Full cone-type plasma generator capable of generating low-temperature sterilizing plasma and a home shoe care device using the same

Abstract

A household shoe care device is disclosed. The household shoe care device comprises: a chamber having an internal space for receiving shoes; and a full cone-shaped plasma generator that generates low-temperature plasma and supplies the low-temperature plasma into the chamber. The full cone-shaped plasma generator comprises: a case; a gas supply pipe located inside the case and providing a path for source gas to move; a power electrode located below the bottom of the gas supply pipe and provided in a rod shape having a preset diameter; a ground electrode provided in a cylindrical shape so that the power electrode is positioned in a space formed on the inside; and a nozzle located below the ground electrode, wherein the space formed on the inside is formed to be vertically aligned with the path of plasma supplied from the inner space of the ground electrode, thereby guiding the plasma downward and then discharging it. The nozzle comprises: a nozzle body provided having a preset volume and a space vertically penetrating on the inside; and a vane located above the inner space of the nozzle body.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a full cone-shaped plasma generator capable of generating low-temperature pasteurization plasma and a household shoe care device using the same. More specifically, it relates to a household shoe care device that causes minimal material damage, has excellent sterilization effects, and is suitable for use at home. Background Technology

[0002] There are various shoe sterilization and disinfection technologies available for home use, each with its own advantages, disadvantages, and technical limitations. Household products face constraints different from industrial equipment, as factors such as size, price, safety, and ease of use must be considered.

[0003] Shoe sterilization and disinfection technologies available for home use include ultraviolet (UV) sterilization, hot air drying, ozone sterilization, steam sterilization, antibacterial sprays, and plasma sterilization.

[0004] Many small sterilizers using UV-C LEDs are available on the market for ultraviolet sterilization. While they are easy to use and relatively inexpensive, they cannot sterilize deep inside shoes and may cause discoloration of leather or certain materials. The sterilization effect varies depending on the UV-C irradiation time and intensity.

[0005] Hot air drying can be achieved using a shoe dryer or a hair dryer. While high-temperature hot air provides a sterilizing effect, it can cause deformation in leather or certain plastic materials and may not be sufficient for complete sterilization. Additionally, the drying time can be long.

[0006] While ozone generators can be used for ozone sterilization, ventilation is crucial because ozone is harmful to the human body, and controlling ozone concentration is difficult. It may also damage certain materials.

[0007] Steam sterilization can be performed using the steam function of an iron or a small steam cleaner, but high-temperature steam can cause damage to leather and fabric materials, and the steam may not reach every nook and cranny inside the shoe.

[0008] Antibacterial sprays are the most convenient option, but it is difficult to expect a long-lasting sterilization effect. They can cause stains or discoloration on certain materials, and the safety of their chemical components must be considered. Above all, for a disinfectant spray to be effective, it must be sprayed sufficiently inside the shoe, but there is a high probability that it will not reach deep inside.

[0009] Recently, household sterilizers utilizing low-temperature plasma are being developed. While they cause minimal material damage and offer excellent sterilization effects, they are somewhat expensive, and there are issues regarding the size and power consumption of the plasma generator. Additionally, the uniformity of the sterilization effect may be compromised depending on the size and shape of the shoes.

[0010] The technical limitations of household shoe sterilization and disinfection technology are as follows.

[0011] First, because the internal structure of shoes is complex and the materials used are diverse, it is difficult to apply a uniform sterilization effect to all parts. In particular, sterilizing the deep inside of the shoe is difficult.

[0012] Second, high temperatures, strong chemicals, ozone, etc., can cause discoloration, deformation, or damage to certain materials (leather, textiles, etc.).

[0013] Third, it is difficult to achieve 100% perfect sterilization regardless of the method used. The effectiveness of sterilization varies depending on the performance of the equipment used, the sterilization time, and the condition of the shoes.

[0014] Fourth, managing ozone concentration is important when using ozone generators, and caution regarding safety is required when using chemical disinfectants.

[0015] Fifth, some sterilization and disinfection methods may take a long time or be complicated to use.

[0016] Sixth, effective sterilization and disinfection methods can be expensive.

[0017] Accordingly, a household shoe sterilization technology capable of solving the aforementioned problems is required. The problem to be solved

[0018] The present invention provides a household shoe care device using low-temperature pasteurization plasma that causes minimal material damage and has an excellent sterilization effect.

