Air curtain generator and virus control method

Abstract

To provide an air curtain generation device that controls infection with viruses, and to provide a virus control method.SOLUTION: An air curtain generation device includes an air suction port, sterilization means and a sterilized air blow out port. The air curtain generation device removes, with the sterilization means viruses from the air taken from the air suction port, and then blows the air out from the sterilized air blow out port to generate an air curtain.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an air curtain generating device and a virus control method. More specifically, it relates to a neck-hanging type air curtain generating device and a virus control method.

Background Art

[0002] Due to the spread of the coronavirus, work and lifestyle have changed, and more people are wearing masks to prevent infection. However, wearing a mask causes problems such as difficulty in breathing, risk of heat stroke, risk of mask dermatitis, difficulty in face recognition, difficulty in hearing conversations, interference with eating and drinking, and reduction of social activities. Although masks using an air curtain (for example, Patent Document 1) have also been developed, it has been difficult to solve the above problems.

[0003] Therefore, there has been a demand for a device or method that can solve these problems.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007] According to the present invention, an air curtain can be formed in front of the face using a device with a simple structure, thereby reducing the risk of infection from viruses and other pathogens. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the air intake port of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the front view when the present invention is installed. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the back view when the present invention is attached. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the air curtain when the present invention is installed. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the airflow when coughing while wearing the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the airflow when the Beetle attachment is installed in the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows another embodiment of the present invention, which is its use as a prompter. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows another embodiment of the present invention, its use as virtual reality (VR). [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of the size of the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows the range of motion of the movable part of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The present invention is an air curtain generating device that solves the problems of ordinary masks and face guards, is more comfortable, and can also reduce viruses and pathogens themselves. The air curtain generating device of the present invention has a polygonal or elliptical annular structure for use around the neck. The inside of the structure is hollow, takes in air from an air intake installed behind the neck, and passes it through an ultraviolet irradiation device and / or a virus removal filter installed between the intake and the air outlet near the chest area. After inactivating and / or removing the virus, it blows air from the sterilized air outlet (air outlet) to form an air curtain in front of the face, thereby preventing viruses in the air from adhering to the face and causing infection.

[0010] One embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, consists of a substantially rectangular or elliptical hollow tube, with an air suction port on one side and an air outlet 4 on the opposite side. The air 3 sucked in from the suction port 2 moves through the tube 4 and is discharged from the air outlet 8 after sterilization. At this time, the virus is inactivated by the sterilization means 7 before discharge. In FIG. 1, it has a rectangular or elliptical shape, but as a variation, it may be a polygon such as a triangle, trapezoid, hexagon, octagon, etc., or a shape including a part of a circle or an ellipse in a part of the polygon (for example, the corner part of the polygon or the part hitting the neck is in the shape of an arc of a circle or an ellipse), or it may be in the shape of a figure-eight or an X shape. In short, there is no particular limitation as long as it can form an air curtain in front of the face.

[0011] According to the present invention, when an air curtain is formed in front of the face and fine particles such as viruses, microorganisms, and dust try to approach the face, the air curtain can blow them upward to prevent the viruses and the like from coming into contact with the face.

[0012] Viruses, microorganisms, etc. scattered upward may fall on the top of the person person person person's head, the back of the head, or the sides of the head. Therefore, air containing such viruses and microorganisms is sucked in from the suction port 2 provided behind the neck, and the sterilization means 7 reduces the concentration of viruses and bacteria or inactivates them and ejects them as an air curtain. As a result, the air around the air curtain generating device of the present invention also has the effect of becoming sterilized or bacteriologically reduced air. Sterilization or bacteriological reduction means that the number of viruses or microorganisms (for example, the number of bacteria, mycoplasma, yeast, mold, etc.) becomes zero or less than the original number. Further, according to the present invention, there is also an effect that it is possible to prevent surrounding floating fine particles and the like from contacting the face.

[0013] As the sterilization means in the present invention, ultraviolet irradiation, ozone sterilization, virus adsorption filters (for example, filters coated with catechin, etc.) may be used, or a combination of a plurality of these may be used, and it is not limited thereto. In short, any means that can sterilize or inactivate viruses may be used. Also, even if complete sterilization is not possible, it is sufficient if it can be reduced.

[0014] The material of the main body is preferably made of resin and may partially contain metal. The portion irradiated with ultraviolet rays is preferably finished with a stainless steel mirror surface. The intake port and the air outlet of the present invention are preferably detachable and can be cleaned (Fig. 2).

[0015] As shown in Fig. 2, a fan 21 is installed at the intake port to guide the surrounding air into the pipe 4 of the air curtain generating device of the present invention by suction. When there is a risk that long hair may be caught in the fan, a socket 22 for long hair can be attached to prevent the hair from being caught. The fan is preferably rechargeable, but a battery type may also be used. Charging may be by a normal power supply or by USB.

