surface than the first barrier portion. At this time, the thickness of the second barrier portion based on the direction in which the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are spaced from each other may be formed thinner than the first barrier portion, so that the spaced portion may be formed between the surface of the second barrier portion and the surface of the first electrode portion or the second electrode portion.

[0043] In addition, the surface of the UV lamp is curved, and the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion may be provided with a curved mounting groove for mounting the surface of the UV lamp. In this way, the present invention can also be applied to a tube-type lamp. Accordingly, the present invention can be applied to various types of UV lamps, and thus has the advantage of high compatibility.

[0044] In addition, the barrier may be formed with a curved connecting groove in which the surface of the ultraviolet lamp is mounted. The mounting groove of the first electrode part, the connecting groove, and the mounting groove of the second electrode part may form a continuous mounting portion. The ultraviolet lamp may be mounted in the mounting portion.

[0045] And, a separation space may be formed between the surface of the barrier, the electrode connection surface, and the surface of the first electrode portion, or between the surface of the barrier, the electrode connection surface, and the surface of the second electrode portion.

[0046] In addition, at least one of the first electrode portion or the second electrode portion may include a first body that is spaced apart from the barrier by a first distance and receives power, and a second body that is spaced apart from the barrier by a second distance longer than the first distance and is positioned between the first body and the ultraviolet lamp.

[0047] In addition, a separation space may be formed in the first electrode portion or the second electrode portion, spaced apart from the electrode connection surface. At this time, the separation space may be connected to the surface of the barrier.

[0048] The ultraviolet ray generating device according to the present invention and the home appliance equipped with the same as discussed above have the following effects.

[0049] In the present invention, a barrier is positioned between two electrode sections, and an ultraviolet lamp can be positioned so as to cross the two electrode sections and the barrier. At this time, the barrier acts as a type of dielectric material positioned between the two electrode sections, and can induce the lighting of the ultraviolet lamp through electrical polarization. Thus, the present invention enables the ultraviolet lamp to be lit without a separate auxiliary lighting device, and has the effect of stably operating the ultraviolet ray generator during initial operation.

[0050] Additionally, in the present invention, a gap may be formed between the barrier and the two electrodes. This gap may prevent sparks from occurring when voltage is applied to the two electrodes. Accordingly, sparks are prevented even when a high voltage is applied to the UV lamp, thereby enhancing the stability of the ultraviolet ray generator.

[0051] Furthermore, in the present invention, the barrier can be integrated into the lamp housing of the ultraviolet ray generator. For example, the barrier can be injection-molded during the manufacturing process of the lamp housing. Thus, according to the present invention, not only is there no need to add separate components for the initial operation of the ultraviolet lamp, but the structure of the barrier that induces the initial operation can also be implemented very simply. Consequently, the manufacturability of the ultraviolet ray generator can also be improved.

[0052] In addition, since sparks are prevented even at high voltages according to the present invention, the maximum voltage that can be applied to the ultraviolet ray generator can be set high, and the voltage compatibility of the ultraviolet ray generator can also be improved.

[0053] Furthermore, the gap formed between the barrier and the two electrode portions in the present invention increases the surface area formed between the two electrode portions, thereby inducing a basic discharge between the two electrode portions. This enables stable emission of the ultraviolet lamp, thereby improving the quality of the ultraviolet ray generating device.

[0054] In addition, in the present invention, since the barrier provided in the housing acts as a dielectric, surface treatment for applying a dielectric to the surface of the two electrode parts is unnecessary. Therefore, the present invention

[0055] In addition, in the present invention, since the lighting of the ultraviolet lamp is induced through a separation unit, a separate auxiliary light source for lighting is unnecessary, and thus, the ultraviolet ray generating device has the effect of being miniaturized.

[0056] In particular, in the present invention, a first surface, a second surface, and a step surface between the first surface and the second surface may be formed on the surface of the electrode portion. At this time, the distance (D1A) between the second surface and the surface of the barrier may be 0.8 to 1.2 times the distance (D2A) between the step surface and the electrode connection surface. In this way, the lighting rate of the ultraviolet lamp can be increased, and at the same time, spark generation can be effectively prevented.

[0057] Additionally, the ultraviolet lamp of the present invention may have a surface light source structure. That is, the surface of the ultraviolet lamp may be a flat structure, allowing the ultraviolet ray generator to provide a wider light extraction area. This may also increase the luminous efficiency of the ultraviolet ray generator.

[0058] In particular, in the ultraviolet lamp of the present invention, two electrode parts and a barrier are respectively in contact with each other on the electrode connection surface, and the light extraction surface of the ultraviolet lamp on the opposite surface can be exposed without being obscured by other components. As the exposure area of ​​the light extraction surface is thus widened, the luminous efficiency of the ultraviolet ray generating device can be further improved.

[0059] Furthermore, the present invention can be applied not only to flat-plate lamps made by sealing two plates, but also to tube-type lamps. As such, the present invention can be applied to various types of UV lamps, offering the advantage of high compatibility.

[0060] Additionally, in the present invention, the electrode portion may be provided with an auxiliary electrode protruding toward the barrier. This auxiliary electrode can concentrate the electric field of the discharge through its protruding shape, thereby enabling more effective ignition of the UV lamp.

[0061] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an air conditioner to which an example of an ultraviolet ray generating device according to the present invention is applied.

[0062] Figure 2 is an exemplary diagram showing the appearance of ultraviolet rays being irradiated in an indoor space where an ultraviolet ray generating device according to the present invention is installed.

[0063] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an air conditioner to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0064] Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of Fig. 3.

[0065] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the structure of an ultraviolet ray generating module to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0066] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the structure of an ultraviolet ray generating module to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied, from a different angle than Fig. 5.

[0067] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the disassembled parts of an ultraviolet ray generating module to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0068] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing an example of an ultraviolet ray generating device according to the present invention.

[0069] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the components constituting an example of an ultraviolet ray generating device according to the present invention in an exploded form.

[0070] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the ultraviolet lamp is omitted from Fig. 8.

[0071] Fig. 11 is a plan view showing a state in which the ultraviolet lamp is omitted from Fig. 8.

[0072] Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing a pair of electrode parts in a lamp housing constituting an embodiment of the present invention in an exploded state.

[0073] Fig. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of a barrier of a lamp housing constituting an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV' of Fig. 12.

[0075] Fig. 15 is a plan view showing the structure of a pair of electrode parts constituting one embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing the structure of a first electrode part constituting one embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Fig. 17 is a side view showing the structure of a pair of electrode parts constituting one embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII' of Fig. 10.

[0079] Figures 19 to 25 are cross-sectional views showing various modified embodiments of a pair of electrode parts and a barrier constituting the present invention.

[0080] Figures 26 and 27 are plan views showing other examples of auxiliary electrodes provided in a pair of electrode parts constituting the present invention.

[0081] Fig. 28 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of an ultraviolet ray generating device according to the present invention.

[0082] Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 28.

[0083] Fig. 30 is a perspective view showing a pair of electrode parts constituting the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 28.

[0084] Fig. 31 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of an electrode part constituting an ultraviolet ray generating device according to the present invention.

[0085] Fig. 32 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of an ultraviolet ray generating device according to the present invention.

[0086] Fig. 33 is a plan view showing the structure of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 32.

[0087] Fig. 34 is a perspective view showing the structure of a lamp housing and a pair of electrode parts constituting the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 32.

[0088] Fig. 35 is a plan view showing the structure of a lamp housing and a pair of electrode parts constituting the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 32.

[0089] Fig. 36 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXXVI-XXXVI' of Fig. 35.

[0090] Figure 37 is a cross-sectional view along line XXXVII-XXXVII' of Figure 35.

[0091] Fig. 38 is a perspective view showing the structure of a lamp housing constituting the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 33.

[0092] Fig. 39 is a plan view showing the structure of a lamp housing constituting the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 33.

[0093] Fig. 40 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XL-XL' of Fig. 38.

[0094] Fig. 41 is a perspective view showing the structure of a pair of electrode parts constituting the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 33.

[0095] Fig. 42 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a pair of electrode parts constituting the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 33.

[0096] Fig. 43 is a perspective view showing the structure of the first electrode part constituting the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 33.

[0097] Fig. 44 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XLIV-XLIV' of Fig. 33.

[0098] Fig. 45 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXXVI-XXXVI' of Fig. 35.

[0099] Fig. 46 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XLVI-XLVI' of Fig. 33.

[0100]

[0101] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When designating components in each drawing, it should be noted that, where possible, identical components will be given the same reference numerals, even if they appear in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if a detailed description of a related known structure or function is deemed to hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0102] The ultraviolet ray generator (C) of the present invention can be used for sterilization. For example, the ultraviolet ray generator (C) can be combined with a home appliance to provide a sterilization function to the user along with the original function of the home appliance. For example, the ultraviolet ray sterilization device of the present invention can be applied to an air conditioner. Fig. 1 is an exemplary drawing showing the ultraviolet ray sterilization device of the present invention applied to an air conditioner. As another example, the ultraviolet ray sterilization device of the present invention can be applied to various home appliances such as refrigerators, air purifiers, and dish dryers, in addition to air conditioners.

[0103] The ultraviolet ray generating device (C) according to the present invention can be modularized and applied to home appliances. For example, the ultraviolet ray generating module (100) may include a component for supplying power to the ultraviolet ray generating device (C), and the ultraviolet ray generating device (C) may include a component for mounting in home appliances, etc. Hereinafter, the ultraviolet ray generating module (100) will be described as a concept including the ultraviolet ray generating device (C), an inverter device (150), and a device frame (110). Hereinafter, an air conditioner among home appliances will be taken as an example, and the structure of the ultraviolet ray generating device (C) equipped in the air conditioner will be described with a focus.

[0104] Referring to Fig. 2, the ultraviolet ray generating module (100) can irradiate ultraviolet rays toward the interior (I) of the place where the air conditioner is installed. Here, the interior (I) refers to the place where the air conditioner is installed, and refers to a space where the air conditioner aims to control temperature or humidity.

