WO2014116065A1

WO2014116065A1 - Portable sterilization and deodorization apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2014116065A1
Application number: PCT/KR2014/000722
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jong Rack Kim; Young Hwan Son; Seong Min Lee; Jae Seon Yi
Original assignee: Seoul Viosys Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2013-01-25
Filing date: 2014-01-24
Publication date: 2014-07-31
Also published as: KR20140095845A

Abstract

The present invention relate to a portable device for sterilization and deodorization, which exhibits highly efficient sterilization and deodorization functions by an effective combination of a direct sterilization structure utilizing UV light and a sterilization/deodorization structure utilizing a photocatalyst and can be easily attached to and detached from various products. The portable device for sterilization and deodorization includes: a case having an air inlet port, a discharge port and a UV light emission port; a filter disposed in the case and coated with a photocatalyst; a first ultraviolet light emitting diode (UV LED) module disposed in the case and configured to irradiate UV light having a first wavelength to the filter in order to activate the photocatalyst; and a second UV LED module disposed in the case and configured to irradiate UV light having a second wavelength to circulating air outside the case through the UV light emission port.

Description

PORTABLE STERILIZATION AND DEODORIZATION APPARATUS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a portable device for sterilization and deodorization, and more particularly to a portable device for sterilization and deodorization, which exhibits highly efficient sterilization and deodorization functions by an effective combination of a direct sterilization structure utilizing UV light and a sterilization/deodorization structure utilizing a photocatalyst and can be easily attached to and detached from various products.

At present, in order to improve the quality of indoor air or sterilize and deodorize shoes, clothes, bags and the like, sterilization and/or deodorization devices are used which are based on various methods, including filtration, ion and ozone generation, UV irradiation, etc.

For example, in the case of shoe sterilizers, shoes that are received in a shoe cabinet are sterilized by placing a UV lamp or a photolysis ionizer in the shoe cabinet, or the shoes are deodorized by inserting an air freshener or a deodorizer in the shoe cabinet. An example of a conventional device for sterilizing and deodorizing shoes is disclosed in Korean Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 10-2005-0120728.

A conventional sterilization and/or deodorization device such as a shoe sterilizer comprising a UV lamp is designed to be fixed to a specific position of a product. Thus, when shoes in a shoe cabinet provided with a UV lamp are to be sterilized, sterilization of the inside of the shoes is limited because UV light is directly irradiated to the outer surface of the shoes. In addition, in the case in which UV lamps are placed such that UV light can be irradiated to the inside of shoes, there are shortcomings in that the number of the UV lamps increases or the structure becomes complicated, resulting in an increase in costs, and in that it is difficult to achieve the effect of removing an offensive odor such as a shoe odor by the UV lamps alone.

Moreover, in the case of a shoe sterilizer, shoe can be sterilized by hot air drying, but there is a problem in that, when a portion adsorbed with an offensive odor-causing substance is heated, the degree of the offensive odor can increase rather than decrease. When an air freshener or a deodorizer is used to remove this offensive odor, there are shortcomings in that the air freshener or the deodorizer should be frequently replaced with a fresh one and in that the air freshener or the deodorizer causes atopy and the like, because it is a chemical product.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

Korean Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 10-2005-0120728 (2005.12.23)

An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a portable device for sterilization and deodorization, which exhibits improved sterilization and deodorization properties by the use of both the direct sterilization function of UV light and the sterilization and deodorization functions of a photocatalyst.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a portable device for sterilization and deodorization, which has improved user’s convenience and efficiency by the use of an attachable/detachable structure configured to be selectively used in various products.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a portable device for sterilization and deodorization includes: a case having an air inlet port, a discharge port and a UV light emission port; a filter disposed in the case and coated with a photocatalyst; a first ultraviolet light emitting diode (UV LED) module disposed in the case and configured to irradiate UV light having a first wavelength to the filter in order to activate the photocatalyst; and a second UV LED module disposed in the case and configured to irradiate UV light having a second wavelength to circulating air outside the case through the UV light emission port.

The first wavelength may be 400 ㎚ or shorter, and the second wavelength may be between 255 ㎚ and 300 ㎚.

The case may have a cylindrical shape. Herein, the discharge port may be disposed in the form of a discharge conduit extending from the central portion of the bottom surface of the case to the side of the case, and the air inlet port may be disposed in an upper member that extends from the side of the case and forms the upper surface of the case.

The upper member may have a dome shape.

The portable device for sterilization and deodorization may further include a coupling portion provided in the central portion of the upper member of the case and configured to attach and detach a fixing device. Herein, the fixing device may include any one of a string, a ring and an angle member, which have coupled thereto a coupling means which is connected to the coupling portion.

The portable device for sterilization and deodorization may further include a coupling portion disposed on the outside of the bottom surface of the case and configured to attach and detach a fixing device. Herein, the fixing device may include a magnetic attachment means or a suction plate, which has a coupling means which is connected to the coupling portion.

The portable device for sterilization and deodorization may further include a plurality of partitions disposed between the first UV LED module and a first circumferential surface of the filter and on a second circumferential surface of the filter and configured to guide air flow in the case.

