Plasma-based electronic deodorant device

Abstract

An electronic deodorant device is disclosed, which includes a housing, a nozzle head provided in the housing and having a first flow path and a second flow path, a gas circulation line that circulates gas that has flowed in through the first flow path within the housing and supplies it to the second flow path, an air pump provided on the gas circulation line that introduces external gas through the first flow path, and a plasma generation unit provided on the circulation gas line in a section between the air pump and the second flow path and that performs plasma emission treatment on the gas.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic deodorant device using plasma, and more particularly to an electronic deodorant device using plasma that can kill bacteria that cause bad odors on the skin of humans and animals, such as axillary odor. [Background technology]

[0002] Armpit odour (axillary odour) is a foul smell caused by fatty acid organic matter secreted in sweat and bacteria, and currently chemical compound deodorants are used to remove the foul smell for beauty and etiquette purposes.

[0003] However, concerns about the harmfulness of deodorants used to suppress underarm odor are increasing, particularly the harmfulness of the chemical ingredients contained in deodorants to block pores and suppress sweat secretion, which can lead to not only dermatitis but also breast cancer, impaired thyroid function (triclosan), blocked sweat glands (aluminum salts), abnormalities in sweat secretion hormones, skin damage, and pigmentation. Therefore, there is a need for a malodor removal technology that can suppress underarm odor without the harmful effects of chemical ingredients. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention provides a plasma-based electronic deodorant device that can deliver plasma to kill bacteria that cause underarm odor.

[0005] The present invention also provides an electronic deodorant device using plasma, which can stably maintain an activated state of plasma and supply plasma at a high concentration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An electronic deodorant device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing; a nozzle head provided in the housing and having a first flow path and a second flow path; a gas circulation line that circulates gas that has flowed in through the first flow path within the housing and supplies it to the second flow path; an air pump provided on the gas circulation line that introduces external gas through the first flow path; and a plasma generator provided on the circulation gas line in a section between the air pump and the second flow path and that performs plasma emission processing on the gas.

[0007] The housing has a cylindrical shape with a partial area of ​​its outer circumferential surface recessed inward, and the nozzle head is located in the partial area.

[0008] The nozzle head includes a body having an internal space with an open front, and a cover coupled to the front of the body and having an inlet and an outlet, the first flow path communicating with the internal space of the body, and the second flow path connected to the outlet.

[0009] The seal further includes a silicone sealant provided along the periphery of the partial area.

[0010] The nozzle head includes a body having an internal space with an open front, and a separation plate that divides the internal space of the body into a first space and a second space, and has an inlet port communicating with the first flow path and an outlet port communicating with the second flow path, the first flow path connecting one end of the gas circulation line to the first space, and the second flow path connecting the other end of the gas circulation line to the outlet.

[0011] The discharge port is formed at the center of the separation plate, and a plurality of the suction ports are formed around the discharge port.

[0012] The second space has a diameter that increases from the separation plate toward the open front surface of the body.

[0013] The plasma generating unit includes a first electrode made of a conductive material and having a tubular shape, a dielectric tube made of a dielectric material and having a tubular shape and inserted inside the first electrode tube, a second electrode made of a conductive material and having a tubular shape, a portion of which is inserted inside the dielectric tube, and a power source that applies a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0014] The first electrode, the dielectric tube, and the second electrode partially overlap each other.

[0015] The plasma generating unit further includes a plasma generating body made of a dielectric material, providing a space therein in which the first electrode, the dielectric tube, and the second electrode are located. The space formed in the plasma generating body is formed with a flow path decreasing section in which one end of the dielectric tube is located, and a flow path increasing section connected to the flow path decreasing section, and a flow path increasing section in which the flow path width increases with increasing distance from the one end of the dielectric tube.

[0016] The nozzle head has a front surface formed with a plurality of protrusions each having a predetermined length and protruding forward. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The electronic deodorant device of the present invention can deliver plasma to the skin of a person or animal to kill bacteria that cause underarm odor.