[0105] Referring to Fig. 1, an air conditioner is illustrated. The air conditioner can be installed on a ceiling. When the air conditioner is installed on a ceiling, a part of the air conditioner can be stored inside the ceiling, and the remaining part can be exposed to the interior (I). More precisely, among the cases (10, 20) described below, the upper case (10) can be stored inside the ceiling, and the lower case (20) can be exposed to the interior (I). For reference, in the drawing, U means a direction toward the ceiling, and D means a direction toward the interior (I).

[0106] Among the above cases (10, 20), the overall shape of the upper case (10) may be approximately a rectangular parallelepiped. The upper case (10) may include a base plate (11) arranged inside the ceiling, and a side plate (13) erected along the edge of the base plate (11).

[0107] The upper case (10) may be coupled with a lower case (20). The lower case (20) may cover the open bottom surface of the upper case (10). Here, the bottom surface of the lower case (20) is based on the direction shown in FIG. 1. That is, the lower case (20) may be arranged to face the floor of the room (I). The lower case (20) may be a separate object from the upper case (10) and may be coupled to the upper case (10). As another example, the lower case (20) may be provided integrally with the upper case (10).

[0108] The lower case (20) may include an inner plate (21) and an outer plate (22). The inner plate (21) may form the central portion of the lower case (20). An air intake portion (30) may be provided at the central portion of the inner plate (21). An air discharge portion may be provided at the outer portion of the inner plate (21). The outer plate (22) may be arranged around the periphery of the inner plate (21). Drawing reference numeral 31 denotes a grill portion, which constitutes the air intake portion (30).

[0109] A part of the surface of the lower case (20) may be exposed to the interior (I). Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first plate surface (22A), which is the bottom surface of the lower case (20), is exposed to the interior (I). In the air conditioner, a portion positioned higher than the first plate surface (22A) of the lower case (20) may be stored in the ceiling and not exposed. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the second plate surface (22B), which is opposite the first plate surface (22A) of the lower case (20), faces the interior of the ceiling and is therefore not exposed to the interior (I). Referring to FIG. 2, the upper case (10) is illustrated as being stored inside the ceiling.

[0110] As shown in Fig. 2, the ultraviolet ray generating module (100) disposed in the lower case (20) can irradiate ultraviolet rays toward the room (I). In Fig. 2, α represents half of the ultraviolet ray irradiation angle irradiated by the ultraviolet ray generating module (100). The ultraviolet ray irradiated in this way reaches the ground of the room (I), and the reference symbol X represents the shortest distance between the ultraviolet ray irradiated by the ultraviolet ray generating module (100) and the ground of the room (I). Since the ultraviolet ray irradiated by the ultraviolet ray generating module (100) is diffused at an angle α, it can have a sterilizing range (F) surrounded by the reference symbol Y. The inside of the sterilizing range (F) can be sterilized by the ultraviolet ray generating module (100).

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the ultraviolet ray generating module (100) is disposed in the lower case (20). More precisely, the ultraviolet ray generating module (100) can be disposed in the mounting portion (25) provided in the lower case (20). Since the mounting portion (25) is a portion that is not exposed to the room (I), most of the ultraviolet ray generating module (100) is covered in the room (I). However, a part of the ultraviolet ray generating module (100) is disposed to face the room (I), and thus, a part of the ultraviolet ray generating module (100) facing the room (I) generates ultraviolet rays to sterilize the room (I). Drawing reference numeral 26 represents a mounting fence that surrounds the mounting portion (25).

[0112] Next, the ultraviolet ray generating module (100) will be examined. The ultraviolet ray generating module (100) can irradiate ultraviolet light to the outside of the case (10, 20). More precisely, the ultraviolet ray generating module (100) is positioned in the case (10, 20) so as to face the room (I), thereby irradiating ultraviolet ray into the room (I). Through this, the ultraviolet ray generating module (100) can sterilize the room (I).

[0113] The ultraviolet light irradiated by the ultraviolet lamp (140) constituting the above ultraviolet ray generating module (100) can be subdivided according to the length of the wavelength. For example, the ultraviolet light can be classified into UV-A with a wavelength of 320 nm to 400 nm, UV-B with a wavelength of 280 nm to 320 nm, and UV-C with a wavelength of 200 nm to 280 nm. Among these, UV-C, which is a short-wavelength ultraviolet ray, has the characteristic of destroying the DNA of bacteria and causing a chemical reaction with special substances, and thus can be effectively used for sterilization.

[0114] In this embodiment, the ultraviolet lamp (140) irradiates UV-C, and more precisely, can generate far ultraviolet rays (far-UVC), which are a narrow spectrum within UV-C light. Far ultraviolet rays (far-UVC) are known to provide the same pathogen sterilizing effect as UV-C light, but without the harmful side effects of other frequencies or wavelengths. The far ultraviolet ray generating module (100) can utilize excimer discharge to generate far ultraviolet rays (far-UVC) in a specific wavelength range.

[0115] The ultraviolet lamp (140) of the present invention can use a far UV-C excimer lamp that can have an effect at a long distance of about 2.5 m, and can sterilize furniture, floors, and walls in a space in addition to simply sterilizing the air. However, the UV-C excimer type ultraviolet lamp (140) also contains a small amount of light of other frequency bands, and since wavelengths of 238 nm or more are harmful to the human body, an optical filter (not shown) that removes ultraviolet rays of wavelengths of 238 nm or more may be further provided. The optical filter can transmit 80% or more of ultraviolet rays of 200 to 238 nm that are harmless to the human body, and transmit 5% or less of ultraviolet rays of 238 nm to 280 nm that are harmful to the human body. As another example, the optical filter may be omitted.

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the ultraviolet ray generating module (100) includes a device frame (110) that is fixed to the case (10, 20). The device frame (110) forms a skeleton of the ultraviolet ray generating module (100), and allows the ultraviolet ray generating module (100) to be fixed to the case (10, 20). As shown in FIG. 7, the device frame (110) may be composed of a pair of frames spaced apart from each other. The lamp housing (120) is arranged between the pair of frames.

[0117] The above device frame (110) may include a support portion (111) that is in close contact with the case (10, 20), and a post portion (115) that is erected from the support portion (111). Referring to FIG. 7, the bottom surface of the support portion (111) is in close contact with the second plate surface (22B) of the outer case (10, 20), and a pair of post portions (115) may extend from the upper surface of the support portion (111). The inverter device (150) may be mounted on the upper end of the post portion (115). A post hole (115a) may be formed in the post portion (115). The above post hole (115a) is connected to the inverter hole (153a) of the inverter device (150), and when a fastener (not shown) such as a bolt is fastened to the inverter hole (153a) and the post hole (115a), the inverter device (150) can be fixed to the post portion (115).

[0118] The support member (111) may be provided with a fixed end (113). The fixed end (113) may extend in a direction to increase the bottom surface area of ​​the support member (111). In the present embodiment, the fixed end (113) protrudes in a direction to narrow the gap between the pair of device frames (110). The lamp housing (120) may be arranged on the upper portion of the fixed end (113). The first fixed hole (113a) formed in the fixed end (113) may be connected to the second fixed hole (123a) provided in the lamp housing (120) and may be fastened using a separate fastener (not shown).

[0119] A lamp housing (120) is arranged in the above device frame (110). The lamp housing (120) houses the ultraviolet lamp (140) and a pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) (130). The housing body (121) forming the skeleton of the lamp housing (120) has an approximately hexahedral shape, but may be deformed according to the shape of the electrode part (130) and the ultraviolet lamp (140). A mounting space (122) may be sunken in the center of the housing body (121). The electrode part (130) and the ultraviolet lamp (140) may be stacked in the mounting space (122).

[0120] The housing body (121) may be formed with a second fixing hole (123a) corresponding to the first fixing hole (113a) formed in the fixed end (113) and may be fastened with a fastening member. As another example, the second fixing hole (123a) may be omitted, and the housing body (121) may be press-fitted to the device frame (110) or may be fixed by being hooked. Drawing reference numeral 123b denotes a holder assembly hole formed in the housing body (121), and an investigation holder (125) to be described later may be fastened to the holder assembly hole (123b).

[0121] Referring to Fig. 7, the housing body (121) may be provided with a storage fence (124). The storage fence (124) may have a structure that protrudes from the edge of the mounting space (122) so as to surround both sides of the mounting space (122). The mounting space (122) may be arranged between a pair of the storage fences (124). Referring to Fig. 9, an inclined portion (124a) is provided at the upper portion of the storage fence (124), which assists in mounting the electrode portion (130) and the ultraviolet lamp (140), and may also reflect ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet lamp (140).

[0122] The lamp housing (120) may include an irradiation holder (125). The irradiation holder (125) may be assembled to the housing body (121) and may hang a portion of the ultraviolet lamp (140). The irradiation holder (125) may fix the ultraviolet lamp (140) and the electrode portion (130) disposed on the upper portion thereof (as shown in FIG. 7). The irradiation holder (125) may be a separate object from the housing body (121) and may be fixed with a separate fastener (not shown). Reference numeral 127b denotes a relative fastening hole formed in the irradiation holder (125), and the relative fastening hole (127b) is connected to the holder assembly hole and fastened with a fastener.

[0123] The above-mentioned investigation holder (125) may include a holder body including the relative fastening hole (127b), and a hanging arm (126) extending from the holder body to fix the ultraviolet lamp (140). The hanging arm (126) may extend in a direction perpendicular to the holder body and be placed on the light extraction surface (141A) of the ultraviolet lamp (140).

[0124] As shown in Fig. 7, a power connection hole (128) may be formed in the housing body (121). The inverter device (150) may be connected to the power connection hole (128). A part of the inverter device (150) may be directly inserted into the power connection hole (128) to supply AC power. As another example, a wire or terminal extending from the inverter device (150) may be inserted into the power connection hole (128). As another example, the inverter device (150) may be omitted, and a wire or terminal for applying power from the outside may be inserted into the power connection hole (128). Reference numeral 129 denotes an inverter fixing groove for fixing the inverter device (150), and a fixing protrusion (159) of the inverter device (150) is inserted into the inverter fixing groove (129).