The first UV LED module may include a ring-shaped substrate, and a first UV LED package disposed on the substrate and configured to irradiate UV light from the inside of the upper member of the case to the filter.

The filter may have metal foam having a disk shape.

The second UV LED module may include a reflector disposed on the inside of the side of the case and configured to reflect UV light having the second wavelength to the outside through the opening of the case.

The photocatalyst may be made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, cadmium sulfide, zirconium oxide, tin oxide, vanadium oxide, tungsten trioxide, and strontium titanate.

The portable device for sterilization and deodorization may further include a power supply unit coupled to or disposed in the case and configured to supply power to the first UV LED module and the second UV LED module.

The power supply unit may include: a battery receiving portion disposed on the bottom surface of the case and configured to receive a secondary battery; and an internal terminal portion disposed in the battery receiving portion and connected to the first UV LED module and the second UV LED module.

The power supply unit may further include a power terminal portion connected to the internal terminal portion and configured to charge the secondary battery by an external power source.

The portable device for sterilization and deodorization may further include a fan, which is disposed on the inside of the bottom surface of the case so as to be opposite the first UV LED module with the filter interposed therebetween and is configured such that air introduced through the air inlet port is discharged to the discharge port through the filter.

The portable device for sterilization and deodorization may further include a switch configured to control the operation of the power supply unit that supplies power to the fan.

The portable device for sterilization and deodorization may further include a timer configured to control the operating time of at least any one of the first UV LED module and the second UV LED module.

The portable device for sterilization and deodorization may further include: a light sensor disposed in the case and configured to detect light outside the case; and a switch configured to supply power to at least one of the first UV LED module and the second UV LED module or interrupt the power supply depending on the level of a signal from the light sensor

The portable device for sterilization and deodorization according to the present invention exhibits improved sterilization and deodorization properties by the use of both the direct sterilization function of UV light and the sterilization and deodorization functions of a photocatalyst.

Moreover, the portable device for sterilization and deodorization according to an embodiment of the present invention can be configured such that it is conveniently inserted into the internal space of various products (shoes, clothes chests, bags, garment pockets, drawers, etc.), thereby improving the user’s convenience and the efficiency of the device.

In addition, the portable device for sterilization and deodorization according to another embodiment of the present invention can perform both the direct sterilization function of UV light and the deodorization function of a photocatalyst and can also remove harmful substances, which cause atopy and the like, by a photocatalytic reaction, thereby preventing disease infection or a reduction in immunity.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a portable device for sterilization and deodorization according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic configuration of a portable device for sterilization and deodorization according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic configuration of a portable device for sterilization and deodorization according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a portable device for sterilization and deodorization according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5a is a top view of the portable device for sterilization and deodorization shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 5b is a bottom view of the portable device for sterilization and deodorization shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 5c is a front view of the portable device for sterilization and deodorization shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portable device for sterilization and deodorization shown in Fig. 4.

Figs. 7a to 7h are perspective views showing a process for assembling the portable device for sterilization and deodorization shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 8a is a perspective view of a portable device for sterilization and deodorization according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8b is a bottom view of the portable device for sterilization and deodorization shown in Fig. 8a.

Figs. 9a and 9b are front views illustrating a fixing device for a portable device for sterilization and deodorization according to the present invention.

Figs. 10 and 11 are perspective views illustrating a fixing device for a portable device for sterilization and deodorization according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The terms or words used in the specification and claims should not be limited to be construed as usual or dictionary definition but should be rather construed to be consistent with the technical spirits of the present invention based on the principle that the inventors may properly define the terms used in the specification to describe their invention in the best manner. Accordingly, it should be understood that the embodiments described in the specification and configurations disclosed in the drawings are merely examples and do not represent all of the technical spirits of the present invention and various modifications and variations to the present invention and equivalents thereof may be made at the time of filing of this application.

The terms used in the specification are intended to describe specific embodiments and shall not be used in a limiting sense. As used herein, the singular forms may be intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Embodiments

Fig. 1 shows the schematic configuration of a portable device for sterilization and deodorization according to the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 1, a portable device 10 for sterilization and deodorization according to the present invention comprises a case 11, a first ultraviolet light emitting diode (UV LED) module 12, a filter 13 and a second UV LED module 14.

The case 11 comprises a UV light emission port 113, an air inlet port 114 and a discharge port 115 and has an easy-to-carry size (volume). The easy-to-carry size may, for example, be about 600 ㎤. This limitation in the size is intended to allow the length, width or height of the device to have a size (about 15 cm or less) capable of being gripped by one hand of the user or a smaller size. Meanwhile, when the device for sterilization and deodorization is provided as a stationary type apparatus having a certain scale or larger, the case 11 may be constructed to have a size greater than 600 ㎤, for example, a volume of tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of ㎤ or greater.

