WO2008010684A1

WO2008010684A1 - Stand type sterilization device using discharge tube

Info

Publication number: WO2008010684A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/003510
Authority: WO
Inventors: In-Pyo Hong
Original assignee: In-Pyo Hong
Priority date: 2006-07-21
Filing date: 2007-07-20
Publication date: 2008-01-24
Also published as: KR200427844Y1

Abstract

Disclosed is a stand type sterilization device using a discharge tube. The stand type sterilization device includes a prop having a cylindrical shape so as to receive a ballast therein, and provided with a plurality of legs installed on the lower end of the circumferential surface thereof in the radial direction, casters attached to the lower surfaces of the legs, and a fastening protrusion formed on the central part of the upper surface thereof; a hollow support rod provided with a screw thread formed on the lower end thereof so as to be screw-connected to the fastening protrusion of the prop and a first connection protrusion formed on the upper end thereof, and having a two-step structure so that the length of the support rod can be adjusted; and an ultraviolet irradiator connected to the upper end of the support rod such that the angle of the ultraviolet irradiator is vertically adjustable. The stand type sterilization device uses the discharge tube, which emits ultraviolet rays of both long and short wavelengths so as to sterilize both the surface and the inside of bedclothes, and has an adjustable height and angle and is rotated vertically so as to irradiate ultraviolet rays to a desirable random position.

Description

[DESCRIPTION] [Invention Title]

STAND TYPE STERILIZATION DEVICE USING DISCHARGE TUBE [Technical Field]

<i> The present invention relates to a sterilization device, and more particularly to a stand type sterilization device using a discharge tube, which has an adjustable height and angle and is rotated vertically so as to irradiate ultraviolet rays to a desirable random position. [Background Art]

<2> In general, as the standard of living of people has been raised, modes and patterns of living have been variously changed. Such a change starts from a basic desire for a physically and mentally healthy and comfortable life.

<3> In connection with the above trend, various leisure and cultural industries recently command popularity. Furthermore, public concern for health, such as wellbeing food and wellbeing houses, has been increased.

<4> Thus, the sale of various electronic products and daily commodities, related with health, has been rapidly increased. Measures for eliminating factors spoiling user's health from drinking water to bedclothes have been continuously taken.

<5> For example, various bacteria, fungi, viruses, and house dust-mites live in bedclothes due to a damp environment. Accordingly, a sterilization device for sterilizing bedclothes by irradiating ultraviolet rays has been proposed.

<6> However, conventional sterilizers using a sterilization element, such as ultraviolet rays or an ozonizer, are fixedly installed at a specific place or article, i.e., a refrigerator, a tooth brush storage case, a shoes storage case, etc., and thus are limited to the sterilization or disinfection of a specific article or tool.

<7> Accordingly, a sterilizer, which is portable and movable so as to be good for the personal health, while solving the above drawback of the conventional sterilizers, has been developed.

<8> Conventional sterilizers using ultraviolet rays are divided into fixed sterilizers and movable sterilizers. Fixed sterilizers include a tableware disinfector, a drinking water sterilizer, a refrigerator, a washing machine, and a cleaner, and movable sterilizers include a portable sterilizer, and a stand type sterilizer. (For example, disclosed in Korean Utility Model Registration Nos. 20-0238573, 20-0253606, 0254356, and 20-030351)

<9> The above conventional movable sterilizers have been gradually miniaturized so as to emphasize the portability. However, since a sterilization range is restricted by the size of an ultraviolet lamp, the movable sterilizers cannot have a broad sterilization range.

<io> Thus, another movable ultraviolet sterilizer, which is disclosed in Korean Utility Model Registration No.20-0315033, has been developed.

<π> Such a movable ultraviolet sterilizer, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, includes an air outlet 11 formed through a front case 10 of a sterilizer main body 1, an air inlet formed through a rear case 20 of the sterilizer main body 1, right and left lamp buttons 12, a timer 13, an air volume control button 14, and an air direction control button 15, which are provided on the upper surface of the front case 10, fixing protrusions 16a and 16b, which are correspondingly protruded from the upper parts of both side surfaces of the front case 10, and brackets 43a and 43b, which are fixedly installed below the fixing protrusions 16a and 16b and are vertically rotatable on hinges 46a and 46b. Locking levers 44a and 44b provided with connection links 45a and 45b attached thereto are installed on the brackets 43a and 43b. The connection links 45a and 45b are respectively connected to the fixing protrusions 16a and 16b.