[0125] An electrode unit (130) may be placed in the lamp housing (120). The electrode unit (130) is for supplying power to the ultraviolet lamp (140). The electrode unit (130) may receive AC power from the inverter device (150) and transmit it to the ultraviolet lamp (140), thereby inducing discharge of the ultraviolet lamp (140). The electrode unit (130) may be composed of a pair of electrode units (130A, 130B).

[0126] The pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) above can be supplied with AC power from the inverter device (150), respectively. The pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) supplied with AC power are each brought into contact with the ultraviolet lamp (140), thereby inducing discharge of an inert gas filled inside the ultraviolet lamp (140). The pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) above are each made of a conductive material. In the present embodiment, the pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) are in a block shape.

[0127] Referring to the above ultraviolet lamp (140), in the present embodiment, the ultraviolet lamp (140) generates far-UVC rays. The ultraviolet lamp (140) may have a roughly plate-shaped structure. The ultraviolet lamp (140) supports the electrode portion (130) and is a component through which far-UV rays are transmitted. The ultraviolet lamp (140) may generally be made of a quartz or ceramic material having good far-UV ray transmittance. Alternatively, the ultraviolet lamp (140) may be made of fused silica, which has a lower OH content than quartz and thus has good far-UV ray transmittance.

[0128] The above ultraviolet lamp (140) is composed of a plurality of plate members, and a discharge space may be formed between the plate members. The plurality of plate members may be joined through melting, and the discharge space may be formed between them. In the present embodiment, the ultraviolet lamp (140) is composed of an excimer lamp. Drawing reference numeral 143 denotes side ends provided at each of the longitudinal ends of the ultraviolet lamp (140), and the side ends (143) may be viewed as parts that are melted and sealed.

[0129] An inert gas selected from the group consisting of argon (Ar), neon (Ne), xenon (Xe), and krypton (Kr) may be provided in the discharge space formed inside the above ultraviolet lamp (140). At this time, the inert gas may be selected from the group consisting of ArBr, ArCl, ArF, ArO, NeF, XeI, XeO, XeBr, XeCl, XeF, KrBr, KrCl, KrO, and KrF.

[0130] The discharge of the ultraviolet lamp (140) generates and radiates far ultraviolet rays (far UVC). The wavelength of the far ultraviolet rays emitted may vary depending on the type of inert gas used. In the present embodiment, the ultraviolet lamp (140) generates a wavelength of 235 to 260 nm, thereby eliminating foodborne pathogens, natural microorganisms, molds, yeasts, etc.

[0131] At least a portion of the light extraction surface (141A) of the above ultraviolet lamp (140) may be arranged to face the room (I). Referring to Fig. 2, the ultraviolet lamp (140) may irradiate ultraviolet rays downward. In the present embodiment, since the air conditioner is installed on the ceiling, the light extraction surface (141A) of the ultraviolet lamp (140) may be arranged to face the ground of the room (I). Reference numeral 141B indicates an electrode connection surface (141B) formed on the opposite side of the light extraction surface (141A) of the ultraviolet lamp (140).

[0132] The inverter device (150) can supply AC power to the pair of electrode parts (130). The inverter device (150) can be arranged on the opposite side of the ultraviolet lamp (140) with the pair of electrode parts (130) as the center. The inverter device (150) can include an inverter body (151) and an AC generator (155) provided in the inverter body (151). The inverter device (150) can include a converter unit that converts commercial power from an air conditioner into DC power, and an inverter unit that removes ripples in a smoothing circuit and then converts it back into AC. As another example, the inverter device (150) can be omitted or arranged to be spaced apart from the ultraviolet ray generating module (100).

[0133] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, an ultraviolet ray generating device (C) according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Here, the ultraviolet ray generating device (C) can be viewed as including the lamp housing (120), the pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B), and the ultraviolet lamp (140), excluding the mounting frame (110) and inverter device (150) described above. For reference, in FIGS. 8 and 9, the light extraction surface (141A) of the ultraviolet lamp (140) is illustrated facing upward.

[0134] As shown in Fig. 9, the housing body (121) of the lamp housing (120) is provided with the mounting space (122). The power connection hole (128) described above is formed on the bottom surface of the mounting space (122), and the power connection hole (128) may be composed of a pair of power connection holes (128a, 128b). At this time, the pair of power connection holes (128a, 128b) may be formed on both sides with the barrier (126) as the center. The pair of power connection holes (128a, 128b) formed on both sides can supply power to the first electrode part (130A) and the second electrode part (130B) constituting the pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B), respectively. For this purpose, the pair of power connection holes (128a, 128b) can be connected to the inverter device (150) or an external power device.

[0135] The storage fence (124) of the housing body (121) may be formed with the inclined portion (124a). The inclined portion (124a) may have a structure that is inclined downward toward the mounting space (122). The inclined portion (124a) may reflect the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet lamp (140) to increase the efficiency of the ultraviolet ray generating device (C). In the present embodiment, the inclined portion (124a) may be formed at a height facing the side surface of the ultraviolet lamp (140).

[0136] A barrier (126) is provided in the above-mentioned mounting space (122). The barrier (126) can be erected on the bottom surface of the above-mentioned mounting space (122). Here, the bottom surface refers to a surface on which the pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) are respectively mounted. The barrier (126) can be arranged between the pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) to space the pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) apart from each other. For this purpose, the barrier (126) can be arranged across the above-mentioned mounting space (122). More precisely, the barrier (126) can be formed continuously along a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the first electrode part (130A) and the second electrode part (130B) face each other.

[0137] The above barrier (126) may be arranged between the pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) and may serve as a type of dielectric. When the barrier (126) functions as a dielectric, the barrier (126) together with the pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) may serve as a type of capacitor. This capacitor structure may assist in the starting of the ultraviolet lamp (140). More specifically, the electric polarization phenomenon caused by the barrier (126) may be utilized to induce discharge (lighting) of the ultraviolet lamp (140) arranged above the barrier (126). At this time, as will be described below, the ultraviolet ray generator (C) of the present embodiment is provided with a separation part (136, see FIG. 10), and the discharge electric field may be concentrated on the separation part (136). That is, the electric field is strengthened as the dielectric molecules of the dielectric barrier (126) are polarized. This concentration of the discharge electric field is transmitted to the surface of the ultraviolet lamp (140), thereby enabling effective starting.

[0138] The dielectric constant of the barrier (126) may range from 1 to 15. In the present embodiment, the barrier (126) is integrally provided with the lamp housing (120), so the dielectric constant of the barrier (126) is the same as the dielectric constant of the lamp housing (120). The lamp housing (120) may be made of various materials such as plastic, silicone, rubber, etc. In another example, the barrier (126) may be configured as a separate object from the lamp housing (120) and may be assembled to the lamp housing (120).

[0139] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the first electrode part (130A) and the second electrode part (130B) can be seen arranged on both sides of the barrier (126). When the first electrode part (130A) and the second electrode part (130B) are stored in the mounting space (122), the barrier (126) naturally blocks the space between the first electrode part (130A) and the second electrode part (130B). In addition, the upper portions of the first electrode part (130A), the barrier (126), and the second electrode part (130B) are open, and the ultraviolet lamp (140) can be installed therein.

[0140] As illustrated, a spacer (136) may be provided on the upper portion of the first electrode portion (130A) and the barrier (126) and on the upper portion of the second electrode portion (130B) and the barrier (126), respectively. The spacer (136) may be formed such that at least one of the surface of the first electrode portion (130A) or the surface of the second electrode portion (130B) is spaced apart from the surface of the barrier (126). The spacer (136) is opened upward, and in the present embodiment, the spacer (136) may be opened toward the electrode connection surface (141B). This spacer (136) may prevent sparks between the first electrode portion (130A) and the second electrode portion (130B) and may also assist in starting the ultraviolet lamp (140) through electric field concentration. The above separation portion (136) will be described again below.

[0141] Referring to Fig. 11, the barrier (126) may be provided with a barrier protrusion (127). The barrier protrusion (127) protrudes from the surface of the barrier (126), and protrudes in the direction of the surface of the first electrode portion (130A) and the surface of the second electrode portion (130B). The barrier protrusion (127) may be said to be a portion where the thickness of the barrier (126) becomes relatively large. The barrier protrusion (127) may be provided at the center of the barrier (126), or may be provided at a position that is offset from the center of the barrier (126) to the storage fence (124). As another example, the barrier protrusion (127) may be provided so as to protrude only in one direction among the surface of the first electrode portion (130A) or the surface of the second electrode portion (130B).

[0142] As described below, the first electrode part (130A) and the second electrode part (130B) may each have electrode grooves (135', see FIG. 16) formed at positions corresponding to the barrier protrusions (127). The electrode grooves (135') of the first electrode part (130A) will be referred to as first electrode grooves (135'), and the electrode grooves (135') of the second electrode part (130B) will be referred to as second electrode grooves (not given a drawing reference numeral). The barrier protrusions (127) may each be arranged in the first electrode grooves (135') and the second electrode grooves. The two first electrode protrusions (135A) of the first electrode part (130A) to be described below may be divided in the left and right directions based on the first electrode grooves (135'). In addition, the two second electrode protrusions (135B) of the second electrode portion (130B) described below can be divided in the left and right directions based on the first electrode groove (135').

[0143] The barrier projection (127) may extend from the bottom surface of the lamp housing (120) toward the electrode connection surface (141B). The first electrode groove (135') and the second electrode groove may extend from the bottom surface (133A) of the first electrode portion (130A) and the bottom surface (133B) of the second electrode portion (130B), which are in contact with the bottom surface of the lamp housing (120), toward the electrode connection surface (141B), respectively. Accordingly, the barrier projection (127) and the first electrode groove (135') and the second electrode groove may be formed in a direction parallel to each other.

[0144] When the barrier protrusions (127) are respectively arranged in the first electrode groove (135') and the second electrode groove, the first electrode portion (130A) and the second electrode portion (130B) can be aligned with the lamp housing (120). In addition, the barrier protrusions (127) can increase the surface area of ​​the barrier (126), thereby further activating the electric polarization phenomenon.