In the case 11, the UV light emission port 113 is an opening through which UV light is emitted to directly sterilize either harmful substances in air or bacteria stained on an object located close thereto. The air inlet port 114 is an opening configured to introduce external circulating air into the case 11. In addition, the discharge port 115 is an opening configured to discharge air from the case 11 to the outside. The air inlet port 114 or the discharge port 115 may be covered with a mesh type net in order to prevent foreign materials such as dust having any size from being introduced into the case 11. This case 11 may be made of a material such as a plastic material so that it can receive components such as the LED module, the filter and the like while suitably supporting each of the components.

The first UV LED module 12 serves to activate a photocatalyst coated on the filter 13. The first UV LED module 12 is disposed between the air inlet port 114 and the filter 13 in the case 11. The first UV LED module 12 comprises a first UV LED package configured to irradiate UV light having a wavelength of 400 ㎚ or shorter. The first UV LED module 12 may comprise a plurality of UV LED packages arranged in a predetermined pattern on a substrate having a specific shape depending on the desired range of UV irradiation (e.g., the size of the filter). This first UV LED module 12 is preferably configured to irradiate UV light along the flow direction of air that is introduced into the case 11 through the air inlet port 114.

The filter 13 serves to remove harmful substances from air by the oxidation reaction of the photocatalyst 131. Due to the sterilization and deodorization functions of the photocatalyst, air introduced into the case 11 is cleaned and discharged. This filter 13 may have a specific shape (e.g., a disk shape) depending on the structure of the case 11.

In this embodiment, the filter 13 may be in the form of metal foam for effective arrangement of the photocatalyst. In this case, the filter 13 may have a specific shape (e.g., a disk shape) depending on the structure or the size of the internal space of the case 11.

The metal foam is a completely open porous metal structure in which all pores are connected to each other, and it has various pore sizes, low specific gravity and a high ease of use. The metal foam may be pure foam or alloy foam. Herein, the pure foam is a material prepared to have the structural properties of three dimensional open pores while maintaining the properties of base metals (Ni, Fe, Cu, etc.), and it has high reactivity due to its large specific surface area. In addition, the alloy foam refers to a new material prepared by applying advanced alloy technology to the fundamental properties of nickel (Ni), iron (Fe) or copper (Cu) foam.

When the filter 13 having the metal foam structure is used, photocatalytic action occurs on the metal foam surface coated with the photocatalyst 131, and thus the contact area between the photocatalyst 131 and air can increase to increase the ability of the photocatalyst 131. In addition, light energy corresponding to the band gap energy of the photocatalyst can be suitably irradiated to air. Thus, in this case, the sterilization and deodorization abilities of the photocatalyst can be improved.

The photocatalyst 131 is activated by UV light to oxidize harmful substances (hydrocarbon-based organic compounds, etc.) in air. The photocatalyst 131 may be made of at least any one material selected from among titanium dioxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), cadmium sulfide (CdS), zirconium oxide (ZrO2), tin oxide (SnO2), vanadium oxide (V2O2), tungsten trioxide (WO3) and strontium titanium oxide (SrTiO3). Particularly, the photocatalyst 131 is preferably TiO2 (anatase, rutile) that is photochemically activated, does not substantially corrode, is biologically or chemically stable and is inexpensive.

In the case in which a titanium dioxide photocatalyst is used, an oxidation/reduction reaction and a hydrophilic reaction can occur within a titanium dioxide molecule when irradiating nanometer-sized titanium dioxide crystals with UV light having a wavelength of 400 ㎚ or shorter, and the photocatalyst surface can exhibit an effect like incineration at an absolute temperature of 30,000 K, thereby oxidizing organic volatile compounds (VOCs) such as acetaldehyde, xylene, toluene and styrene, toxic substances such as radon gas and formaldehyde, which are generated in buildings, offensive odor gases such as hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, and atmospheric pollutants such as sulfur oxides (SOx), or oxidizing organic chlorine compounds such as tricholorethylene, phenol compounds, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), environmental hormones (bisphenol, nonylphenol, estradiol), dioxin, acetaldehyde, xylene, toluene, styrene, hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, methyl sulfide, trimethylamine, isovaleric acid and ammonia, or oxidizing microorganisms such as bacteria or viruses, and removing the toxic substances.

The second UV LED module 14 is configured to irradiate UV light through the UV light emission port 113 to either circulating air outside the case or an object located close to the case. The second UV LED module 14 serves to directly sterilize harmful substances by UV light and may comprise a second UV LED package that irradiates UV light having a wavelength between 255 ㎚ and 300 ㎚. In addition, in order to increase the efficiency of UV irradiation, the second UV LED module 14 may comprises a reflector (not shown) coupled to the second UV LED package. The reflector may be made of an aluminum-coated material.

In this embodiment, the second UV LED module 14 is disposed on the inner sidewall of the case 11 so that the second UV LED package mounted on a specific substrate irradiates UV light to the outside of the case through the UV light emission port 113.

Meanwhile, although not shown in the figures, the portable device 10 for sterilization and deodorization may comprise power supply unit (not shown) configured to supply power to the first UV LED module 12 and the second UV LED module 14. In this embodiment, the power supply unit may be a power cable that is connected to the first UV LED module 12 and the second UV LED module 14 in order to supply commercial power. The power cable may comprise an adaptor that is configured to be attachable to and detachable from a power supply connection terminal (not shown) of the case 11 and serves to transforms commercial power into specific output power.