<i2> Lamp cases 40a and 40b provided with ultraviolet lamps 42a and 42b mounted thereon are rotatably installed at the outer sides of the brackets 43a and 43b. Reflection plates 41a and 41b are installed on the opened inner surfaces of the lamp cases 40a and 40b. Support ribs 17a and 17b are attached to both side surfaces of the front case 10, and thus prevent the lamp cases 40a and 40b from contacting directly the front case 10 of the sterilizer main body 1 when the lamp cases 40a ad 40b are rotated downwardly.

<i3> A rotary plate 51 and a rotary plate motor 50 are installed under the sterilizer main body 1 so that the sterilizer main body 1 can be rotated by the rotary plate motor 50, and the lower part of the rotary plate motor 50 is fixedly connected to the upper part of a supporter 31 of a prop 30. A reflection plate 41c and an ultraviolet lamp 42c are installed in the front portion of the inside of the front case 10. A fan 53 is located at a position separated from the ultraviolet lamp 42c. The fan 53 is installed at a shaft of a fan motor 52 provided under the fan 53 such that the upper part of the fan 53 is fixed to a fan fixing bracket 55 and the fan motor 52 is fixed to a motor fixing bracket 54.

<14> A controller 56 for controlling various buttons including the lamp buttons 12 is provided in the upper portion of the inside of the sterilizer main body 1. A power source is connected to the controller 56 via a power cord 60. A remote control signal transmitting and receiving unit 17 is provided on the controller 56 of the upper part of the front case 10, thereby allowing a user to operate the sterilizer using a remote controller (not shown) .

<15> Since the ultraviolet lamps used in the above conventional movable sterilizer are lamps, which are produced for the purpose of sterilization and thus emit rays of short wavelengths, in case that the movable sterilizer is used to sterilize bedclothes, rays of short wavelengths emitted from the ultraviolet lamps sterilize only the surfaces of the bedclothes, but cannot be transmitted to the inside of the bedclothes.

<i6> Further, since it is impossible to adjust the height and the angle of the sterilizer main body, the sterilizer cannot irradiate ultraviolet rays to a desired position to be sterilized, thus causing inconvenience in substantial use. [Disclosure] [Technical Problem] <17> Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a stand type sterilization device using a discharge tube, which emits ultraviolet rays of both long and short wavelengths so as to sterilize both the surface and the inside of bedclothes.

<18> It is another object of the present invention to provide a stand type sterilization device using a discharge tube, which has an adjustable height and angle and is rotated vertically so as to irradiate ultraviolet rays to a desirable random position. [Technical Solution]

<i9> In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a stand type sterilization device using a discharge tube, comprising a prop having a cylindrical shape so as to receive a ballast therein, and provided with a plurality of legs installed on the lower end of the circumferential surface thereof in the radial direction, casters attached to the lower surfaces of the legs, and a fastening protrusion formed on the central part of the upper surface thereof; a hollow support rod provided with a screw thread formed on the lower end thereof so as to be screw-connected to the fastening protrusion of the prop and a first connection protrusion formed on the upper end thereof, and having a two-step structure so that the length of the support rod can be adjusted; and an ultraviolet irradiator connected to the upper end of the support rod such that the angle of the ultraviolet irradiator is vertically adjustable.