[0016] Figures 3 to 6 show the airflow when the air curtain generator of the present invention is installed. Sterilized air 9 exiting from the air outlet 8 creates an air curtain upward from the face guard 12, passes over the head, and is drawn into the intake port 2 located at the back of the neck, where it circulates. As a result, an air curtain of sterilized air is created on the face, top of the head, back of the head, and neck, preventing viruses from adhering to the face.

[0017] As shown in Figure 5, the air coming from the front flows upward without hitting the face because the air curtain acts as a barrier.

[0018] If you cough, coughing towards the face shield will cause droplets and other particles to rise upward along the air curtain, and some will be drawn in through the air intake from the top of your head to the back of your head, where they will be sterilized (Figure 6).

[0019] The materials of the virus removal device of the present invention are preferably made of resin and metal. Suitable resins include, but are not limited to, ordinary plastics and engineering plastics. Suitable metal is stainless steel. In the case of stainless steel, it is preferable to give it a mirror finish so that ultraviolet light can efficiently penetrate it. Air passages and sterilization parts may be silver-plated as needed.

[0020] The face guard portion of the air curtain generator of the present invention can also be used as a teleprompter. That is, a script for a speech or presentation can be displayed on the transparent face guard 32 (screen teleprompter), and the user can speak while reading from it (Figures 8 and 9).

[0021] Furthermore, it may be equipped with a built-in computer and microphone, allowing for voice control, or it may be operated via a touch panel. As a wearable computer, it may be connected to a network and display a screen on the face guard 32 (Figure 10). It may also be capable of displaying holograms or virtual reality (VR). The face guard may also be a touch panel. Furthermore, it may be possible to make phone calls, install speakers to allow listening to music, etc., or blow air from the middle of the tube to cool it as a cooler. Heaters and coolers may also be installed to control the temperature of the air curtain. A computer, communication equipment, and / or touch-operated switches may be installed for use as a teleprompter or wearable computer (Figure 8).

[0022] In this invention, an air curtain is generated from bottom to top. The angle of the air curtain is preferably parallel to the face or away from the face. If an air curtain is created from top to bottom, there is a risk that viruses will be drawn in and adhere to clothing. However, if the air moves from bottom to top, even if viruses are flying in from the front, they will be blown upwards and less likely to adhere to clothing.

[0023] In another embodiment, a structure that creates an air curtain horizontally may be used, in which case the air curtain outlets should be made on the sides in front of the face. For example, by installing tubes on one or both sides of the face guard and placing the outlets for blowing sterile air into those tubes, it is possible to cover the entire face with an air curtain. If the air is blown upwards from below, as in the embodiment described above, a large area of ​​the face can be guarded by the air curtain by designing the shape of the face guard and air outlets to match the curve of the head. In addition, it is possible to prevent to some extent the adhesion of virus particles and other particles from the sides of the head.

[0024] Examples of pathogens that can be controlled by this invention include, but are not limited to, viruses, bacteria, molds, yeasts, and mycoplasmas. Any organism, virus, mycoplasma, etc. that can be sterilized by sterilization means can be used without restriction. In this specification, sterilization includes not only bacteria but also the inactivation of viruses. Furthermore, the present invention can effectively prevent contact with the face not only of viruses and microorganisms, but also of fine particles such as PM2.5 and dust.

[0025] The movable joint 5 allows the angle to be changed (Figure 12). This makes it possible to create an air curtain in the optimal position to accommodate individual differences such as differences in chest circumference and breast size. The tubular portion of the main body of the present invention may be provided with a slidable portion in part, allowing its length to be extended or shortened. [Examples]

[0026] (Example 1) Manufacturing method The components of the air curtain generator of the present invention can be manufactured using resin (plastic) or metal. Polycarbonate and polystyrene are preferred resins. The tubular portion may be transparent. The resin portion can be manufactured by injection molding or the like. The metal portion can be manufactured by processing stainless steel. In the case of stainless steel, the portion through which air flows is preferably mirror-finished. Particularly, the portion to be sterilized by ultraviolet light is preferably mirror-finished. Furthermore, a silver ion coating may be applied to part or all of the inner surface of the tubing that serves as the air passage. This prevents microorganisms from adhering to and multiplying on the tubing walls.

[0027] (Example 2) Figure 1 shows the basic configuration of the present invention. An air intake port 2 is provided on one side of the oval shape, and air flows in from here as shown in Figure 3. The incoming air passes through the cavity 4, through the sterilization means 7, and is blown out through the blower 8. The width of the opening of the blower is preferably 1 to 5 mm, more preferably 2 to 3 mm. By installing a face guard 12 in front of the blower 8, the blown-out air 9 can be made into an air curtain (Figure 3). However, even without a face guard, it is preferable that the air curtain blows out parallel to the face. In this case, the air curtain may be designed to blow out parallel to the face, or at an angle of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 degrees forward from the face (away from the face). Alternatively, the design may allow the blowing angle to be changed by a motor or the like so that this blowing angle can be adjusted. In this case, a blowing angle adjustment switch may be installed on the airflow adjustment touch switch 11 or the like. Alternatively, the main unit may be set with a wireless remote control, or it may be controllable with a mobile device such as a smartphone.