This embodiment can provide a portable device for sterilization and deodorization, which has both the sterilization and deodorization functions of a photocatalyst and the function that directly sterilizes by UV light either circulating air or an object around the device.

FIG. 2 shows the schematic configuration of a portable device for sterilization and deodorization according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 2, a portable device 10A for sterilization and deodorization according to this embodiment comprises a case 11, a first UV LED module 12, a filter 13, a second UV LED module 14a, a power supply unit 15 and a timer 16.

The portable device 10A for sterilization and deodorization is substantially the same as the portable device 10 for sterilization and deodorization described above with respect to Fig. 1, except that the second UV LED module 14a is configured to irradiate UV light into the internal space of the case 11 and that the device 10A comprises the power supply unit 15 and the timer 16. Thus, the detailed description of the same elements as those of the device 10 is omitted.

The power supply unit 15 serves to supply power to the first UV LED module 12 and the second UV LED module 14 and is placed in the case 11. The power supply unit 15 may be disposed on the bottom surface 111a of the case 11. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 15 is disposed in the central portion of the bottom surface 111a and comprises a battery receiving portion 151 in which a secondary battery 152 is inserted, and an internal terminal unit 153 disposed in the battery receiving portion 151 so as to come into contact with the terminal of the secondary battery 152. The internal terminal unit 153 is connected to the first UV LED module 12 and the second UV LED module 14 by an internal wiring 154.

In addition, the power supply unit 15 may comprise a power terminal unit 155 configured to charge the secondary battery 152 by external power (commercial power, etc.). The power terminal unit 155 may be connected to the internal terminal unit 153 by the internal wiring.

When the power terminal unit 155 is used, the portable device 10A for sterilization and deodorization may comprise a control means configured to selectively control the use of external power or the use of battery power and to control the charge/discharge of a battery power source. This control means is frequently used in existing products that use battery power and commercial power, and thus the detailed description thereof is omitted in order to avoid overlapping description.

The timer 16 is mounted in the case 11 and serves to control the operating time of the first and/or second

UV LED module

12 or 14. The timer 16 may be configured such that power is supplied from the power supply unit 15 to the first and/or second

UV LED module

12 or 14 for a predetermined first time period. In addition, the timer 16 may be configured such that, when a predetermined second time point is reached, power from the power supply unit 15 is supplied to the first and/or second

UV LED module

12 or 14 or the supply of power is interrupted.

Although this embodiment illustrates the portable device for sterilization and deodorization that comprises the second UV LED module 14a configured to irradiate UV light into the case, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Specifically, a portable device for sterilization and deodorization may be provided, which comprises the second UV LED module configured to irradiate UV light to the outside of the case as shown in Fig. 1 and in which the first and second UV LED modules are driven by the power supply unit placed in the case.

According to this embodiment, the use of the power supply unit 15 placed in the case makes it possible to insert the portable device in shoes, clothes chests, bags, garment pockets, drawers and the like so as to sterilize and deodorize harmful substances present in objects or spaces in a convenient and efficient manner. Also, the time of use of the portable device can be set by the timer 16 so that the supply of power to the first and/or second

UV LED module

12 or 14 can be controlled, thereby substantially extending the time of use of the portable device.

Fig. 3 shows the configuration of a portable device for sterilization and deodorization according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 3, a portable device 10B for sterilization and deodorization according to this embodiment comprises a case 11, a first UV LED module 12, a filter 13, a second UV LED module 14a, a timer 16 and a fan 17.

The portable device 10B for sterilization and deodorization is substantially the same as the portable device 10 for sterilization and deodorization described above with reference to Fig. 1, except that the portable device 10B further comprises the timer 16 and the fan 17. Thus, the detailed description of the same elements as those of the device 10 is omitted in order to avoid overlapping description. In addition, the description of the timer 16 overlaps with that of the corresponding element of the portable device 10A shown in Fig. 2, and thus is omitted.

The fan 17 serves to form forced air flow in the case 11 and around the case 11 so that external circulating air is forced into flow into the case 11 through the air inlet port 114 and the air introduced into the case 11 is forced to flow to the discharge port 115 through the filter 13. In this embodiment, the fan 17 is disposed between the filter 13 and the discharge port 115.

The use of the fan 17 makes it possible to facilitate air flow in the case 11 even when the filter 13 has high density or even when an air flow channel in the case 11 is formed in a meandering pattern, thereby increasing the sterilization and deodorization efficiencies of the photocatalyst. In addition, when the fan 17 is used, clean air heated by heat generated in the LED package can be discharged to the outside, thereby obtaining the effect of hot air drying and the effect of removing offensive odors by hot air drying.

Although this embodiment illustrates the portable device for sterilization and deodorization that comprises the second UV LED module 14 configured to irradiate UV light to the outside of the case, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, a portable device for sterilization and deodorization may be provided, which comprises the second UV LED module configured to irradiate UV light into the case 11 as shown in Fig. 2 and forms forced air flow in the case 11 by the fan 17.