<20> The ultraviolet irradiator may include a supporter having a cylindrical shape, and provided with a hinge, connected to the first connection protrusion of the support rod, formed on the lower surface of one end of the supporter; a support plate having a rectangular flat shape, connected to the front and lower surfaces of the supporter, and provided with shaft supporting protrusions, each having a shaft hole, separated from each other and formed at both ends of the central part of the upper surface of the support plate, and switch fixing protrusions separated from each other centering on the shaft hole of one shaft supporting protrusion and formed at the side of the shaft supporting protrusion; a rotary shaft inserted into the shaft supporting protrusions, and provided with a gear formed at one side of the rotary shaft and a stopper formed at the other side of the rotary shaft; a regularly and reversely rotary motor connected to the gear of the rotary shaft so as to rotate the rotary shaft in regular and reverse directions, and fixed to the upper surface of the support plate by a bracket; limit switches respectively fixed to the switch fixing protrusions of the support plate such that the contact points between the limit switches and the stopper are turned on and off by the stopper of the rotary shaft so as to achieve the regular and reverse rotation of the regularly and reversely rotary motor; a lamp member connected to the rotary shaft, and vertically moving according to the regular and reverse rotation of the rotary shaft; and a cover provided with an oval opening formed through the front surface thereof for exposing the lamp member to the outside, and connected to the support plate.

<2i> The limit switches may be installed at both sides of the stopper at positions of an angle of 5-15 degrees from the stopper so as to allow the stopper to be operated within the range of angles of 10-30 degrees.

<22> The lamp member may include a case having a hemispheric shape, and provided with a second connection protrusion formed on the rear surface thereof so as to pass the rotary shaft, a discharge tube terminal installed on the internal lower surface thereof, and through holes formed through the circumferential surface thereof; a reflection plate having a semicylindrical shape, inserted into the case, and provided with a terminal hole, through which the discharge tube terminal is protruded, and a fan installed close to the terminal hole; a protection screen connected to the front surface of the reflection plate; and a discharge tube connected to the discharge tube terminal and emitting ultraviolet rays of long and short wavelengths.

<23> An operation panel may be formed on the upper end of the support rod, and have a thickness, which is gradually increased from the upper end thereof to the lower end thereof so as to allow the operation surface thereof to be inclined.

<24> The operation panel may include a display unit including a power button, a start button, a motor button for switching on/off the regularly and reversely rotary motor, a lamp button for switching on/off the discharge tube, a mode select button for selecting a mode, and a display button for displaying the mode; and a controller providing the power of the ballast to the respective components when the power button of the display unit is pressed, operating the display lamp according to the selection of the mode by the mode select button so as to display the corresponding mode, operating the discharge tube and the regularly and reversely rotary motor for a predetermined time according to the selected mode when the start button is pressed under the condition that the lamp button and the motor button are pressed, and operating the fan for a designated time so as to cool the discharge tube when the operation of the discharge tube and the regularly and reversely rotary motor is completed.

[Advantageous Effects]

<26> The stand type sterilization device of the present invention uses the discharge tube, which emits ultraviolet rays of both long and short wavelengths, thus being capable of sterilizing both the surface and the inside of bedclothes. Further, the stand type sterilization allows the discharge tube to have an adjustable height and angle and to be rotated vertically, thus being capable of irradiating ultraviolet rays to a desirable random position. [Description of Drawings]

<27> The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

<28> FIGS. 1 and 2 are views illustrating a conventional movable ultraviolet sterilizer;

<29> FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective of a stand type sterilization device using a discharge tube in accordance with the present invention;

<30> FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an ultraviolet irradiating unit of the stand type sterilization device in accordance with the present invention;

<3i> FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the constitution of the stand type sterilization device in accordance with the present invention; and

<32> FIG. 6 is a view of the stand type sterilization device in accordance with the present invention in a working state. [Best Mode]

<33> Now, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the annexed drawings.

<34> In the following description of the present invention, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when it may make the subject matter of the present invention rather unclear. Also, the terms used in the following description are terms defined taking into consideration the functions obtained in accordance with the present invention. The definitions of these terms should be determined based on the whole content of this specification because they may be changed in accordance with the option of a user or an operator or a usual practice.

<35> FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective of a stand type sterilization device using a discharge tube in accordance with the present invention, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an ultraviolet irradiating unit of the stand type sterilization device in accordance with the present invention, FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the constitution of the stand type sterilization device in accordance with the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a view of the stand type sterilization device in accordance with the present invention in a working state.