[0145] Looking at the above pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B), the pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) may have different polarities. The pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) may receive AC power from the inverter device (150) to cause the ultraviolet lamp (140) to emit light. The first electrode part (130A) and the second electrode part (130B) constituting the pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) may each have an approximately hexahedral shape. In the present embodiment, the first electrode part (130A) and the second electrode part (130B) have a shape in which the front-back and left-right widths are relatively larger than the heights, respectively.

[0146] At least one of the surface of the first electrode portion (130A) or the surface of the second electrode portion (130B) may be formed spaced apart from the surface of the barrier (126) to form a spaced portion (136). The spaced portion (136) may be opened toward the electrode connection surface (141B). This spaced portion (136) may space the distance between the surface of the first electrode portion (130A) and the surface of the barrier (126) and / or the distance between the surface of the second electrode portion (130B) and the surface of the barrier (126).

[0147] The spaced portion can be covered by the ultraviolet lamp (140) to form a predetermined empty space. The spaced portion (136) can prevent sparks from occurring due to high voltage when power is applied to the first electrode portion (130A) and the second electrode portion (130B). In addition, since the spaced portion (136) is also made of a dielectric, it can induce the starting of the ultraviolet lamp (140) while discharging. That is, due to the permittivity of the barrier (126), a discharge electric field is concentrated within the spaced portion (136), which is a kind of stepped space, and this discharge electric field is transmitted to the surface of the ultraviolet lamp (140) to implement starting.

[0148] The above-mentioned separation portion (136) may be continuous in the direction in which the barrier (126) is provided across the lamp housing (120) (up and down direction based on FIG. 11). This continuous separation portion (136) allows a predetermined empty space to be continuous between the pair of electrode portions (130A, 130B) and the barrier (126), thereby preventing sparks and stably starting the ultraviolet lamp (140).

[0149] In this embodiment, since the barrier protrusion (127) is provided at the center of the barrier (126), the separation portion (136) can be divided into two parts centered on the barrier protrusion (127). More precisely, the first separation portion (136A) formed between the surface of the first electrode portion (130A) and the first barrier surface (126A1) can be divided into two parts. The second separation portion (136B) formed between the surface of the second electrode portion (130B) and the second barrier surface (126A2) can also be divided into two parts. Hereinafter, the two separation parts constituting the first separation part (136A) are respectively divided into the first-first separation part (136A1) and the first-second separation part (136A2), and the two separation parts constituting the second separation part (136B) are respectively divided into the second-first separation part (136B1) and the second-second separation part (136B2).

[0150] Referring to Fig. 12, the pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) is shown in an exploded state from the lamp housing (120). The pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) are arranged to face each other. The barrier (126) is arranged between the pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) facing each other. When the barrier (126) is arranged between the pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B), the surfaces of the pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) facing each other are covered by the barrier (126). In addition, the spacing parts (136A, 136B) are formed between the pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) and the barrier (126).

[0151] Referring to Fig. 13, the barrier (126) is arranged across the mounting space (122). Accordingly, the mounting space (122) can be partitioned into a first mounting space (122A) and a second mounting space (122B). The first electrode part (130A) is arranged in the first mounting space (122A), and the second electrode part (130B) is arranged in the second mounting space (122B). Since both ends of the barrier (126) are respectively connected to both ends of the mounting space (122), the barrier (126) can completely partition across the mounting space (122). The barrier protrusion (127) can protrude toward the first mounting space (122A) and the second mounting space (122B), respectively.

[0152] Referring to Fig. 14, a side cross-sectional view of the lamp housing (120) is illustrated. As seen therein, the barrier (126) can be erected in the lamp housing (120). Here, erected means that the barrier (126) is provided in the vertical direction based on Fig. 14, and the base of the barrier (126) is formed on the floor surface of the installation space. The upper end of the barrier (126) can be formed lower than the upper end of the storage fence (124). The ultraviolet lamp (140) can be placed between the upper end of the barrier (126) and the upper end of the storage fence (124).

[0153] Referring to FIG. 12 and FIG. 15, the pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) are arranged to face each other. As can be seen, the pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) may have a structure that is symmetrical to each other. The pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) may each have electrode protrusions (135A, 135B) provided on the surfaces facing each other. The electrode protrusions (135A, 135B) may be formed to protrude toward the surface of the barrier from the surfaces where the pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) face each other. This structure will be described again below.

[0154] Since the above pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) have a structure that is symmetrical to each other, the pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) will be described with reference to the first electrode part (130A) with reference to FIG. 16. The first electrode part (130A) has an approximately hexahedral shape. Referring to FIG. 16, the upper surface (132A) of the first electrode part (130A) can be in contact with the electrode connection surface (141B) of the ultraviolet lamp (140). Since the upper surface (132A) of the first electrode part (130A) has a planar structure, it can also be in surface contact with the electrode connection surface (141B) of the ultraviolet lamp (140). The bottom surface (133A) of the first electrode part (130A) is in close contact with the first mounting space (122A). The bottom surface (133A) of the first electrode portion (130A) is connected to the inverter device (150) through the power connection hole (128a, 128b) and can receive power.

[0155] A first electrode protrusion (135A) may be formed on a surface of the first electrode portion (130A) that corresponds to a surface between the upper surface (132A) of the first electrode portion (130A) and the lower surface (133A) of the first electrode portion (130A). The first electrode protrusion (135A) protrudes from the front surface of the first electrode portion (135A), which is the surface of the first electrode portion (130A) that faces the surface of the barrier (126). The first electrode protrusion (135A) does not occupy the entire front surface of the first electrode portion (130A), but rather occupies a part of the front surface of the first electrode portion (130A). Accordingly, the portion where the first electrode protrusion (135A) protrudes may form a stepped structure with the remaining portion. Among these step structures, the first separation portion (136A) is formed in the step structure facing the ultraviolet lamp (140). The separation portion (136) is formed by the first electrode portion (130A) and the barrier (126), but for the sake of understanding, the drawing depicts the separation portion (136) as being formed in the first electrode portion (130A).

[0156] The above first electrode protrusion (135A) may be configured as a pair. In the present embodiment, the first electrode protrusion (135A) is configured with a first-first electrode protrusion (135A1) and a first-second electrode protrusion (135A2) that are spaced apart from each other. A first electrode groove (135') in which the barrier protrusion (127) is arranged may be formed between the first-first electrode protrusion (135A1) and the first-second electrode protrusion (135A2). The first electrode groove (135') can be viewed as having a relatively sunken structure compared to the first-first electrode protrusion (135A1) and the first-second electrode protrusion (135A2).

[0157] The first-first separation portion (136A1) is formed in a relatively sunken portion at the upper portion of the first-first electrode protrusion (135A1). In Fig. 16, the first-first separation portion (136A1) is shown open and exposed, but the first-first separation portion (136A1) may be shielded by the surface of the barrier (126) and the surface of the ultraviolet lamp (140). The space shielded in this way may be regarded as a separation space.

[0158] At this time, the separation space may be formed between the surface of the barrier (126), the electrode connection surface (141B) and the surface of the first electrode portion (130A), or between the surface of the barrier (126), the electrode connection surface (141B) and the surface of the second electrode portion (130B). The structure of this separation portion (136, separation space) will be examined in detail again below.

[0159] The first-second separation portion (136A2) is formed in a relatively sunken portion at the upper portion of the first-second electrode protrusion (135A2). The first-second separation portion (136A2) is adjacent to the first-first separation portion (136A1), and the first electrode groove (135') is arranged between the first-first separation portion (136A1) and the first-second separation portion (136A2). The first-second separation portion (136A2) can be shielded by the surface of the barrier (126) and the surface of the ultraviolet lamp (140). The space shielded in this way can be regarded as a separation space.

[0160] The above-mentioned separation space may be considered to be formed by the first electrode portion (130A) or the second electrode portion (130B) being spaced apart from the electrode connection surface (141B). At this time, the above-mentioned separation space may be connected to the surface of the barrier (126).

[0161] In the above-mentioned separation portion (136), an auxiliary electrode (137A, 137B) may protrude toward the surface of the barrier (126). Referring to Fig. 16, a first auxiliary electrode (137A) protrudes from the first-first separation portion (136A1) among the first separation portions (136A). The first auxiliary electrode (137A) protrudes from the first step surface (136A1, see Fig. 18) constituting the first-first separation portion (136A1) toward the electrode connection surface (141B). The first auxiliary electrode (137A) connects between the first step surface (136A1) and the second surface (136A2, see Fig. 18) of the first electrode portion (130A). The above auxiliary electrode (137A, 137B) can be viewed as a part that induces a polarization phenomenon by bringing the first separation portion (136A) and the surface of the barrier (126) closer together.

[0162] In this embodiment, the first auxiliary electrode (137A) has an approximately semicircular shape based on the plane. As another example, the first auxiliary electrode (137A) may have a polygonal shape whose width gradually narrows toward the surface of the barrier (126). As another example, the first auxiliary electrode (137A) may widen toward the surface of the barrier (126) or may have the same width.

[0163] For reference, the structure of the second electrode portion (130B) is symmetrical to the structure of the first electrode portion (130A). As shown in Fig. 12, the second electrode portion (130B) has a second electrode protrusion (135B), and the second electrode protrusion (135B) is composed of a second-first electrode protrusion (135B1) and a second-second electrode protrusion (135B2) which are arranged on both sides based on the second electrode groove. The second-first electrode protrusion (135B1) and the second-second electrode protrusion (135B2) may be provided with a second-first spacing portion (136B1) and a second-second spacing portion (136B2), respectively.

[0164] The second electrode portion (130B) may also be provided with a second auxiliary electrode (137B). Referring to Fig. 15, the second auxiliary electrode (137B) is positioned complementary to the first auxiliary electrode (137A). That is, the second auxiliary electrode (137B) may be provided in the second-second separation portion (136B2). The specific structure of the second electrode portion (130B) will be referred to the structure of the first electrode portion (130A).