In some embodiments, the portable device for sterilization and deodorization according to the present invention may further comprise a power cable or the power supply unit 15 described above with reference to Fig. 2. In this case, the timer 16 may be configured to control the operation of the fan 17 while controlling the supply of power to the first and/or second

UV LED module

12 or 14.

Hereinafter, embodiments having structures similar to that of the portable device for sterilization and deodorization described with reference to Fig. 1 will be described in further detail with reference to Figs. 4 to 6 and 7a to 7h.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a portable device for sterilization and deodorization according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5a is a top view of the portable device for sterilization and deodorization shown in Fig. 4; Fig. 5b is a bottom view of the portable device for sterilization and deodorization shown in Fig. 4; and Fig. 5c is a front view of the portable device for sterilization and deodorization shown in Fig. 4.

Referring to Figs. 4 and 5a to 5c, a portable device 100 for sterilization and deodorization according to this embodiment comprises a case 11, a first UV LED module, a filter, a second UV LED module, and a coupling portion 112a. In the case 11, the first UV LED module, the filter and the second UV LED module are disposed.

The case 11 comprises a body portion 111 forming the cylindrical side of the case 11, and an upper member 112 that extends from the body portion 111 and forms one side of the case 11. In this embodiment, the upper member 112 is formed in a dome shape, and the case 11 has a flat bottom surface 111a that extends from the body portion 111 and forms the other side of the case 11.

In addition, the case 11 has an air inlet port 114 consisting of slit-shaped openings that have a specific length and extends radially from the central portion of the upper member 112. The central portion of the upper member 112 has a coupling portion 112a.

The coupling portion 112a is a portion to be connected with a fixing device to which the portable device 100 for sterilization and deodorization is to be suspended, fixed or attached. The coupling portion 112a may have a female screw structure. When the coupling portion 112a is used, the portable device for sterilization and deodorization can be easily installed in a desired place or position using a fixing device (string, ring, angle member, suction plate, magnetic attachment mean, etc.).

In addition, the body portion 111 of the case 11 includes a UV light emission port 113 configured to irradiate UV light from the second UV LED module, and a discharge port 115 configured to discharge air from the inside of the case. The UV light emission port 113 may have a circle-shaped or cone-shaped structure formed by removing a portion of the case 11 in which the second UV LED package of the second UV LED module is placed. The discharge port 115 may be configured such that a plurality of openings forming the discharge port are arranged at a predetermined distance in the circumferential direction of the body portion 111.

In this embodiment, the case 11 has a diameter (L1) of about 15 ㎝ or less and a height (L2) of about 15 ㎝ or less, and preferably about 10 ㎝ or less. In this case, the portable device 100 for sterilization and deodorization has a volume of about 600 ㎤, which is an easy-to-carry size or an easy-to-handle size.

Referring to Fig. 6, a portable device 100 for sterilization and deodorization according to this embodiment comprises a case 11, a first UV LED module 12, a filter 13, a second UV LED module 14, a coupling portion 112a, a plurality of

partitions

21, 22, 23 and 24, and a discharge conduit 25.

The case 11 has a body portion 111 and a dome-shaped upper member 112. The case 11 comprises a coupling portion 112a and an air inlet port 114, which are located at the upper member 112, and a UV light emission port 113 and a discharge port 115, which are located at the body portion 111. Between the air inlet port 114 and the discharge port 115 or between the coupling portion 112a and the bottom surface 111a of the case, a first partition 21, a second partition 22, a first UV LED module 12, a filter 13, a third partition 23, a fourth partition 24 and a discharge conduit 25 are arranged in that order at a predetermined distance from each other. Herein, the first partition 21 and the second partition 22 are located between the air inlet port 114 and the filter 13, and the third partition 23 and the fourth partition 24 are located between the filter 13 and the discharge conduit 25.

The discharge conduit 25 serves to facilitate the discharge of air from the case 11 and may have either a structure in which the central portion thereof more protrudes from the bottom surface of the internal space of the case 11 than the edges thereof or a structure having, in addition to this protrusion structure, a plurality of radial channels 254 that extends radially from the central portion of the bottom surface to the edges. In the case of the structure having the plurality of radial channels 254, the discharge conduit 25 may have a first plate 251 having a circular ring shape, a second plate 252 having a circular ring shape, and a plurality of third plates 253 disposed between the first plate and the second plate to a specific height. The plurality of third plates 253 are radially arranged at a specific distance from each other so that the height thereof decreases as it goes from the central portion of the bottom surface of the internal space of the case 11 to the edges.

In a specific embodiment, when a fan is provided at a protrusion 111c in the central portion of the inner bottom surface of the case 11 (see 17 in Fig. 3), the discharge conduit 25 can function to facilitate the discharge of air from the case 11 by guiding air, which flows by the rotational force of the fan, toward the discharge port 115.