[0019] In addition, the present invention provides a household shoe care device using low-temperature pasteurization plasma that can maintain uniformity of sterilization effect according to various internal structures of the shoe. means of solving the problem

[0020] A household shoe care device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a chamber having an internal space for accommodating shoes; and a full cone-shaped plasma generator that generates low-temperature plasma and supplies the low-temperature plasma into the chamber, wherein the full cone-shaped plasma generator comprises: a case; a gas supply pipe located inside the case and providing a path for source gas to move; a power electrode located below the lower end of the gas supply pipe and provided in a rod shape having a preset diameter; a ground electrode provided in a cylindrical shape so that the power electrode is positioned in a space formed on the inside; and a nozzle located below the ground electrode, wherein the space formed on the inside is formed to be vertically aligned with the path of plasma supplied from the inner space of the ground electrode, and the nozzle guides the plasma downward and discharges it, wherein the nozzle comprises: a nozzle body provided having a preset volume and a space vertically penetrating on the inside; and a vane located above the inner space of the nozzle body.

[0021] Additionally, the vane may be provided to include at least one blade formed to extend a predetermined length from top to bottom while rotating within a space formed inside the body.

[0022] In addition, in the space formed on the inner side of the nozzle body, a vortex forming space having a vertically set length may be formed on the lower side of the vane.

[0023] In addition, a full cone-type plasma generator according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a case; a gas supply pipe located inside the case and providing a path for source gas to move; a power electrode located below the lower end of the gas supply pipe and provided in a rod shape having a preset diameter; a ground electrode provided in a cylindrical shape so that the power electrode is positioned in a space formed on the inside; and a nozzle located below the ground electrode, wherein the space formed on the inside is formed to be vertically aligned with the path of plasma supplied from the inner space of the ground electrode to guide the plasma downward and then discharge it, wherein the nozzle may include a nozzle body provided to have a vertically penetrating space on the inside having a preset volume; and a vane located above the inner space of the nozzle body. Effects of the invention

[0024] According to the present invention, the full cone-shaped plasma generator generates low-temperature plasma of 40°C or lower, so there is less damage to the shoe material and the sterilization effect is excellent.

[0025] In addition, according to the present invention, since low-temperature plasma is generated using Arc-free Cold Plasma Jet technology, the plasma is uniformly delivered into the interior of various types of shoes, so the sterilization effect can be maintained uniformly. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0026] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a household shoe care device using low-temperature pasteurization plasma according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a diagram showing a full cone-shaped plasma discharger and a structure for supplying plasma into the inside of a shoe. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the full cone-type plasma discharger of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the state in which plasma supplied from a full cone-shaped plasma generator is discharged after passing through a nozzle. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0027] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and may be embodied in other forms. Rather, the embodiments introduced herein are provided to ensure that the disclosed content is thorough and complete and to ensure that the concept of the present invention is sufficiently conveyed to those skilled in the art.

[0028] In this specification, when a component is described as being on another component, it means that it may be formed directly on the other component or that a third component may be interposed between them. Additionally, in the drawings, the thicknesses of the films and regions are exaggerated for the effective description of the technical content.

[0029] Additionally, although terms such as first, second, third, etc., have been used to describe various components in the various embodiments of this specification, these components should not be limited by such terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another. Accordingly, what is referred to as the first component in one embodiment may be referred to as the second component in another embodiment. Each embodiment described and illustrated herein also includes its complementary embodiment. Furthermore, in this specification, "and / or" is used to mean including at least one of the components listed before and after it.

[0030] In the specification, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, components, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be understood as excluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, components, or combinations thereof. Additionally, in this specification, "connection" is used to include both indirectly connecting multiple components and directly connecting them.

[0031] In addition, in describing the present invention below, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known functions or configurations could unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a shoe care device using low-temperature pasteurization plasma according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a full cone-shaped plasma discharger and a structure for supplying plasma into the shoe, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the full cone-shaped plasma discharger of FIG. 2.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a household shoe care device manages shoes using low-temperature pasteurization plasma, which causes minimal material damage and has an excellent sterilization effect.

[0034] The home shoe care device includes a chamber, a plasma generation module, and a control unit.

[0035] The chamber provides a space for storing shoes. Multiple chambers are provided and can be stacked in multiple layers.

[0036] The plasma generation module generates low-temperature plasma. The plasma generation module can generate low-temperature plasma of 40°C or lower. According to an embodiment, a full cone-type plasma generator may be used as the plasma generation module.