[0165] Referring to Fig. 17, a state in which the pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) are facing each other is illustrated. As can be seen, the first electrode part (130A) and the second electrode part (130B) are arranged to face each other, and the first separation part (136A) and the second separation part (136B) can also face each other. Of course, since the barrier (126) is arranged between them, the first separation part (136A) and the second separation part (136B) are not directly connected to each other.

[0166] Fig. 18 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an ultraviolet ray generator (C). First, looking at the first electrode portion (130A), a first surface (135A') is formed on the first electrode portion (130A) so as to face the surface of the barrier (126) and to be spaced apart from the surface of the barrier (126) by a first distance. The first surface (135A') of the first electrode portion (130A) can be regarded as the surface of the first electrode protrusion (135A). In the present embodiment, the first surface (135A') of the first electrode portion (130A) is in close contact with the surface of the barrier (126), so that the first distance becomes 0. As another example, the first distance may be formed to be greater than 0, so that the first surface (135A') of the first electrode portion (130A) and the surface of the barrier (126) may be spaced apart.

[0167] The first electrode portion (130A) may be formed with a second surface (136A2) that faces the surface of the barrier (126) and is spaced apart from the surface of the barrier (126) by a second distance longer than the first distance. Since the second surface (136A2) of the first electrode portion (130A) is spaced apart from the surface of the barrier (126), the first spaced portion (136A) can be viewed as being formed between the second surface (136A2) of the first electrode portion (130A) and the surface of the barrier (126).

[0168] A first step surface (136A1) may be formed between the first surface (135A') of the first electrode portion (130A) and the second surface (136A2) of the first electrode portion (130A). The first step surface (136A1) connects the first surface (135A') of the first electrode portion (130A) and the second surface (136A2) of the first electrode portion (130A). The first step surface (136A1) may face the electrode connection surface (141B). The first step surface (136A1) may have a length equal to the second distance.

[0169] Referring to Fig. 18, the first separation portion (136A) can be viewed as an empty space surrounded by (i) the second surface (136A2) of the first electrode portion (130A), (ii) the first step surface (136A1), (iii) the first barrier surface (126A1) of the barrier (126), and (iv) the electrode connection surface (141B) of the ultraviolet lamp (140). The first separation portion (136A) has a structure that opens toward the electrode connection surface (141B). The second surface (136A2) of the first electrode portion (130A) can be arranged closer to the electrode connection surface (141B) than the first surface (135A') of the first electrode portion (130A).

[0170] Likewise, a second step surface (136B1) may be formed between the first surface (135B') of the second electrode portion (130B) and the second surface (136B2) of the second electrode portion (130B). The second step surface (136B1) connects the first surface (135B') of the second electrode portion (130B) and the second surface (136B2) of the second electrode portion (130B). The second step surface (136B1) may face the electrode connection surface (141B). The second step surface (136B1) may have a length equal to the second distance.

[0171] Referring to Fig. 18, the second separation portion (136B) can be viewed as an empty space surrounded by (i) the second surface (136B2) of the second electrode portion (130B), (ii) the second step surface (136B1), (iii) the second barrier surface (126A2) of the barrier (126), and (iv) the electrode connection surface (141B) of the ultraviolet lamp (140). The second separation portion (136B) has a structure that opens toward the electrode connection surface (141B). The second surface (136B2) of the second electrode portion (130B) can be arranged closer to the electrode connection surface (141B) than the first surface (135B') of the second electrode portion (130B).

[0172] It is preferable that the distance (D1A) between the second surface (136A2) of the first electrode portion (130A) and the surface (126A1) of the barrier (126) be between 0.8 and 1.2 times the distance (D2A) between the first step surface (136A1) and the electrode connection surface (141B). That is, it is preferable that the ratio of the two distances (D1A / D2A) be between 0.8 and 1.2. This is because if the distance (D1A) between the second surface (136A2) of the first electrode portion (130A) and the surface (126A1) of the barrier (126) is relatively excessively short, the probability of a spark occurring between the first electrode portion (130A) and the second electrode portion (130B) increases. Conversely, if the distance (D1A) between the second surface (136A2) of the first electrode portion (130A) and the surface (126A1) of the barrier (126) is relatively excessively wide, the discharge field at the first separation portion (136A) is weakened, increasing the probability that the ultraviolet lamp (140) will not light up.

[0173] Table 1 below summarizes the results of testing the lighting probability of the UV lamp (140) in this embodiment by applying various ratios of the two separation distances (D1A / D2A) and the results using the prior art as a comparative example. For reference, the applied voltage was set to 6 kV, and the comparative example has a structure without the barrier (126), that is, a structure in which a pair of electrode parts are spaced apart but there is no obstacle between the electrode parts. In addition, the comparative example was tested by varying the distance between a pair of electrode parts, and the comparative example tested whether or not it was lit without a separate auxiliary electrode or auxiliary light source.

[0174] Example of the present invention Comparative example D1A / D2A Lighting probability (%) Distance between electrode parts (mm) Lighting probability (%) 10.5 99.28.0 28.12 0.6 99.49.0 29.43 0.7 98.9 10.0 27.94 0.8 99.5 11.0 20.35 0.9 99.1 12.0 22.16 1.0 98.7 13.0 17.5 7 1.1 98.8 14.0 15.6 8 1.2 98.5 15.0 16.8 9 1.3 8 9.6 16.0 10.4 10 1.4 8 5.4 17.0 9.3

[0175] As shown in Table 1 above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the ratio of the two separation distances (D1A / D2A) is 1.2 or less, it can be seen that the ultraviolet lamp (140) is lit with a very high probability. On the other hand, in the case of the comparative example, since there is no separate auxiliary lighting means, the lighting probability is very low even if the distance between the electrode parts is close. Table 2 below summarizes the results of testing the probability of spark occurrence between the pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) in the embodiment in which the ratio of the two separation distances (D1A / D2A) is applied in various ways, and the results using the prior art as the comparative example. For reference, the applied voltage was set to 6 kV, and the comparative example has a structure without the barrier (126), that is, a structure in which the pair of electrode parts are spaced apart but there is no obstacle between the electrode parts. In addition, the comparative example was tested while varying the distance between the pair of electrode parts.

[0176] Example of the present invention Comparative example D1A / D2A Spark generation probability (%) Distance between electrode parts (mm) Spark generation probability (%) 10.5 37.18.08 5.02 0.6 29.5 9.07 4.5 30.7 16.5 10.07 0.84 0.88 111.05 5.85 0.96 5 12.05 2.06 1.06 7 13.04 2.87 1.15 114.03 8.38 1.24.8 15.029.89 1.34.116.019.610 1.43.6 17.018.9

[0177] As shown in Table 2 above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the ratio of the two distances (D1A / D2A) is 0.8 or more, it can be seen that the probability of a spark occurring between a pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) is very low. On the other hand, in the comparative example, since there is no separate barrier (126) between a pair of electrode parts, the probability of a spark occurring is high even if the distance between the electrode parts is far. As a result, it is preferable that the ratio of the two separation distances (D1A / D2A) is 0.8 to 1.2. Meanwhile, the separation distance (D1A) between the second surface (136A2) of the first electrode portion (130A) and the first barrier surface (126A1) of the barrier (126) may be formed to be greater than or equal to the thickness (D3) of the barrier (126) based on the direction in which the first electrode portion (130A) and the second electrode portion (130B) are spaced from each other. This is because when the thickness (D3) of the barrier (126) is relatively thin, the probability of a spark occurring between the pair of electrode portions (130A, 130B) becomes very high.

[0178] Referring to FIG. 18, the maximum separation distance (D1A) between the surface (136A2) of the first electrode portion (130A) forming the first separation portion (136A) and the surface (126A1) of the barrier (126) is preferably 0.8 to 1.2 times the maximum separation distance (D2A) between the surface (136A1) of the first electrode portion (130A) forming the separation portion (136) and the electrode connection surface (141B). Here, the maximum separation distance (D1A) between the surface (136A2) of the first electrode portion (130A) forming the first separation portion (136A) and the surface (126A1) of the barrier (126) means the maximum separation distance between the second surface (136A2) of the first electrode portion (130A) and the first barrier surface (126A1). In addition, the maximum separation distance (D2A) between the surface (136A1) of the first electrode portion (130A) forming the separation portion (136) and the electrode connection surface (141B) means the maximum separation distance between the first step surface (136A1) of the first electrode portion (130A) and the electrode connection surface (141B). In this embodiment, the second surface (136A2) of the first electrode portion (130A) and the first step surface (136A1) of the first electrode portion (130A) are each planes, so the two maximum separation distances (D1A, D2A) are the same in all planes, but if they are not planes, the separation distance may vary depending on the location.

[0179] Meanwhile, since the ultraviolet lamp (140) is arranged across the first electrode part (130A), the barrier (126), and the second electrode part (130B), the electrode connection surface (141B) may face the upper surface (132A) of the first electrode part (130A), the upper surface of the barrier (126), and the upper surface (132B) of the second electrode part (130B), respectively. At this time, the electrode connection surface (141B) may also come into contact with the upper surface (132A) of the first electrode part (130A), the upper surface of the barrier (126), and the upper surface (132B) of the second electrode part (130B), respectively.

[0180] At this time, the fact that the ultraviolet lamp (140) is arranged across the first electrode part (130A), the barrier (126), and the second electrode part (130B) means that the same surface (here, the electrode connection surface (141B)) of the ultraviolet lamp (140) is arranged to face the first electrode part (130A), the barrier (126), and the second electrode part (130B), respectively. That is, among the plurality of surfaces constituting the ultraviolet lamp (140), the same surface faces the first electrode part (130A), the barrier (126), and the second electrode part (130B), respectively.

[0181] In this embodiment, the light extraction surface (141A) of the surface of the ultraviolet lamp (140) is arranged to face the opposite side of the first electrode part (130A), the barrier (126), and the second electrode part (130B). The electrode connection surface (141B), which is the opposite side of the light extraction surface (141A), is arranged to face the first electrode part (130A), the barrier (126), and the second electrode part (130B).