[0018] Furthermore, the electronic deodorant device according to the present invention activates gas in a plasma state and recirculates and reactivates the activated gas, thereby providing plasma at a high concentration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electronic deodorant device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the inside of the housing of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the nozzle head of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the plasma generating section of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the use of an electronic deodorant device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the electronic deodorant device in close contact with the user's skin. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an electronic deodorant device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the inside of the housing of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the nozzle head of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the electronic deodorant device according to the embodiment of FIG. 7 in use. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a nozzle head according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a view showing a state in which an electronic deodorant device according to another embodiment of the present invention is used. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] An electronic deodorant device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing; a nozzle head provided in the housing and having a first flow path and a second flow path; a gas circulation line that circulates gas that has flowed in through the first flow path within the housing and supplies it to the second flow path; an air pump provided on the gas circulation line that introduces external gas through the first flow path; and a plasma generator provided on the circulation gas line in a section between the air pump and the second flow path and that emits plasma from the gas.

[0021] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and may be embodied in other forms. The embodiments described herein are provided so that the disclosure will be thorough and complete, and so that the concept of the present invention will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art.

[0022] In this specification, when a component is described as being on another component, it means that it can be directly formed on the other component, or a third component can be sandwiched between them. Also, in the drawings, shapes and sizes are exaggerated for the purpose of effectively explaining the technical content.

[0023] Furthermore, in various embodiments of this specification, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used to describe various components, but these components should not be limited by such terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another. Thus, what is referred to as a "first" component in one embodiment may be referred to as a "second" component in another embodiment. Each embodiment described and exemplified herein also includes its complementary embodiment. Furthermore, in this specification, "and / or" is used to mean that at least one of the components listed before and after it is included.

[0024] In this specification, the singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, the terms "comprise" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, component, or combination thereof described in the specification, and should not be understood to exclude the presence or possibility of addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, components, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, in this specification, the term "coupled" is used to mean both indirectly and directly coupling multiple components.

[0025] Furthermore, when describing the present invention, if a detailed description of related publicly known functions or configurations is deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electronic deodorant device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a view showing the inside of the housing of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the nozzle head of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the plasma generating section of FIG. 1.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the electronic deodorant device 10 generates plasma and supplies the generated plasma to kill bacteria. For example, the electronic deodorant device 10 can supply plasma to eliminate bacteria that cause axillary odour, which is a foul odor caused by the skin of humans and animals. For example, foul odor is caused by fatty acid organic compounds secreted in sweat and skin bacteria, and the electronic deodorant device 10 can supply plasma to eliminate such foul odor.

[0028] The electronic deodorant device 10 includes a housing 100 , a nozzle head 200 , a gas circulation line 300 , an air pump 400 , and a plasma generating unit 500 .

[0029] The housing 100 is cylindrical and has an internal space. A partial region 110 of the outer periphery of the housing 100 is recessed inward. A seal 120 is provided around the periphery of the partial region 110. The seal 120 is ring-shaped and improves contact with the skin. The seal 120 is made of a material that is compatible with the human body. According to one embodiment, the seal 120 may be made of a silicone material.

[0030] The nozzle head 200 is provided in the partial region 110 of the housing 100. The nozzle head 200 draws in external air and discharges plasma to the outside. The nozzle head 200 includes a first flow path 202, a second flow path 204, a body 210, and a cover 220.

[0031] The body 210 has a funnel shape with a predetermined diameter. Specifically, the body 210 has an open space formed inside at the front, and the diameter gradually decreases toward the rear.

[0032] The cover 220 is coupled to the open front of the body 210, and has an outlet 201 and an inlet 203 formed therein. The outlet 201 is formed in a central region of the cover 220, and a plurality of inlets 203 are formed around the outlet 201. The inlets 203 are formed at uniform intervals along the periphery of the outlet 201. According to one embodiment, the inlet 203 may have the same diameter as the outlet 201. Alternatively, the inlet 203 may have a smaller diameter than the outlet 201.

[0033] The first flow path 202 is provided inside the body 210, and its upper end is located inside the body 210. The first flow path 202 is connected to the intake port 203 through the internal space of the body 210.

[0034] The second flow path 204 is provided inside the body 210 and has an upper end connected to the outlet 201 .

[0035] The gas circulation line 300 is provided inside the housing 100. The gas circulation line 300 is provided with a predetermined length and provides a flow path through which the gas circulates. One end of the gas circulation line 300 is connected to the first flow path 202, and the other end is connected to the second flow path 204. The gas that flows in through the inlet 203 and the first flow path 202 circulates along the gas circulation line 300 and is discharged to the front of the nozzle head 200 through the second flow path 204 and the outlet 201.