[0037] A full cone-shaped plasma generator (100) includes a case (110), a gas supply pipe (121), a plasma generating part (130), and a nozzle (140).

[0038] The case (110) forms the exterior of a full cone-shaped plasma generator (100). The case (110) includes an upper case (110a) and a lower case (110b). The upper case (110a) is provided to form a space of a predetermined volume inside. The lower case (110b) is coupled to the lower part of the upper case (110a). The lower case (110b) may be provided with a smaller volume than the upper case (110a).

[0039] A gas supply pipe (121) is located inside the case (110) and provides a path for the source gas to travel. The gas supply pipe (121) is provided with a pipe structure of a predetermined length. The gas supply pipe (121) can be positioned so that its longitudinal direction faces upward and downward. The gas supply pipe (121) is located inside the upper case (110a), and its lower end may be located at the bottom of the upper case (110a) or at the top of the lower case (110b). A gas supply line (124) for supplying source gas is connected to the upper end of the gas supply pipe (121). The source gas may be one of air, oxygen, hydrogen, and argon gas, or a mixed gas in which at least two of these are mixed.

[0040] Inside the gas supply pipe (121), a gas flow path (122) is formed through which the source gas supplied via the gas supply line (124) can flow downward. At the bottom of the gas supply pipe (121), an outlet (123) is formed through which the source gas that has traveled along the gas flow path (122) can be discharged downward. Multiple outlets (123) may be arranged in a ring shape spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the central axis of the gas supply pipe (121).

[0041] The plasma generation unit (130) excites the source gas to generate plasma.

[0042] The plasma generation unit (130) includes a power electrode (131), a ground electrode (132), a cable guide tube (133), and a power source (135).

[0043] The power electrode (131) is located at the bottom of the gas supply pipe (121). The power electrode (131) has a rod shape with a preset diameter and is positioned in alignment with the central axis of the gas supply pipe (121). The power electrode (131) may be provided with a conductive material.

[0044] The ground electrode (132) is provided with a conductive material and is located inside the case (110) in a cylindrical shape. The ground electrode (132) may be located below the lower end of the gas supply pipe (121). The ground electrode (132) may be located inside the lower case (110b). The ground electrode (132) is positioned at a predetermined distance from the case (110). A power electrode (131) is located in the space formed inside the ground electrode (132). The inner surface of the ground electrode (132) is positioned at a predetermined distance from the power electrode (131). The ground electrode (132) is grounded.

[0045] The cable guide tube (133) is located inside the gas supply pipe (121). A cable (134) for transmitting power to the power electrode (131) is located inside the cable guide tube (133) and connected to the power electrode (131).

[0046] The power supply (135) applies power to the power electrode (131) through the cable (134).

[0047] The source gas flowing through the gas supply pipe (121) is discharged through the outlet (123) and supplied to the space formed inside the ground electrode (132). Subsequently, the source gas is excited into a plasma state by the electric field formed between the power electrode (131) and the ground electrode (132).

[0048] The nozzle (140) is located below the ground electrode (132). The space formed inside the nozzle (140) is formed to be aligned vertically with the path of plasma supplied from the space inside the ground electrode (132), thereby guiding the plasma downward and then discharging it.

[0049] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the state in which plasma supplied from a full cone-shaped plasma generator is discharged after passing through a nozzle.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the nozzle (140) includes a nozzle body (141) and a vane (Vane, 140).

[0051] The nozzle body (141) may be located in the inner space of the lower case (110b). The nozzle body (141) is provided with a predetermined volume and a space that penetrates vertically inwardly. The cross-section of the space formed inwardly within the nozzle body (141) may be formed in a circular shape. The space formed inwardly within the nozzle body (141) is provided to be connected to the space formed inwardly within the ground electrode (132). For example, the space formed inwardly within the nozzle body (141) and the hole inwardly at the bottom of the ground electrode (132) may be provided with cross-sections of the same shape so that the inner surfaces may be connected in an upward and downward alignment. Accordingly, plasma excited by the power electrode (132) and the ground electrode (132) in the plasma generation unit (132) can be introduced into the inner space of the nozzle body (141).

[0052] The vane (142) is located above the inner space of the nozzle body (141). The vane (142) is provided to include at least one blade (142a). The blade (142a) may be formed to extend a predetermined length from top to bottom while rotating through the space formed inside the nozzle body (141).