The first partition 21 and the second partition 22 functions to guide the flow of air, introduced into the case 11 through the air inlet port 114, so that air can be supplied evenly throughout the upper surface of the filter 13. For example, when the space between the air inlet port 114 and the filter 13 is divided into a first region, a second region and a third region, the first partition 21 may be configured to separate the first region and the second region from each other, and the second partition 22 may be configured to separate the third region and the second region from each other. In this case, the first partition 21 and the second partition 22 extend from the opposite inner walls of the case 11 in the opposite direction and overlap with each other at the middle portion (second region), and thus air introduced into the air inlet port 114 can be first guided to the third region by the first partition 21, and then can slightly move to the filter 13, after which it can move from the third region through the second region, located between the first partition 21 and the second partition 22, to the first region, and then spread from the first region toward the filter 13.

The third partition 23 and the fourth partition 24 are disposed to have a structure similar to the above-described structure of the first partition 21 and the second partition 22, and serve to guide air, which passed through the filter 13, so as to be discharged through the discharge conduit 25 or the discharge port 115.

The use of the first to

fourth partitions

21, 22, 23 and 24 enables to increase the flow length of air in the internal space of the case 11 in which the filter 13 coated with the photocatalyst is located, thereby increasing the retention time of air in the case 11. The use of such partitions can efficiently and greatly increase the abilities of the photocatalyst to sterilize and deodorize air in the portable device for sterilization and deodorization.

Figs. 7a to 7h are perspective views illustrating a process for assembling the portable device for sterilization and deodorization shown in Fig. 4.

As shown in Fig. 7a, a discharge conduit 25 is first placed in a cylindrical body portion 111 that is a portion of a case 11. To the lower side of the body portion 111, the bottom surface of the case 11 is integrally connected. In this embodiment, radial channels 254 of the discharge conduit 25 may be disposed with a specific gap 119 from the inner wall of the body portion 111. This gap 119 functions to enable air, which passed through the filter 13, to flow on the second plate 252 of the discharge conduit 25 in addition to the radial channels 254 and to be discharged through the discharge port 115.

Then, a second UV LED module 14 is disposed on the inner wall of the body portion 111, at which the UV light emission port 113 is located. The second UV LED module 14 is disposed such that UV light from the second UV LED package can be irradiated to the outside of the case 11 through the UV light emission port 113. In this embodiment, four second UV LED modules 14 are disposed so as to correspond to four UV light emission ports 113 disposed in four directions (north, east, south and west) of the body portion 111, respectively.

A cylinder-shaped protrusion 111c is provided in the central portion of the bottom surface of the case 11. The protrusion 111c functions to enable air, which flows from the side of the filter 13 to the bottom surface, to flow the radial channels 254 of the discharge conduit 25 by collision against the protrusion. In another embodiment in which a fan is disposed, the fan is disposed at the position of the protrusion 111c, and the protrusion 111c may be omitted.

Then, as shown in Fig. 7b, a fourth partition 24 is disposed above the discharge conduit 25 at a specific distance from the discharge conduit 25. In this embodiment, the fourth partition 24 is made of a semicircular flat plate having a size corresponding to about 1/2 of the area of the cylindrical body portion 111. The fourth partition 24 may be attached to the inner wall of the body portion 111 by a specific adhesive or supported by or fixed by a protrusion from the inner wall of the body portion 111.

Next, as shown in Fig. 7c, a third partition 23 is disposed above the fourth partition 24 at a specific distance from the fourth partition 24. In this embodiment, the third partition 23 is disposed so as to overlap with a portion of the fourth partition 24 while covering a region not covered by the fourth partition 24.

Then, as shown in Fig. 7d, a filter 13 coated with a photocatalyst is disposed above the third partition 23 at a specific distance from the third partition 23. In this embodiment, the filter 13 has a disk shape and is disposed such that the edge thereof is closed to the inner wall of the body portion 111. This filter 13 may take a disk shape by itself or may have a disk shape defined by a separate mesh-like body or a protrusion from the inner wall of the case.

Then, as shown in Fig. 7e, a first UV LED module 12 is disposed above the filter 13 at a specific distance from the filter 13. In this embodiment, the first UV LED module 12 comprises a ring-shaped substrate 121 and at least one first UV LED package mounted on the substrate 121. The substrate 121 has a smaller diameter than the filter 13.

If a plurality of first UV LED packages are disposed on the substrate 121 in view of the view angle, the filter size or the UV irradiation area when the first UV LED module 12 is disposed, the photocatalyst coated on the filter 13 can be effectively activated.

In Fig, 7e, the first UV LED module 12 is mounted on the lower surface of the substrate 121 so as to irradiate UV light downward and is not visible due to the substrate 121 (see Fig. 6). Moreover, the first UV LED module 12 may be attached to the inner wall of the body portion 111 by a specific adhesive or supported by or fixed to a protrusion from the inner wall of the body portion 111.

Next, as shown in Fig. 7f, a second partition 22 is disposed above the first UV LED module 12 at a specific distance from the first UV LED module 12. In this embodiment, the second partition 22 is configured to extend from one side of the inner wall of the upper member of the case and cover a portion of the cavity of the substrate 121 of the first UV LED module 12.