[0028] When using the system, the air curtain can be generated from the optimal position by bending the movable joint 5 (Figures 5 and 12). The movable joint can also be a flexible tube or other tube whose angle can be freely fixed.

[0029] A fan 21 is installed in the air intake 2, which draws in air and blows it out towards the air outlet (Figure 2). A long hair socket 22 may be installed to prevent hair from being caught in the fan 21.

[0030] A moisturizing capsule 23 may be attached to the air intake. This can prevent throat problems caused by dry air.

[0031] Figure 6 shows the airflow through the air curtain when a face shield is installed. Air coming from the front towards the face is directed upward by the air curtain. Your own exhaled air is also directed upward by the air curtain and is then drawn into the intake port in the neck.

[0032] If you cough, as shown in Figure 6, the cough will hit the face shield, then pass through the air curtain on the face side, over your head, and be drawn in through the intake port 2 at the back of your neck, where it will be sterilized by the sterilization means 7, thereby inactivating viruses and other pathogens.

[0033] To efficiently draw in one's own exhaled breath and air from the top and sides of the head through the air intake of the present invention, the beetle attachment 24 should be installed on the fan. As shown in Figure 7, the beetle attachment 24 draws in one's own exhaled breath, passes it through the fan 21, enters the tube 4 of the present invention, is sterilized or disinfected by the sterilization means 7, and then released as an air curtain. This also has the effect of continuously disinfecting the air around the person wearing the air curtain generator of the present invention. When many people wear it, even in the three Cs (close contact, enclosed space, crowded space), the air is circulated and disinfected, and the risk of infection is expected to be reduced.

[0034] (Example 3) Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 8. In this embodiment, the face guard functions as a teleprompter, allowing the user to speak while viewing a script for a speech or presentation. A wearable speaker and microphone can also be installed. By installing a CPU, it can also be used as a wearable computer. Touch operation switches may be installed, the teleprompter may be operated as a touchscreen, or commands may be given via voice through the microphone.

[0035] As shown in Figure 9, by straightening the air curtain generator of the present invention using its movable part and viewing the screen, virtual reality and holograms can also be displayed. In this case, the user can control the device to touch objects in the VR space by monitoring hand movements using artificial intelligence (AI) or by using fingertip sensors or VR gloves.

[0036] Figure 11 shows an example of the size of the air curtain generator of the present invention. This is just one example and is not limited to this. For example, it may be smaller for use by children. [Industrial applicability]

[0037] This invention can be used in the health equipment industry, the medical industry, the IT industry, and other fields. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0038] 1. Air curtain generator 2. Air intake 3. Airflow 4. Hollow tube 5. Movable joints 6. Air outlet selector touch switch 7 Sterilization methods 8 Air outlets 9 Sterile air 10. In-use indicator lamp 11. Airflow adjustment touch switch 12 Face Guards 21 Fans 22 Socket for long hair 23 Moisturizing Capsules 24 Beetle Attachment 31 Wearable Speakers 32 Screen Prompters 33 Mike 34 Touch operation switches 35. In-use indicator light 36 Spot Coolers

Claims

1. An air curtain generating device having a rectangular or elliptical annular structure, wherein one end of the rectangle or ellipse has an air intake port, and opposite the air intake port, there is a sterilization means and a sterilized air outlet that generates an air curtain by blowing air from a blower, and further, on the side of the sterilized air outlet furthest from the face, there is a face guard that covers all or part of the face, which, when struck by the sterilized air, changes the direction of the sterilized air outlet to face forward, forming an air curtain over the entire front of the face.

2. The air curtain generating device according to claim 1, which is a neck-worn type.

3. An air curtain generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein air taken in from an air intake port has viruses removed by a sterilization means, and then is blown out from the sterilized air outlet to form an air curtain.

4. An air curtain generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sterilization means is ultraviolet light and / or a filter.

5. An air curtain generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising means for changing the blowing angle of the air curtain.

6. Furthermore, the air curtain generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a socket for long hair to prevent hair from being caught in the fan, a moisturizing capsule to prevent throat irritation caused by dry air, and / or a beetle attachment for efficiently drawing in the user's own exhaled breath and air from the top and sides of the head through the air intake of the present invention.

7. The air curtain generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the face guard functions as a prompter.

8. Furthermore, the air curtain generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a microphone, a speaker, and / or a cooler.

9. A method for preventing infection by viruses and / or microorganisms using an air curtain generator according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. An air curtain generating method comprising the steps of: using an air curtain generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, drawing in air from the back of the head or neck; sterilizing the drawn-in air; and discharging the sterilized air upward from the lower side of the face to form an air curtain over the entire front surface of the face.

11. The method for generating an air curtain according to claim 10, characterized in that harmful substances are prevented from coming into contact with the face by an air curtain that covers the entire front surface.

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