<36> With reference to FIGS. 3 to 6, a stand type sterilization device 100 using a discharge tube in accordance with the present invention includes a prop 110, a support rod 120, and an ultraviolet irradiator 130.

<37> First, the prop 110 has a cylindrical shape so as to receive a ballast 111 therein, and is provided with a plurality of legs 112 installed on the lower part thereof in the radial direction, casters 13 attached to the lower surfaces of the legs 112, and a fastening protrusion 114 formed on the central part of the upper surface thereof.

<38> The support rod 120 is provided with a screw thread 121 formed on the lower end thereof so as to be screw-connected to the fastening protrusion 114 of the prop 110, and is hollow. Further, the support rod 120 has a two-step structure so that the length of the support rod 120 can be adjusted, and a first connection protrusion 123 is formed on the upper end of the support rod 120.

<39> Here, the length of the support rod 120 may be adjusted by a known method, such as a fastening method using nuts or a multi-step adjusting method using buttons. In the drawings, a fastening method using a nut 124 is illustrated.

<40> Further, an operation panel 125 is formed on the upper end of the support rod 120. The operation panel 125 has a thickness, which is gradually increased from the upper end thereof to the lower end thereof, so as to provide an inclined operation surface.

<4i> Here, the operation panel 125 includes a display unit 126 and a controller 127. The display unit 126 includes a power button 126-1, a start button 126-2, a motor button 126-3 for switching on/off a regularly and reversely rotary motor 134, which will be described later, a lamp button 126- 4 for switching on/off a discharge tube 136-4, which will be described later, a mode select button 126-5 for selecting a model and a display button 126-6 for displaying the mode. The controller 127 provides the power of the ballast 111 to the respective components when the power button 126-1 of the display unit 126 is pressed, operates the display lamp 126-6 according to the selection of the mode by the mode select button 126-5 so as to display the corresponding mode, operates the discharge tube 136-4 and the regularly and reversely rotary motor 134 for a predetermined time according to the selected mode when the start button 126-2 is pressed under the condition that the lamp button 126-4 and the motor button 126-3 are pressed, and operates a fan 136- 22, which will be described later, so as to cool the discharge tube 136-4 when the operation of the discharge tube 136-4 and the regularly and reversely rotary motor 134 is completed.

<42> The ultraviolet irradiator 130 includes a supporter 131, a support plate 132, a rotary shaft 133, the regularly and reversely rotary motor 134, limit switches 135, a lamp member 136, and a cover 137.

<43> The supporter 131 has a cylindrical shape, and a hinge 131-1, which is connected to the first connection protrusion 123 of the support rod 120, is formed on the lower surface of one end of the supporter 131. Here, a known hinge, having a vertically rotated structure, of an electric fan or a hot blast heater is used as the hinge 131-1.

<44> The support plate 132 has a rectangular flat shape, and is connected to the front and lower surfaces of the supporter 131. The support plate 132 is provided with shaft supporting protrusions 132-2, each having a shaft hole 132-1, separated from each other and formed at both ends of the central part of the upper surface of the support plate 132, and switch fixing protrusions 132-3 separated from each other centering on the shaft hole 132-1 of one shaft supporting protrusion 132-2 and formed at the side of the shaft supporting protrusion 132-2.

<45> The rotary shaft 133 is inserted into the shaft supporting protrusions 132-2. A gear 133-1 is formed at one side of the rotary shaft 133, and a stopper 133-2 is formed at the other side of the rotary shaft 133. Here, the rotary shaft 133 may be inserted into the shaft supporting protrusions 132-2 by bearings (not shown).

<46> The regularly and reversely rotary motor 134 is connected to the gear 133-1 of the rotary shaft 133 so as to rotate the rotary shaft 133 in regular and reverse directions, and is fixed to one side of the upper surface of the support plate 132 by a bracket 134-1.