Then, as shown in Fig. 7g, a first partition 21 is disposed above the second partition 22 at a specific distance from the second partition 22. In this embodiment, the first partition 21 is configured to extend from the other side of the inner wall of the upper member of the case and overlap with a portion of the second partition 22 while covering the region not covered by the second partition 22. This first partition 21 may be attached to the inner wall of the body portion 111 by a specific adhesive or supported by or fixed to a protrusion from the inner wall of the body portion 111.

Then, as shown in Fig. 7h, a dome-shaped upper member 112 that is a portion of the case 11 is disposed above the first partition 21 at a specific distance from the first partition 21.

Meanwhile, the first partition 21 and second partition 22 described above with reference to Figs. 7f and 7g may be previously provided in the upper member 112. In this case, the upper member 112 provided with the first partition 21 and the second partition 22 may be disposed on the first UV LED module 12, thereby simplifying the manufacture process.

According to the above-described manufacture process, it is possible to efficiently manufacture a portable device for sterilization and deodorization which can perform both the direct sterilization by UV light and the sterilization and deodorization by a photocatalyst.

Fig. 8a is a perspective view of a portable device for sterilization and deodorization according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 8b is a bottom view of the portable device for sterilization and deodorization shown in Fig. 8a.

Referring to Figs. 8a and 8b, a portable device 100A for sterilization and deodorization according to this embodiment comprises a case 11, a first UV LED module 12, a filter 13, a second UV LED module 14, a power supply unit 15, a coupling portion 112a, a plurality of

partitions

21, 22, 23 and 24, a discharge conduit 25, a power terminal unit 155, a switch 18 and a light sensor 19.

The portable device 100A for sterilization and deodorization is substantially the same as the portable device 100 for sterilization and deodorization described above with reference to Fig. 6, except that it further comprises the switch 16 and the light sensor 19. Thus, the detailed description of the same elements as those of the portable device 100 is omitted in order to avoid overlapping description. Further, the description of the power supply unit 15 and the power terminal unit 155 overlaps with the description of the corresponding elements of the portable device 10A for sterilization and deodorization shown in Fig. 2, and thus is omitted.

The switch 18 is configured to turn on and off the operation of the portable device 100A for sterilization and deodorization. When the switch 18 is operated, supply of commercial power or power from the power supply unit 15 to the first and second

UV LED modules

12 and 14 can be permitted or controlled. Also, if a fan for air flow is disposed in the case 11, the switch 18 can also be used to control the on or off operation of the fan.

The light sensor 19 is configured to output a signal for controlling the operation of the portable device 100A depending on ambient illumination intensity. If the light sensor 19 is used, the portable device 100A for sterilization and deodorization may comprise a switch configured to supply power to the first UV LED module 12 and/or the second UV LED module 14 or interrupt the power supply depending on the level of a signal from the light sensor 19. This switch may be the above-described switch 18 or a separate switching device. If the light sensor 19 is used, the operating conditions of the portable device disposed in dark internal spaces such as the inner part of shoes, sinks or closes chests can be set such that the device is operated only under conditions where the light sensor senses light (specific illumination intensity or less), thereby reducing power consumption and enabling the efficient use of power.

Although not shown in the figures, in order to facilitate installation of the switch 18 and the light sensor 19, the switch 18 and the light sensor 19 may be disposed on a separate bottom member forming the bottom surface of the case 11, and then can be coupled to the body portion 111 of the case 11. In this case, the power supply unit 15 and the power terminal unit 155 may also be disposed on the bottom member, and then coupled to the body portion 111.

Referring to Figs. 9a and 9b, a portable device 100 for sterilization and deodorization according to this embodiment comprises a case 11, a first UV LED module, a filter, a second UV LED module, a coupling portion 112a and a fixing device 30. In the case 11, the first UV LED module, the filter and the second UV LED module are disposed.

The fixing device 30 comprises a coupling means 32 that is detachably coupled to the coupling portion 112a, and a string- or ring-shaped hanging member 31 that is connected to the coupling means 32. When the portable device 100 for sterilization and deodorization is to be used, the coupling means 32 of the fixing device 30 is coupled to the coupling portion 112a, and then the length of the hanging member 31 is adjusted and the portable device 100 is hung on a desired position in a clothes chest or a shoe cabinet. Also, in order to store the portable device 100 for sterilization and deodorization after use of the device 100 or to use the device 100 in other places, the coupling means 32 can be separated from the coupling portion 112a.

Referring to Fig. 10, a portable device 100 for sterilization and deodorization according to this embodiment comprises an angle member 30a as a fixing member. The angle member 30a comprises: a first portion 33 corresponding to a portion of a bar-shaped member; a second portion 34 that is coupled to the coupling portion 112a and corresponds to the remaining portion of the bar-shaped member; and a joint portion 35 that connects the first portion 33 and the second portion 34 to each other so that the first portion 33 and the second portion 34 are bent at an approximately right angle to each other.

If the angle member 30a is used, the portable device 100 for sterilization and deodorization can be easily disposed even in places such as the inner part of sinks or the deep place of clothes chests, which are not within the user’s reach, and the disposed device can be conveniently recovered.