[0036] The air pump 400 is provided in the gas circulation line 300 and generates power to circulate the gas along the gas circulation line 300 .

[0037] The plasma generator 500 is installed in the gas circulation line 300 between the air pump 400 and the second flow path 204. The plasma generator 500 generates plasma by subjecting the gas circulating along the gas circulation line 300 to plasma discharge treatment. The discharge-treated gas contains ozone, nitrogen oxides, hydroxides, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide. The ozone, nitrogen oxides, hydroxides, etc. are in a radical state.

[0038] The plasma generating unit 500 includes a plasma generating body 510, a first electrode 520, a dielectric tube 530, a second electrode 540, and a power source (not shown).

[0039] The plasma generating body 510 is located inside the housing 100 and has a predetermined shape. According to one embodiment, the plasma generating body 510 has a cylindrical shape and has a space 511 formed therein. A first electrode 520, a dielectric tube 530, and a second electrode 540 are located in the space 511. The plasma generating body 510 is made of an insulating material.

[0040] The first electrode 520 is made of a conductive material and has a cylindrical shape with a predetermined length. The first electrode 520 is provided with a first connection terminal 521, and is connected to a power source via the first connection terminal 521.

[0041] The dielectric tube 530 is made of a dielectric material and has a cylindrical shape with a predetermined length. At least a portion of the dielectric tube 530 is inserted inside the first electrode 520, and the tip of the dielectric tube 530 protrudes forward of the first electrode 520.

[0042] The second electrode 540 is made of a conductive material and has a cylindrical shape with a predetermined length. A portion of the second electrode 540 has a smaller diameter than the dielectric tube 530, and is inserted into the dielectric tube 530. The tip of the second electrode 540 is located inside the first electrode 520. As a result, the first electrode 520, the dielectric tube 530, and the second electrode 540 at least partially overlap. A second connecting terminal 541 is provided on the second electrode 540, and the second electrode 540 is connected to the battery 600 via the second connecting terminal 541.

[0043] The space inside the plasma body 510, located in front of the first electrode 520, includes a flow path decreasing section 512 and a flow path increasing section 513. The flow path decreasing section 512 is located at the end of the dielectric tube 530, and the flow path width gradually decreases with increasing distance from the end of the dielectric tube 530. The flow path increasing section 513 is connected to the flow path decreasing section 512, and the flow path width increases with increasing distance from the end of the dielectric tube 530.

[0044] The gas circulating through the gas circulation line 300 flows into the plasma generation body 510 through the connector 550 provided at the rear end of the plasma generation body 510, passes through the internal flow path of the second electrode 540, the internal flow path of the dielectric tube 530, and then flows into the flow path decreasing section 512. During this process, an electric field is formed inside the dielectric tube 530 due to the difference in voltage applied to the first electrode 520 and the second electrode 540, thereby activating the gas. As the activated gas sequentially passes through the flow path decreasing section 512 and the flow path increasing section 513, its pressure decreases and its flow rate increases. The activated gas with its increased flow rate quickly flows along the gas circulation line 300 into the second flow path 204 and is supplied to the front of the nozzle head 200 through the outlet 201.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an electronic deodorant device according to an embodiment of the present invention in use, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which the electronic deodorant device is in close contact with the user's skin.

[0046] 5 and 6, a user 50 can apply plasma to eliminate bad odors generated in the armpits. The user 50 holds the electronic deodorant device 10 between the armpits so that the partial area 110 faces the skin 51. Here, the sealing 120 is in close contact with the skin of the user 50, so that the partial area 110 of the housing 100 and the user's skin 51 form a sealed space 60.