<47> The limit switches 135 are respectively fixed to the switch fixing protrusions 132-3 of the support plate 132 such that the contact points between the limit switches 135 and the stopper 133-2 are turned on and off by the stopper 133-2 of the rotary shaft 133 so as to achieve the regular and reverse rotation of the regularly and reversely rotary motor 134. Here, the limit switches 135 are installed at both sides of the stopper 133-2 at positions of an angle of 5 to 15 degrees from the stopper 133-2 so as to allow the stopper 133-2 to be operated within the range of angles of 10 to 30 degrees, and are installed at the same angle so as to achieve surface contact when the stopper 133-2 contacts the limit switches 135.

<48> The lamp member 136 includes a case 136-1 having a hemispheric shape, and provided with a second connection protrusion 136-11 formed on the rear surface thereof so as to pass the rotary shaft 133, a discharge tube terminal 136-12 installed on the internal lower surface thereof, and through holes 136-13 formed through the circumferential surface thereof, a reflection plate 136-2 having a semicylindrical shape, inserted into the case 136-1, and provided with a terminal hole 136-21, through which the discharge tube terminal 136-12 is protruded, and a fan 136-22 installed close to the terminal hole 126-21, a protection screen 136-3 connected to the front surface of the reflection plate 136-2, and the discharge tube 136-4 connected to the discharge tube terminal 136-12 and emitting ultraviolet rays of long and short wavelengths.

<49> Here, the discharge tube 136-4 may be replaced with an ultraviolet lamp, or both the discharge tube 136-4 and the ultraviolet lamp (not shown) may be installed so as to use ultraviolet rays and infrared rays simultaneously or selectively.

<50> The cover 137 is provided with an oval opening 137-1 for exposing the lamp member 136 to the outside, and is connected to the support plate 132.

<5i> Hereinafter, the operation of the stand type sterilization device of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the annexed drawings.

<52> First, a user moves the stand type sterilization device to a desired place (for example, a bed), and then connects power to the stand type sterilization device.

<53> Under the above state, the user adjusts the height of the ultraviolet irradiator 130 according to the height of the bed by controlling the height of the support rod 120, and then adjusts the angle of the ultraviolet irradiator 130 to a desired angle using the hinge 131-1 formed on the supporter 131 of the ultraviolet irradiator 130.

<54> Then, the user selects a desired operation time through the mode select button 126-5 under the condition that the power button 126-1 is pressed to supply power to the respective components, and presses the lamp button 126-4 and the motor button 126-3. Thereafter, when the user presses the start button 126-2, the controller 127 operates the discharge tube 136-4 and the regularly and reversely rotary motor 134 for a predetermined time according to the mode. Here, when the user does not press the motor button 126-3, the regularly and reversely rotary motor 134 is not operated.

<55> When the controller 127 supplies power to the regularly and reversely rotary motor 134, the rotary shaft 133 connected to the regularly and reversely rotary motor 134 by the gear 133-1 is rotated, and thus the lamp member 136 fixed to the rotary shaft 133 is rotated together with the rotation of the rotary shaft 133. Here, the stopper 133-2 connected to the rotary shaft 133 contacts the limit switches 135 installed at both sides of the stopper 133-2.

<56> When the stopper 133-2 contacts one of the limit switches 135, the controller 127 rotates the regularly and reversely rotary motor 134 in a regular direction, and when the stopper 133-2 contacts the other one of the limit switches 135, the controller 127 rotates the regularly and reversely rotary motor 134 in the reverse direction, thereby moving the lamp member 136 vertically at an angle of 10-30 degrees.

<57> When the predetermined mode operation time has elapsed, the controller 127 operates the fan 136-22 for approximately 2 minutes, thus cooling the discharge tube 136-4. When power is supplied under the condition that the discharge tube 136-4 is not cooled, the discharge tube 136-4 cannot be turned on. [Industrial Applicability]

<58> As apparent from the above description, the present invention provides a stand type sterilization device using a discharge tube, which sterilizes a wide area using a circular lamp member, has a desirably adjustable height and angle through a support rod and a hinge, and eliminates germs, such as bacteria and mites, living in toys, clothes, bedclothes, pillows, shoes, beds, rooms, kitchens, restrooms, warehouses, etc. for a time, desired by a user, according to respective modes.