[0182] In this way, when the ultraviolet lamp (140) is placed across the first electrode portion (130A), the barrier (126), and the second electrode portion (130B), surface discharge can occur in the ultraviolet lamp (140). This surface discharge can induce stable discharge of the ultraviolet ray generator (C) along with the start-up of the ultraviolet lamp (140) through the concentration of the discharge electric field around the separation portion (136).

[0183] In this embodiment, the electrode connection surface (141B) and the light extraction surface (141A) of the ultraviolet lamp (140) are each flat. The electrode connection surface (141B) is arranged across the first electrode portion (130A), the barrier (126), and the second electrode portion (130B), and the light extraction surface (141A) faces the direction in which ultraviolet rays are irradiated. For example, the light extraction surface (141A) may face an indoor space. At this time, since the electrode connection surface (141B) is solely responsible for contacting the first electrode portion (130A), the barrier (126), and the second electrode portion (130B), components interfering with the light extraction surface (141A) can also be minimized. Accordingly, the light extraction surface (141A) can focus entirely on irradiating ultraviolet rays.

[0184] The total length of the ultraviolet lamp (140) may be longer than the sum of the lengths of the first electrode portion (130A), the barrier (126), and the second electrode portion (130B). Accordingly, both ends of the ultraviolet lamp (140) may protrude outward from the first electrode portion (130A) and the second electrode portion (130B), respectively. As another example, the total length of the ultraviolet lamp (140) may be shorter than or equal to the sum of the lengths of the first electrode portion (130A), the barrier (126), and the second electrode portion (130B).

[0185] The above ultraviolet lamp (140) may be an excimer lamp. The excimer refers to a dimer molecule formed by one atom in the ground state with the lowest energy and one atom in the excited state with a certain level of high energy. The above ultraviolet lamp (140) may be configured as a lamp in which an appropriate excimer luminescence gas is filled in a discharge container made of quartz glass. Accordingly, light (ultraviolet light) can be irradiated when the excimer transitions to the ground state.

[0186] Figures 19 to 25 illustrate cross-sectional views of various modified embodiments of a pair of electrode portions (130A, 130B) and a barrier (126) constituting the present invention. Hereinafter, descriptions of structures identical to those of the preceding embodiments will be omitted, and only descriptions of structures different from those of the preceding embodiments will be provided.

[0187] First, referring to FIG. 19, among the pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B), the separation part (136) may be provided only between the first electrode part (130A) and the barrier (126). That is, the separation part (136) is omitted between the second electrode part (130B) and the barrier (126). The separation part (136) becomes the first separation part (136A), and the first separation part (136A) may be formed by being surrounded by the second surface (136A2) of the first electrode part (130A), the first barrier surface (126A1) of the barrier (126), and the electrode connection surface (141B) of the ultraviolet lamp (140).

[0188] Referring to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 20, the barrier (126) is configured as a separate entity from the lamp housing (120). The barrier (126) can be mounted on the lamp housing (120) to partition the mounting space (122). The barrier (126) can be configured with two parts having different thicknesses. Here, the thickness refers to the left-right direction based on Fig. 20, that is, the direction in which the first electrode part (130A) and the second electrode part (130B) are spaced from each other.

[0189] More precisely, the barrier (126) may be composed of a first barrier portion and a second barrier portion having different thicknesses. Although not distinguished by different drawing reference numerals, the first barrier portion is provided at a position relatively far from the electrode connection portion and serves as the base of the barrier (126). The second barrier portion is connected to the first barrier portion and is positioned closer to the electrode connection surface (141B) than the first barrier portion.

[0190] At this time, the thickness of the second barrier portion based on the direction in which the first electrode portion (130A) and the second electrode portion (130B) are spaced apart from each other may be formed thinner than the first barrier portion, so that the spacer portion (136) may be formed between the surface (126A1, 126A2) of the second barrier portion and the surface (136A2, 136B2) of the first electrode portion (130A) or the second electrode portion (130B). That is, in the present embodiment, the spacer portion (136) may not be formed by a structure sunken into a portion of the pair of electrode portions (130A, 130B), but may be formed in a portion where the barrier (126) is thin. In another embodiment, the barrier (126) may be integrally provided with the lamp housing (120).

[0191] Referring to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 21, the first electrode part (130A) is formed by stacking two different electrode bodies (130A1, 130A2). More precisely, among the pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B), the first electrode part (130A) includes a 1-1 electrode body (130A1) spaced apart from the barrier (126) by a first distance, and a 1-2 electrode body (130A2) spaced apart from the barrier (126) by a second distance longer than the first distance and positioned between the first body (130A1) and the ultraviolet lamp (140). At this time, the 1-1 electrode body (130A1) is supplied with power, and the 1-2 electrode body (130A2) is in contact with the ultraviolet lamp (140).

[0192] One of the two electrode bodies (130A1, 130A2) may be spaced apart from the surface (126A1) of the barrier (126) to form the spaced portion (136). The first electrode portion (130A) includes a first-first electrode body (130A1) and a first-second electrode body (130A2). The above 1-2 electrode body (130A2) is provided to be shorter than the 1-1 electrode body (130A1), so that a step (136A1) is formed between the 1-1 electrode body (130A1) and the 1-2 electrode body (130A2), and the step (136A1) can form a first gap (136A) between the first barrier surface (126A1) of the barrier (126).

[0193] Likewise, the second electrode portion (130B) is formed by stacking two different electrode bodies (130B1, 130B2). Either one of the two electrode bodies (130B1, 130B2) may be spaced apart from the surface of the barrier (126) to form the spaced portion (136). More precisely, the second electrode portion (130B) includes a 2-1 electrode body (130B1) and a 2-2 electrode body (130B2). The above 2-2 electrode body (130B2) is provided to be shorter than the 2-1 electrode body (130B2), so that a step (136B1) is formed between the 2-1 electrode body (130B1) and the 2-2 electrode body (130B2), and the step (136B1) can form a second gap (136B) between the first barrier surface (126A1) of the barrier (126).

[0194] In this embodiment, the barrier (126) is configured as a separate body from the lamp housing (120). The barrier (126) is configured with a plurality of parts. The barrier (126) is configured with a first barrier body (126A) and a second barrier body (126B). The first barrier body (126A) and the second barrier body (126B) can be stacked in a direction in which the first electrode portion (130A) and the second electrode portion (130B) are spaced from each other, that is, in the left-right direction based on the drawing, to configure one barrier (126). The barrier (126) configured with a plurality of parts can have a variable overall thickness by replacing or omitting parts.

[0195] Referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, the upper surface of the barrier (126) facing the electrode connection surface (141B) protrudes further toward the electrode connection surface (141B) than the upper surface (132A) of the first electrode portion (130A) and the upper surface (132B) of the second electrode portion (130B). A joining groove (146) into which the upper portion of the barrier (126) is inserted is formed in the electrode connection surface (141B) of the ultraviolet lamp (140). Accordingly, the upper portion of the barrier (126) protruding further toward the electrode connection surface (141B) than the upper surface (132A) of the first electrode portion (130A) and the upper surface (132B) of the second electrode portion (130B) can be inserted into the joining groove (146). In this way, the contact area between the barrier (126) and the ultraviolet lamp (140) increases, thereby increasing the electrical polarization efficiency.

[0196] As shown in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 23, the first separation portion (136A) and the second separation portion (136B) have an asymmetrical shape. More precisely, the vertical length of the second surface (136A2) of the first electrode portion (130A) is longer than the vertical length of the second surface (136B2) of the second electrode portion (130B). Accordingly, the first step surface (136A1) is relatively further apart from the electrode connection surface (141B) of the ultraviolet lamp (140) than the second step surface (136B1).

[0197] Referring to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 24, the barrier (126) is formed with a first barrier surface (126A1) facing the surface of the first electrode portion (130A) and a second barrier surface (126A2) facing the surface of the second electrode portion (130B). At this time, a barrier depression (126A1', 126B1') is formed on at least one of the first barrier surface (126A1) or the second barrier surface (126A2) in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first electrode portion (130A) and the second electrode portion (130B) are spaced apart from each other. In this embodiment, a first barrier depression (126A1') is formed on the first barrier surface (126A1), and a second barrier depression (126B1') is formed on the second barrier surface (126A2).

[0198] Looking at the first barrier recessed portion (126A1'), the first barrier recessed portion (126A1') includes a first recessed bottom surface (126A1a), a first recessed side surface (126A1b), and a first recessed top surface (126A1c). The first barrier recessed portion (126A1') can be seen as being recessed in a direction facing the first separation portion (136A). That is, the first barrier recessed portion (126A1') can increase the width of the first separation portion (136A), more precisely, the width based on the direction in which the pair of electrode portions (130A, 130B) are separated.

[0199] Looking at the second barrier recessed portion (126B1'), the second barrier recessed portion (126B1') includes a second recessed bottom surface (126B1a), a second recessed side surface (126B1b), and a second recessed top surface (126B1c). The second barrier recessed portion (126B1') can be seen as being recessed in a direction facing the second separation portion (136B). That is, the second barrier recessed portion (126B1') can increase the width of the second separation portion (136B), more precisely, the width based on the direction in which the pair of electrode portions (130A, 130B) are separated. As a result, the above-mentioned separation portion (136) includes portions in which the distance between the surface (136A2, 136B2) of the electrode portions (130A, 130B) and the surface (126A1, 126A2) of the barrier (126) is different.

[0200] In this way, when the first barrier recessed portion (126A1') and the second barrier recessed portion (126B1') are provided, even if a spark is generated between the pair of electrode portions (130A, 130B), the point of occurrence of the spark can be guided to the inside of the first barrier recessed portion (126A1') and / or the second barrier recessed portion (126B1'). Accordingly, the stability of the ultraviolet ray generator (C) during operation can be increased. In addition, the expanded surface area of ​​the separated portion (136A, 136B) can further increase the electric field concentration, thereby assisting in lighting the ultraviolet lamp (140).