[0047] When the deodorant device 10 is activated and the air pump 400 is driven, gas remaining in the sealed space 60 between the partial region 110 and the skin 30 flows into the first flow path 202 through the inlet 203. This gas is air. The gas circulates along the gas circulation line 300 and enters the plasma generating body 510. The gas passes through the internal flow path of the second electrode 540 and the internal flow path of the dielectric tube 530, and enters the flow path decreasing section 512. During this process, the gas is activated by the electric field formed inside the dielectric tube 530. The activated gas increases in flow rate as it passes through the flow path decreasing section 512 and the flow path increasing section 513 sequentially. The activated gas flows along the gas circulation line 300 into the second flow path 204 and is supplied to the sealed space 60 through the outlet 201. The activated gas is supplied to the skin 51 to kill bacteria. The activated gas remains in the sealed space 60 and flows back into the gas circulation line 300 via the inlet 203. The activated gas is reactivated through the plasma treatment unit 500 and then resupplied to the skin 51 through the nozzle head 200. In this way, the activated gas is recirculated and reactivated in the sealed space 60. The reactivation increases the energy of the activated gas, and the radical state is stably maintained. This increases the bactericidal effect on bacteria.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an electronic deodorant device according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the inside of the housing of FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the nozzle head of FIG.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the electronic deodorant device 10 includes a housing 100, a nozzle head 200, a gas circulation line 300, an air pump 400, and a plasma generating unit 500.

[0050] The housing 100 is provided in a predetermined shape and size, and has a space formed therein. According to one embodiment, the housing 100 is provided in a hexahedral shape having a predetermined length.

[0051] The nozzle head 200 is provided at the tip of the housing 100 and is detachable from the housing 100. The nozzle head 200 is provided with a first flow path 202 and a second flow path 204. According to one embodiment, the first flow path 202 and the second flow path 204 are located in a central region of the nozzle head 200.

[0052] The nozzle head 200 includes a body 210 and a separation plate 220 .

[0053] The body 210 has a funnel shape. Specifically, the body 210 has an open front and a space formed inside, and the diameter gradually decreases toward the rear. The front of the body 210 has a larger diameter than the end of the housing 100.

[0054] When the separation plate 220 is positioned inside the body 210, it divides the interior space of the body 210 into a first space 230 and a second space 240. Based on the separation plate 220, the first space 230 is positioned adjacent to the housing 100, and the second space 240 is positioned on the other side of the first space 230.

[0055] An outlet port 201 is formed in a central region of the separation plate 220, and a plurality of inlets 203 are formed around the outlet port 201. The inlets 203 are formed at uniform intervals along the periphery of the outlet port 201. In one embodiment, the inlets 203 have a smaller diameter than the outlet port 201. The outlet port 201 is connected to the second flow path 204, and the inlets 203 are connected to the first flow path 202 via the first space 230.

[0056] The gas circulation line 300, the air pump 400, and the plasma generating unit 500 are provided in the same manner as in the configurations explained in FIGS. 1 to 4, and therefore detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0057] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the electronic detent device according to the embodiment of FIG. 7 in use.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 10 , a user operates the electronic deodorant device 10 with the nozzle head 200 in close contact with the skin 30. By operating the air pump 400, gas remaining in the second space 240 between the nozzle head 200 and the skin 30 flows into the first flow path 202 through the inlet 203. This gas is air. The gas circulates along the gas circulation line 300 and enters the plasma generating body 510. The gas passes through the internal flow path of the second electrode 540 and the internal flow path of the dielectric tube 530, and then flows into the flow path decreasing section 512. During this process, the gas is activated by the electric field formed inside the dielectric tube 530. The activated gas increases in flow rate as it passes through the flow path decreasing section 512 and the flow path increasing section 513 sequentially. The activated gas flows along the gas circulation line 300 into the second flow path 204 and is then supplied to the front of the nozzle head 200 through the outlet 201. The activated gas is supplied to the skin to kill bacteria. The activated gas remains in the space 240 sealed by the nozzle head 200 and the skin 30, and then flows back into the gas circulation line 300 via the inlet 203. The activated gas can be reactivated through the plasma treatment unit 500 and then resupplied to the skin 30 via the nozzle head 200. In this way, the space 240 to which the activated gas is supplied is sealed by the nozzle head 200 and the skin 30, so the activated gas is recirculated and reactivated. The reactivation increases the energy of the activated gas, and the radical state is stably maintained. This increases the bactericidal effect on bacteria.

[0059] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a nozzle head according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] 11, a plurality of protrusions 250 are formed on the front surface of the nozzle head 200. The protrusions 250 protrude forward from the nozzle head 200 by a predetermined length, and their diameters gradually decrease toward the ends. The discharge ports 201 are formed at the ends of the protrusions 250.