[0053] The space located below the vane (142) in the space formed inside the nozzle body (141) is provided as a vortex forming space (143) having a pre-set length vertically. A nozzle discharge port (144) is formed at the bottom of the nozzle body (141). The nozzle discharge port (144) can be positioned so as to be aligned with the vertical axis of the space formed inside the nozzle body (141). The lower part of the nozzle discharge port (144) can be provided inclined at a pre-set angle (α) toward the radial outer side as it goes from top to bottom.

[0054] Due to the structure of such a nozzle (140), plasma introduced from the plasma generation unit into the nozzle (140) is first guided by the flow of the vanes (142). The plasma flowing along the vanes (142) primarily forms a spiral-shaped flow. After passing through the vanes (142), the plasma supplied to the vortex forming space (143) flows toward the nozzle discharge port (144) while forming a flow that rotates around the vertical central axis of the space formed inside the nozzle body (141). Subsequently, the plasma discharged through the nozzle discharge port (144) forms a flow that diffuses radially outward by the circularly rotating flow. Additionally, as the lower end of the nozzle discharge port (144) is provided to be inclined radially outward, when the plasma is discharged from the nozzle discharge port (144), the plasma forms a flow that diffuses radially outward more effectively. Accordingly, the plasma discharged from the plasma discharge device (100) can be supplied to an object (20) over an increased area, and the uniformity of the density of the plasma supplied in each area can be improved.

[0056] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2, the plasma irradiation unit irradiates the shoe with plasma generated from the plasma generation module. The control unit controls the plasma generation unit and the plasma irradiation unit.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the plasma generation module may utilize Arc-free Cold Plasma Jet technology.

[0058] The above plasma irradiation unit can be designed to efficiently irradiate plasma to the inside and outside of the shoe.

[0059] In addition, the control unit may further include a function to automatically adjust the plasma treatment time and output according to the type of material of the shoe.

[0060] In addition, the control unit states that the shoe care device can provide a sterilization effect of 99.9% or more within 20 minutes.

[0062] Due to the technical features described above, the household shoe care device according to the embodiment of the present invention generates low-temperature plasma of 40°C or lower in the plasma generation module, so there is less damage to the shoe material and excellent sterilization effect.

[0063] In addition, since the home shoe care device generates low-temperature plasma using Arc-free Cold Plasma Jet technology, the plasma is uniformly delivered into the complex interior of the shoe, allowing the sterilization effect to be maintained uniformly.

[0065] Although the present invention has been described in detail using preferred embodiments, the scope of the invention is not limited to specific embodiments and should be interpreted by the appended claims. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that many modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0066] 100: Full cone-type plasma generator 110: Case 121: Gas supply pipe 130: Plasma generator 140: Nozzle

Claims

Claim 1 A household shoe care device comprising: a chamber having an internal space formed for accommodating shoes; and a full cone-shaped plasma generator that generates low-temperature plasma and supplies the low-temperature plasma into the chamber, wherein the full cone-shaped plasma generator comprises: a case; a gas supply pipe located inside the case and providing a path for source gas to move; a power electrode located below the bottom of the gas supply pipe and provided in a rod shape having a preset diameter; a ground electrode provided in a cylindrical shape so that the power electrode is positioned in a space formed on the inside; and a nozzle located below the ground electrode, wherein the space formed on the inside is formed to be vertically aligned with the path of plasma supplied from the inner space of the ground electrode, and guides the plasma downward and discharges it, wherein the nozzle comprises: a nozzle body provided having a vertically penetrating space on the inside having a preset volume; and a vane located on the upper part of the inner space of the nozzle body. Claim 2 A household shoe care device according to claim 1, wherein the vane is provided to include at least one blade formed to extend a predetermined length from top to bottom while rotating within a space formed inside the body. Claim 3 A household shoe care device according to claim 1, wherein in the space formed inside the nozzle body, a vortex forming space having a vertically set length is formed below the vane. Claim 4 A full cone-type plasma generator comprising: a case; a gas supply pipe located inside the case and providing a path for source gas to travel; a power electrode located below the bottom of the gas supply pipe and provided in a rod shape having a preset diameter; a ground electrode provided in a cylindrical shape so that the power electrode is positioned in a space formed on the inside; and a nozzle located below the ground electrode, wherein the space formed on the inside is formed to be vertically aligned with the path of plasma supplied from the inner space of the ground electrode to guide the plasma downward and then discharge it, wherein the nozzle comprises: a nozzle body provided to have a vertically penetrating space on the inside having a preset volume; and a vane located above the inner space of the nozzle body.

Images