[0201] Referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 25, the surfaces (136A1, 136B1) of the spacers (136A, 136B) are formed as inclined surfaces or curved surfaces so that the width of the opening from the spacers (136A, 136B) toward the electrode connection surface (141B) gradually increases. More precisely, the surface (136B1) of the first spacer (136A) and the surface (136B1) of the second spacer (136B) are each curved. The first spacer (136A) and the second spacer (136B) may be formed to face the barrier (126) and the electrode connection surface (141B). At this time, the first spacer (136A) and the second spacer (136B) gradually increase in width toward the electrode connection surface (141B).

[0202] FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate other embodiments of the auxiliary electrode (137A) provided in a pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) constituting the present invention. First, referring to FIG. 26, the auxiliary electrode (137A) is provided in the first electrode part (130A), and the auxiliary electrode may be omitted in the second electrode part (130B). Referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 27, the auxiliary electrodes (137A, 137B) may be provided in the first electrode part (130A) and the second electrode part (130B), respectively. At this time, the first electrode part (130A) and the second electrode part (130B) may each be provided with a plurality of auxiliary electrodes (137A, 137B).

[0203] Referring to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 28 to 30, a separate auxiliary electrode may be omitted from the pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B). The first electrode part (130A) and the second electrode part (130B) constituting the pair of electrode parts (130A, 130B) are arranged to face each other, and the electrode protrusions (135A, 135B) are provided on the surfaces of the first electrode part (130A) and the second electrode part (130B) that face each other, respectively. The first electrode part (130A) is provided with a first-first electrode protrusion (135A1) and a first-second electrode protrusion (135A2) that are spaced apart from each other, and the second electrode part (130B) is provided with a second-first electrode protrusion (135B1) and a second-second electrode protrusion (135B2) that are spaced apart from each other.

[0204] The barrier (126) is formed with a first barrier surface (126A1) facing the surface of the first electrode portion (130A) and a second barrier surface (126A2) facing the surface of the second electrode portion (130B). At this time, the thickness of the barrier (126) (D3, see FIG. 18), which is the distance between the first barrier surface (126A1) and the second barrier surface (126A2), may be proportional to the magnitude of the voltage applied to the first electrode portion (130A) and the second electrode portion (130B).

[0205] Referring to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 31, the first electrode portion (130A) is provided with one first electrode protrusion (135A) that is continuously connected to one another, and the first spaced portion (136A) formed by the first electrode protrusion (135A) may also have a structure that is connected to one another. Although only the first electrode portion (130A) is illustrated in the drawing, the second electrode portion (130B) that is arranged to be spaced apart from the first electrode portion (130A) may also have the same structure as the first electrode portion (130A).

[0206] Figures 32 to 46 illustrate further embodiments of an ultraviolet ray generator (C) according to the present invention. Descriptions of structures identical to those described above will be omitted, and descriptions will be focused on other structures.

[0207] As shown in Fig. 32, in the ultraviolet ray generator (C), a pair of electrode parts (1130A, 1130B) are arranged in the lamp housing (1120), and a barrier (1126) is arranged between the pair of electrode parts (1130A, 1130B). The barrier (1126) has a structure that blocks the space between the first electrode part (1130A) and the second electrode part (1130B) that constitute the pair of electrode parts (1130A, 1130B). The barrier (1126) is arranged across the lamp housing (1120), and in Fig. 32, the ultraviolet lamps (1140A, 1140B) are arranged above the barrier (1126), so that a part of the barrier (1126) is covered.

[0208] In the present embodiment, the ultraviolet lamp (1140A, 1140B) has a tube structure. More precisely, the surface of the ultraviolet lamp (1140A, 1140B) is curved, and the first electrode portion (1130A) and the second electrode portion (1130B) are formed with curved mounting grooves (1132A', 1132B') in which the surface of the ultraviolet lamp (1140A, 1140B) is mounted. As shown in Fig. 32, the ultraviolet lamp (1140A, 1140B) may have a tube structure having a substantially circular cross-section. That is, the ultraviolet lamp (1140A, 1140B) has a substantially cylindrical shape. As another example, the cross-section of the ultraviolet lamp (1140A, 1140B) may have an elliptical shape or a shape in which curves and straight lines are mixed.

[0209] In this embodiment, the ultraviolet lamps (1140A, 1140B) are composed of a first ultraviolet lamp (1140A) and a second ultraviolet lamp (1140B). The two ultraviolet lamps (1140A, 1140B) can be arranged in a direction parallel to each other in the ultraviolet ray generating device (C). The two ultraviolet lamps (1140A, 1140B) can be arranged in two mounting portions, which will be described later, respectively.

[0210] Referring to FIG. 33, the ultraviolet lamps (1140A, 1140B) are illustrated as being arranged across the first electrode portion (1130A), the barrier (1126), and the second electrode portion (1130B). The ultraviolet lamps (1140A, 1140B) are arranged above the first electrode portion (1130A), above the barrier (1126), and above the second electrode portion (1130B). The total length of the ultraviolet lamps (1140A, 1140B) may be longer than the sum of the lengths of the first electrode portion (1130A), the barrier (1126), and the second electrode portion (1130B).

[0211] Referring to Fig. 34, the appearance of the ultraviolet ray generator (C) with the ultraviolet lamp (1140A, 1140B) omitted is illustrated. As can be seen therein, continuous mounting grooves (1132A', 1132B') may be formed in the first electrode portion (1130A) and the second electrode portion (1130B). More precisely, the two first mounting grooves (1132A') of the first electrode portion (1130A) are respectively connected to the two second mounting grooves (1132B') of the second electrode portion (1130B). Reference numeral 1132A'' represents a side wall forming the first mounting grooves (1132A'), and reference numeral 1132B'' represents a side wall forming the second mounting grooves (1132B').

[0212] At this time, referring to FIG. 38, the connecting grooves (1126a, 1126b) are formed in the barrier (1126). The connecting grooves (1126a, 1126b) are sunken in the barrier (1126) to form a curved shape on which the surface of the ultraviolet lamp (1140A, 1140B) is seated. The seating groove (1132A') of the first electrode portion (1130A), the connecting grooves (1126a, 1126b) and the seating groove (1132B') of the second electrode portion (1130B) form a continuous seating portion. Referring to FIGS. 38 to 40, the connecting grooves (1126a, 1126b) are composed of two connecting grooves (1126a, 1126b) adjacent to each other.

[0213] In the present embodiment, a first separation portion (1136A) is provided between the first electrode portion (1130A) and the barrier (1126). A second separation portion (1136B) is provided between the second electrode portion (1130B) and the barrier (1126). Referring to FIGS. 41 to 43, the first separation portion (1136A) is formed by the first electrode protrusion (1135A) of the first electrode portion. The second separation portion (1136B) is formed by the second electrode protrusion (1135B) of the second electrode portion (1130B).

[0214] The first separation portion (1136A) is formed continuously along the surface of the first electrode portion (1130A). Referring to Fig. 43, the upper surface of the first electrode protrusion (1135A) has a substantially continuous uneven shape. More precisely, the upper surface of the first electrode protrusion (1135A) has a continuous curved surface, and may have a kind of wave pattern. Since the upper surface of the first electrode protrusion (1135A) is continuously connected in this way, the first separation portion (1136A) is also formed continuously without any discontinued portions. Since the second separation portion (1136B) has the same structure as the first separation portion (1136A), a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0215] Referring to FIGS. 44 to 46, the present embodiment is illustrated in cross-sectional views. As can be seen therein, the first separation portion (1136A) and the second separation portion (1136B) are each provided continuously along the barrier (1126), and the first separation portion (1136A) and the second separation portion (1136B) each have the lowest height at the bottom of the ultraviolet lamp (1140A). That is, the first separation portion (1136A) and the second separation portion (1136B) are each formed closest to the bottom surface of the lamp housing (1120) at a portion facing the surface of the ultraviolet lamp (1140A).

[0216] Referring to Fig. 44, a portion of the first spacer (1136A) and the second spacer (1136B) is covered with the surface of the ultraviolet lamp (1140A), but the remaining portion of the first spacer (1136A) and the second spacer (1136B) located outside the ultraviolet lamp (1140A) is exposed without being covered by the ultraviolet lamp (1140A). Since the remaining portion of the first spacer (1136A) and the second spacer (1136B) located outside the ultraviolet lamp (1140A) does not come into contact with the surface of the ultraviolet lamp (1140A), the influence on the startup of the ultraviolet lamp (1140A), i.e., the initial lighting, is less than that of other portions. However, the remaining portions of the first separation portion (1136A) and the second separation portion (1136B) located outside the ultraviolet lamp (1140A) can prevent sparks between the first electrode portion (1130A) and the second electrode portion (1130B). In some cases, only a portion of the first separation portion (1136A) and the second separation portion (1136B) covered on the surface of the ultraviolet lamp (1140A) can be regarded as the first separation portion (1136A) and the second separation portion (1136B).

[0217] Referring to Fig. 45, it can be seen that the first separation portion (1136A) and the second separation portion (1136B) are formed from the top to the bottom of the barrier (1126) along the height direction (up-down direction based on Fig. 45). Among these, the ultraviolet lamp (1140A, 1140B) can cross the first separation portion (1136A) and the second separation portion (1136B) located at the bottom of the barrier (1126), i.e., the lowest position.

[0218] Referring to FIG. 46, the ultraviolet lamps (1140A, 1140B) are arranged to cross the first separation portion (1136A), the barrier (1126), and the second separation portion (1136B). As can be seen, the surfaces of the ultraviolet lamps (1140A, 1140B) can face the surface of the first separation portion (1136A), the surface of the barrier (1126), and the surface of the second separation portion (1136B), respectively. In the present embodiment, since the ultraviolet lamp (1140A) has a cylindrical shape, the electrode connection surface (1140AB) and the light extraction surface (1140AA) cannot be clearly distinguished. However, based on FIG. 46, the upper portion can be distinguished as the light extraction surface (1140AA), and the lower portion can be distinguished as the electrode connection surface (1140AB). Even if the above UV lamp (1140A) rotates in this state, the upper part can still be viewed as the light extraction surface (1140AA) and the lower part as the electrode connection surface (1140AB) based on Fig. 46.