[0061] In the nozzle head 200 having the above structure, the protrusions 250 function as a brush, and the outlet 203 can supply activated gas as close as possible to the skin. The nozzle head 200 can supply plasma directly to the scalp by brushing human hair with the protrusions 250. In addition, in the case of animals with a lot of hair, such as puppies and cats, the nozzle head 200 can brush the hair and supply plasma directly to the skin.

[0062] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the use of an electronic deodorant device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] As shown in Figure 12, the electronic deodorant device 10 further includes a protective cover 600. The protective cover 600 has a space formed therein for the body of the animal 50 to fit inside, and an opening 610 formed in one area for the head of the animal 50 to protrude outside. The protective cover 600 is made of a material that blocks air from entering and exiting. In one example, the protective cover 600 is made of a thin synthetic resin film.

[0064] The protective cover 600 is coupled to the nozzle head 200. The air inside the protective cover 600 flows into the gas circulation line 300 through the inlet 203, is activated in the plasma treatment unit 500, and is then supplied into the protective cover 600 through the outlet 201. The air inside the protective cover 600 is repeatedly circulated along the gas circulation line 300 in the above-described process, reactivated, and resupplied into the protective cover 600. This process is repeated, and the concentration of activated gas inside the protective cover 600 gradually increases. As the inside of the protective cover 600 is replaced with activated gas, bacteria attached to the skin and fur of the animal 50 are sterilized. Since a high concentration of activated gas can be supplied up to the skin surface of the animal 50, bacteria attached to the skin of the animal 50 can be effectively sterilized.

[0065] Although the present invention has been described in detail using the preferred embodiment, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment, but 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 present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0066] Electronic deodorant devices according to embodiments of the present invention can be used to kill bacteria that cause malodours on human and animal skin, such as underarm odour.

Claims

1. Housing and a nozzle head provided in the housing and having a first flow path and a second flow path; a gas circulation line that circulates the gas that has flowed in through the first flow path inside the housing and supplies it to the second flow path; an air pump provided on the gas circulation line to introduce an external gas through the first flow path; and a plasma generating unit that is provided in the circulation gas line in a section between the air pump and the second flow path and that performs plasma emission treatment on the gas.

2. the housing has a cylindrical shape with a partial area of ​​its outer circumferential surface recessed inward, The electronic deodorant device according to claim 1 , wherein the nozzle head is located in the partial area.

3. The nozzle head is A body with an open front and an internal space. a cover coupled to a front surface of the body and having an inlet and an outlet, the first flow path communicates with an internal space of the body; 3. The electronic deodorant device according to claim 2, wherein the second flow path is connected to the outlet.

4. The electronic deodorant device according to claim 2, further comprising a silicone sealant provided along the periphery of the partial area.

5. The nozzle head is A body with an open front and an internal space. a separation plate that divides an internal space of the body into a first space and a second space and has an inlet port that communicates with the first flow path and an outlet port that communicates with the second flow path; the first flow path connects one end of the gas circulation line to the first space, The electronic deodorant device according to claim 1 , wherein the second flow path connects the other end of the gas circulation line to the outlet.

6. The discharge port is formed at the center of the separation plate, The electronic deodorant device according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of the inlets are formed around the outlet.

7. The electronic deodorant device according to claim 5, wherein the second space has a diameter that increases from the separating plate toward the open front surface of the body.

8. The plasma generating unit is a first electrode made of a conductive material and having a tubular shape; a dielectric tube made of a dielectric material and having a tube shape, the dielectric tube being inserted inside the first electrode tube; a second electrode made of a conductive material, having a tubular shape, and a portion of which is inserted inside the dielectric tube; 10. The electronic deodorant device of claim 1, further comprising a power source for applying a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode.

9. The electronic deodorant device according to claim 8, wherein the first electrode, the dielectric tube, and the second electrode partially overlap each other.

10. The plasma generating unit further includes: a plasma generation body made of a dielectric material, the plasma generation body providing a space in which the first electrode, the dielectric tube, and the second electrode are located; The space formed in the plasma generating body is a flow path narrowing section where one end of the dielectric tube is located, and a flow path width that decreases with increasing distance from the one end of the dielectric tube; The electronic deodorant device according to claim 8, further comprising a flow path increasing section connected to the flow path decreasing section, the flow path width of which increases with increasing distance from one end of the dielectric tube.

11. 2. The electronic deodorant device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of protrusions are formed on the front surface of the nozzle head, the protrusions having a predetermined length and protruding forward.

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