Referring to Fig. 11, a portable device 100B for sterilization and deodorization according to this embodiment comprises a portable device 100 for sterilization and deodorization and a suction plate 30b that is a fixing device. The portable device 100 for sterilization and deodorization may be the portable device for sterilization and deodorization as shown in Figs. 4 and 5a to 5c.

The suction plate 30b may comprise a triangular plate-shaped body 36 and a plurality of

suction portions

37 and 38 disposed at the corners of the body 36. Each of the suction portions may be composed of a funnel-shaped sucker 37 and a control portion 38 serving to control the internal pressure of the sucker 37.

In addition, the suction plate 30b comprises a coupling means for fixing the portable device 100 for sterilization and deodorization. The coupling means may be a female screw structure similar to the coupling portion 112a or may be a structure into which the portable device 100 for sterilization and deodorization is detachably fitted.

If the suction plate 30b is used, there are advantages in that the portable device can be conveniently attached to a glass wall, a tile wall or the like and can be conveniently detached after use.

Meanwhile, the above-described suction plate 30b can be replaced by a magnetic attachment means to which the portable device 100 for sterilization and deodorization can be attached. In this case, there is an advantage in that the portable device 100B can be easily attached to and detached from portions made of a metal.

While the above embodiments have been described with respect to the portable device for sterilization and deodorization, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this configuration and may include a stationary-type device for sterilization and deodorization, which is provided as a fixed apparatus having a certain scale or larger according to the technical spirit described in the above detailed description.

While the present invention has been described with respect to the specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes, substitutions and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

The present invention relate to a portable device for sterilization and deodorization, in order to improve the quality of indoor air or sterilize and deodorize shoes, clothes, bags and the like.

Claims

A portable device for sterilization and deodorization, comprising:

a case having an air inlet port, a discharge port and a UV light emission port;

a filter disposed in the case and coated with a photocatalyst;

a first ultraviolet light emitting diode (UV LED) module disposed in the case and configured to irradiate UV light having a first wavelength to the filter in order to activate the photocatalyst; and

a second UV LED module disposed in the case and configured to irradiate UV light having a second wavelength to circulating air outside the case through the UV light emission port.
The portable device of claim 1, wherein the first wavelength is 400 ㎚ or shorter, and the second wavelength is between 255 ㎚ and 300 ㎚.
The portable device of claim 1, wherein the case has a cylindrical shape, the discharge port is disposed in the form of a discharge conduit extending from the central portion of the bottom surface of the case to the side of the case, and the air inlet port is disposed in an upper member that extends from the side of the case and forms the upper surface of the case.
The portable device of claim 3, wherein the upper member has a dome shape.
The portable device of claim 4, further comprising a coupling portion provided in the central portion of the upper member of the case and configured to attach and detach a fixing device.
The portable device of claim 5, wherein the fixing device comprises any one of a string, a ring and an angle member, which have coupled thereto a coupling means which is connected to the coupling portion.
The portable device of claim 3, further comprising a coupling portion disposed on the outside of the bottom surface of the case and configured to attach and detach a fixing device.
The portable device of claim 7, wherein the fixing device comprises either a suction plate comprising a coupling means, which is connected to the coupling portion, or a magnetic attachment means comprising the coupling means.
The portable device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of partitions disposed between the first UV LED module and a first circumferential surface of the filter and on a second circumferential surface of the filter and configured to guide air flow in the case.
The portable device of claim 3, wherein the first UV LED module comprises a ring-shaped substrate, and a first UV LED package disposed on the substrate and configured to irradiate UV light from the inside of the upper member of the case to the filter.
The portable device of claim 10, wherein the filter comprises metal foam having a disk shape.
The portable device of claim 11, wherein the second UV LED module comprises a reflector disposed on the inside of the side of the case and configured to reflect UV light having the second wavelength to the outside through the opening of the case.
The portable device of claim 1, wherein the photocatalyst is made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, cadmium sulfide, zirconium oxide, tin oxide, vanadium oxide, tungsten trioxide, and strontium titanate.
The portable device of any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a power supply unit disposed in the case and configured to supply power to the first UV LED module and the second UV LED module.
The portable device of claim 14, wherein the power supply unit comprises: a battery receiving portion disposed on the bottom surface of the case and configured to receive a secondary battery; and an internal terminal portion disposed in the battery receiving portion and connected to the first UV LED module and the second UV LED module.
The portable device of claim 15, wherein the power supply unit further comprises a power terminal portion connected to the internal terminal portion and configured to charge the secondary battery by an external power source.
The portable device of claim 14, further comprising a fan which is disposed on the inside of the bottom surface of the case so as to be opposite the first UV LED module with the filter interposed therebetween and is configured such that air introduced through the air inlet port is discharged to the discharge port through the filter.
The portable device of claim 17, further comprising a switch configured to control the operation of the power supply unit that supplies power to the fan.
The portable device of claim 14, further comprising a timer configured to control the operating time of at least any one of the first UV LED module and the second UV LED module.
The portable device of claim 14, further comprising:

a light sensor disposed in the case and configured to detect light outside the case; and

a switch configured to supply power to at least any one of the first UV LED module and the second UV LED module or interrupt the power supply depending on the level of a signal from the light sensor.