<59> Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

[CLAIMS] [Claim 1]

<6i> A stand type sterilization device using a discharge tube, comprising:

<62> a prop having a cylindrical shape so as to receive a ballast therein, and provided with a plurality of legs installed on the lower end of the circumferential surface thereof in the radial direction, casters attached to the lower surfaces of the legs, and a fastening protrusion formed on the central part of the upper surface thereof;

<63> a hollow support rod provided with a screw thread formed on the lower end thereof so as to be screw-connected to the fastening protrusion of the prop and a first connection protrusion formed on the upper end thereof, and having a two-step structure so that the length of the support rod can be adjusted; and

<64> an ultraviolet irradiator connected to the upper end of the support rod such that the angle of the ultraviolet irradiator is vertically adjustable. [Claim 2]

<65> The stand type sterilization device according to claim 1, wherein the ultraviolet irradiator includes:

<66> a supporter having a cylindrical shape, and provided with a hinge, connected to the first connection protrusion of the support rod, formed on the lower surface of one end of the supporter;

<67> a support plate having a rectangular flat shape, connected to the front and lower surfaces of the supporter, and provided with shaft supporting protrusions, each having a shaft hole, separated from each other and formed at both ends of the central part of the upper surface of the support plate, and switch fixing protrusions separated from each other centering on the shaft hole of one shaft supporting protrusion and formed at the side of the shaft supporting protrusion;

<68> a rotary shaft inserted into the shaft supporting protrusions, and provided with a gear formed at one side of the rotary shaft and a stopper formed at the other side of the rotary shaft; <69> a regularly and reversely rotary motor connected to the gear of the rotary shaft so as to rotate the rotary shaft in regular and reverse directions, and fixed to the upper surface of the support plate by a bracket;

<70> limit switches respectively fixed to the switch fixing protrusions of the support plate such that the contact points between the limit switches and the stopper are turned on and off by the stopper of the rotary shaft so as to achieve the regular and reverse rotation of the regularly and reversely rotary motor;

<7i> a lamp member connected to the rotary shaft, and vertically moving according to the regular and reverse rotation of the rotary shaft; and

<72> a cover provided with an oval opening formed through the front surface thereof for exposing the lamp member to the outside, and connected to the support plate. [Claim 3]

<73> The stand type sterilization device according to claim 2, wherein the limit switches are installed at both sides of the stopper at positions of an angle of 5-15 degrees from the stopper so as to allow the stopper to be operated within the range of angles of 10-30 degrees. [Claim 4]

<74> The stand type sterilization device according to claim 2, wherein the lamp member includes:

<75> a case having a hemispheric shape, and provided with a second connection protrusion formed on the rear surface thereof so as to pass the rotary shaft, a discharge tube terminal installed on the internal lower surface thereof, and through holes formed through the circumferential surface thereof;

<76> a reflection plate having a semicylindrical shape, inserted into the case, and provided with a terminal hole, through which the discharge tube terminal is protruded, and a fan installed close to the terminal hole;

<77> a protection screen connected to the front surface of the reflection plate; and <78> a discharge tube connected to the discharge tube terminal and emitting ultraviolet rays of long and short wavelengths. [Claim 5]

<79> The stand type sterilization device according to claim 1, wherein an operation panel is formed on the upper end of the support rod, and has a thickness, which is gradually increased from the upper end thereof to the lower end thereof so as to allow the operation surface thereof to be inclined. [Claim 6]

<80> The stand type sterilization device according to claim 5, wherein the operation panel includes:

<8i> a display unit including a power button, a start button, a motor button for switching on/off the regularly and reversely rotary motor, a lamp button for switching on/off the discharge tube, a mode select button for selecting a mode, and a display button for displaying the mode; and

<82> a controller providing the power of the ballast to the respective components when the power button of the display unit is pressed, operating the display lamp according to the selection of the mode by the mode select button so as to display the corresponding mode, operating the discharge tube and the regularly and reversely rotary motor for a predetermined time according to the selected mode when the start button is pressed under the condition that the lamp button and the motor button are pressed, and operating the fan for a designated time so as to cool the discharge tube when the operation of the discharge tube and the regularly and reversely rotary motor is completed.