[0219] The enlarged view of FIG. 46 shows a first surface (1136A1) of a first separation portion (1136A) forming the first electrode portion (1130A), a second surface (1136A2) of the first separation portion (1136A), a first surface (1136B1) of a second separation portion (1136B) forming the second electrode portion (1130B), and a second surface (1136B2) of the second separation portion (1136B). At this time, the relative ratio of the distance (D1A) between the second surface (1136A2) of the first electrode portion (1130A) and the surface (1126A1) of the barrier (1126) and the distance (D2A) between the first step surface (1136A1) and the electrode connection surface (1141B) is the same as the previously described embodiment, so the description will be omitted.

[0220] The above description is merely an illustrative illustration of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to illustrate, rather than limit, the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. First electrode section; A second electrode portion arranged spaced apart from the first electrode portion; A barrier disposed between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion; An ultraviolet lamp having an electrode connection surface arranged toward the surface of the first electrode part, the surface of the second electrode part, and the surface of the barrier, and a light extraction surface arranged toward the opposite side of the electrode connection surface; and An ultraviolet ray generating device comprising a separation portion formed such that at least one of the surface of the first electrode portion or the surface of the second electrode portion and the surface of the barrier are spaced apart from each other and open toward the electrode connection surface.

2. In claim 1, the first electrode part A first surface facing the surface of the barrier and spaced apart from the surface of the barrier by a first distance; and A second surface facing the surface of the barrier and spaced apart from the surface of the barrier by a second distance longer than the first distance; The above-mentioned separation unit is an ultraviolet ray generating device formed between the second surface and the surface of the barrier.

3. In claim 2, the ultraviolet ray generating device is arranged closer to the electrode connection surface than the first surface.

4. In claim 2, a step surface is formed between the first surface and the second surface, The above step surface is an ultraviolet ray generating device facing the above electrode connection surface.

5. In claim 2, the first surface is an ultraviolet ray generating device that is in close contact with the surface of the barrier.

6. In claim 1, the first electrode part A first surface facing the surface of the barrier and spaced apart from the surface of the barrier by a first distance; and A second surface facing the surface of the barrier and spaced apart from the surface of the barrier by a second distance longer than the first distance; A step surface is formed between the first surface and the second surface, An ultraviolet ray generating device in which the distance (D1A) between the second surface and the surface of the barrier is between 0.8 and 1.2 times the distance (D2A) between the step surface and the electrode connection surface.

7. In claim 1, the first electrode part A first surface facing the surface of the barrier and spaced apart from the surface of the barrier by a first distance; and A second surface facing the surface of the barrier and spaced apart from the surface of the barrier by a second distance longer than the first distance; An ultraviolet ray generating device in which the distance (D1A) between the second surface and the surface of the barrier is greater than or equal to the thickness (D3) of the barrier based on the direction in which the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are spaced from each other.

8. In claim 1, the separation portion is formed between the surface of the barrier and the surface of the first electrode portion, A device for generating ultraviolet rays, wherein the maximum separation distance (D1A) between the surface of the first electrode part forming the separation part and the surface of the barrier is between 0.8 and 1.2 times the maximum separation distance (D2A) between the surface of the first electrode part forming the separation part and the electrode connection surface.

9. In claim 1, the ultraviolet ray generating device is formed by surrounding the surface of the first electrode portion, the surface of the barrier, and the surface of the electrode connection surface.

10. In claim 1, the electrode connection surface is arranged to cross the first electrode part, the barrier, and the second electrode part.

11. In claim 1, the electrode connection surface and the light extraction surface are each a planar ultraviolet ray generating device.

12. In claim 1, the electrode connection surface is an ultraviolet ray generating device in contact with the upper surface of the barrier.

13. In claim 1, a lamp housing in which the first electrode part, the second electrode part, and the ultraviolet lamp are stored is further included. The above barrier is an ultraviolet ray generating device that is integrally provided with the lamp housing or is combined with the lamp housing.

14. In claim 1, a lamp housing in which the first electrode part, the second electrode part, and the ultraviolet lamp are stored is further included. An ultraviolet ray generating device in which power connection holes are formed on the bottom surface of the lamp housing to be connected to the first electrode section and the second electrode section, respectively.

15. In claim 1, a lamp housing in which the first electrode part, the second electrode part, and the ultraviolet lamp are stored is further included. The above lamp housing has a housing fence protruding around the side of the above UV lamp, The above housing fence is an ultraviolet ray generating device with a slanted diffusion surface.

16. In claim 1, the barrier is provided with a barrier protrusion that protrudes toward the surface of the first electrode portion and the surface of the second electrode portion, An ultraviolet ray generating device in which electrode grooves in which the barrier protrusion is disposed are formed in each of the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion.

17. In claim 16, a lamp housing in which the first electrode part, the second electrode part, and the ultraviolet lamp are stored is further included. The above barrier protrusion extends from the bottom surface of the lamp housing toward the electrode connection surface, The above electrode groove is an ultraviolet ray generating device that extends from the bottom surface of the first electrode part and the bottom surface of the second electrode part that are in contact with the bottom surface of the lamp housing toward the electrode connection surface.

18. In claim 1, the first electrode part A first surface facing the surface of the barrier and spaced apart from the surface of the barrier by a first distance; and A second surface facing the surface of the barrier and spaced apart from the surface of the barrier by a second distance longer than the first distance; An ultraviolet ray generating device in which the above-mentioned separation portion is continuously formed along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the second surface and the surface of the barrier face each other.

19. In claim 1, an ultraviolet ray generating device in which an auxiliary electrode protrudes toward the surface of the barrier in the separation portion.

20. In claim 19, the auxiliary electrode is an ultraviolet ray generating device that protrudes from the first electrode portion or the second electrode portion toward the electrode connection surface.

21. In claim 19, the auxiliary electrode is formed to have a width that gradually narrows from the first electrode portion or the second electrode portion toward the surface of the barrier.

22. In claim 1, the barrier is formed with a first barrier surface facing the surface of the first electrode portion and a second barrier surface facing the surface of the second electrode portion, The above separation part A first separation portion formed between the surface of the first electrode portion and the first barrier surface; and An ultraviolet ray generating device comprising a second separation portion formed between the surface of the second electrode portion and the second barrier surface.

23. In claim 1, the barrier is formed with a first barrier surface facing the surface of the first electrode portion and a second barrier surface facing the surface of the second electrode portion. An ultraviolet ray generating device in which a barrier depression is formed in the opposite direction to the direction in which the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are spaced from each other on at least one of the first barrier surface and the second barrier surface.

24. In claim 1, the first separation portion and the second separation portion have an asymmetrical shape with respect to each other.

25. In claim 1, the upper surface of the barrier facing the electrode connection surface protrudes further toward the electrode connection surface than the upper surface of the first electrode portion and the upper surface of the second electrode portion, or An ultraviolet ray generating device in which the upper surface of the barrier facing the electrode connection surface, the upper surface of the first electrode part, and the upper surface of the second electrode part have the same height.

26. In claim 1, the first electrode part is formed by stacking two different electrode bodies, An ultraviolet ray generating device in which one of the two electrode bodies is spaced apart from the surface of the barrier to form the spaced portion.

27. In claim 1, an ultraviolet ray generating device in which the surface of the separation portion is formed as an inclined surface or a curved surface so that the width of the opening from the separation portion toward the electrode connection surface gradually increases.

28. In claim 1, the gap is formed between the surface of the first electrode portion and the surface of the barrier, An ultraviolet ray generating device in which the above separation part includes parts in which the distance between the surface of the first electrode part and the surface of the barrier is different.

29. In claim 1, the barrier is First barrier section; A second barrier portion connected to the first barrier portion and positioned closer to the electrode connection surface than the first barrier portion; A device for generating ultraviolet rays in which the thickness of the second barrier portion based on the direction in which the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are spaced apart from each other is formed thinner than the first barrier portion, so that the spaced portion is formed between the surface of the second barrier portion and the surface of the first electrode portion or the second electrode portion.

30. In claim 1, the surface of the ultraviolet lamp is curved, and a curved mounting groove in which the surface of the ultraviolet lamp is mounted is formed in the first electrode part and the second electrode part.

31. In claim 30, a curved connecting groove is formed in the barrier to allow the surface of the ultraviolet lamp to be seated therein, The mounting groove of the first electrode part, the connecting groove, and the mounting groove of the second electrode part form a continuous mounting part, The above ultraviolet lamp is an ultraviolet ray generating device mounted on the above mounting portion.

32. First electrode section; A second electrode portion arranged spaced apart from the first electrode portion; A barrier disposed between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion; and An ultraviolet lamp is disposed across the first electrode portion, the second electrode portion, and the barrier, and has an electrode connection surface that contacts the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion, respectively; An ultraviolet ray generating device in which a separation space is formed between the surface of the barrier, the electrode connection surface, and the surface of the first electrode portion, or between the surface of the barrier, the electrode connection surface, and the surface of the second electrode portion.

33. First electrode section; A second electrode portion arranged spaced apart from the first electrode portion; A barrier disposed between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion; and An ultraviolet lamp is disposed across the first electrode portion, the second electrode portion, and the barrier, and has an electrode connection surface that contacts the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion, respectively; At least one of the first electrode part or the second electrode part A first electrode body spaced a first distance from the above barrier and receiving power; An ultraviolet ray generating device comprising a second electrode body spaced apart from the barrier by a second distance longer than the first distance and positioned between the first electrode body and the ultraviolet lamp.

34. First electrode section; A second electrode portion arranged spaced apart from the first electrode portion; A barrier disposed between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion; and An ultraviolet lamp is disposed across the first electrode portion, the second electrode portion, and the barrier, and has an electrode connection surface that contacts the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion, respectively; A separation space is formed in the first electrode part or the second electrode part, spaced apart from the electrode connection surface, The above separation space is an ultraviolet ray generating device connected to the surface of the above barrier.

35. A home appliance further comprising an ultraviolet ray generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 34, and a power supply device that supplies power to the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit.

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