Golf shoe care device using low-temperature sterilizing plasma

KR1020260133448APending Publication Date: 2026-09-04EAI CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
KR1020250026626
Authority / Receiving Office
KR · KR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-02-28
Publication Date
2026-09-04

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Abstract

A golf shoe care device using low-temperature pasteurization plasma is disclosed. The golf shoe care device using low-temperature pasteurization plasma comprises: a plasma generating unit that generates plasma; a plasma irradiation unit that irradiates the plasma generated by the plasma generating unit onto a shoe; and a control unit that controls the plasma generating unit and the plasma irradiation unit, wherein the plasma generating unit can generate low-temperature plasma of 40°C or lower.
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Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a golf shoe care device using low-temperature pasteurization plasma, and more specifically, to a golf shoe care device that causes minimal material damage, has excellent sterilization effects, and can maintain uniformity of sterilization effects according to the complex internal structure of the golf shoe. Background Technology

[0002] Sterilizing and disinfecting golf shoes presents several challenges compared to ordinary shoes. This is because golf shoes feature a variety of materials (leather, synthetic leather, fabric, rubber, etc.) and complex structures (spikes, cushioning, waterproofing membranes, etc.). Each material and structure reacts differently depending on the sterilization method, leading to technical limitations.

[0003] Methods for sterilizing and disinfecting golf shoes include washing, ultraviolet (UV) sterilization, hot air drying, ozone sterilization, and steam sterilization.

[0004] While washing is the most common method, expensive leather or waterproof golf shoes may suffer material damage or reduced functionality due to cleaning. Drying after washing also takes a long time, and achieving complete sterilization can be difficult.

[0005] Although ultraviolet (UV) sterilization is highly effective, it is difficult to irradiate all parts evenly due to the complex structure of golf shoes, and it may cause discoloration in leather or some materials. Additionally, the sterilization effect may not reach deep inside.

[0006] While high-temperature hot air can enhance sterilization effects, it may cause deformation or damage to leather or some plastic materials. Additionally, there may be limitations to odor removal using hot air alone.

[0007] While ozone possesses powerful sterilizing properties, it is harmful to the human body and can damage certain materials. Caution is required when using it in poorly ventilated spaces.

[0008] While high-temperature steam is effective for sterilization and deodorization, it can cause deformation and damage to certain materials, such as leather and fabric, and additional damage may occur during the drying process. Depending on the internal structure of the shoe, the steam may not reach it evenly.

[0009] Antibacterial sprays are convenient, but it is difficult to expect a lasting effect, and they can cause stains or discoloration on some materials.

[0010] The aforementioned golf shoe sterilization and disinfection technology has the following limitations.

[0011] First, golf shoes are made from various materials such as leather, synthetic leather, fabric, and rubber. Since each material reacts differently to sterilization and disinfection methods, it is difficult to find a method that is effective and safe for all materials.

[0012] Second, the complex structure of golf shoes, including spikes, cushioning, and waterproofing membranes, prevents disinfectants or heat from reaching the material evenly, thereby reducing the sterilization effect and increasing the risk of material damage.

[0013] Third, the durability of golf shoes may be compromised during the sterilization process. In particular, expensive leather golf shoes may experience issues such as discoloration, deformation, and reduced functionality.

[0014] Fourth, due to the structural characteristics and material diversity of golf shoes, it is difficult to perfectly sterilize every part. The sterilization effect may also vary depending on the type of bacteria.

[0015] Fifth, effective sterilization and disinfection methods are often expensive or time-consuming.

[0016] Accordingly, golf shoe sterilization technology capable of solving the aforementioned problems is required. The problem to be solved

[0017] The present invention provides a golf shoe care device using low-temperature sterilization plasma that causes minimal material damage and has an excellent sterilization effect.

[0018] In addition, the present invention provides a golf shoe care device using low-temperature pasteurization plasma that can maintain uniformity of sterilization effect according to the complex internal structure of the golf shoe. means of solving the problem

[0019] A golf shoe care device using low-temperature sterilization plasma according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plasma generating unit that generates plasma; a plasma irradiation unit that irradiates the plasma generated by the plasma generating unit onto a shoe; and a control unit that controls the plasma generating unit and the plasma irradiation unit, wherein the plasma generating unit can generate low-temperature plasma of 40°C or lower.

[0020] In addition, the above plasma generation unit may utilize Arc-free Cold Plasma Jet technology.

[0021] In addition, the plasma irradiation unit can be designed to efficiently irradiate plasma to the inside and outside of the shoe.

[0022] In addition, it may include a function that automatically adjusts the plasma treatment time and output according to the type of shoe material.

[0023] In addition, it can provide a sterilization effect of over 99.9% within 20 minutes. Effects of the invention

[0024] According to the present invention, since the plasma generating unit generates low-temperature plasma of 40°C or lower, there is less damage to the golf 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 complex interior of the golf shoe, so the sterilization effect can be maintained uniformly. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0026] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a golf 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 golf 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.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a golf 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 golf shoe, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the full cone-shaped plasma discharger of FIG. 2.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the golf shoe care device cares for golf shoes using low-temperature pasteurization plasma, which causes minimal material damage and has an excellent sterilization effect.

[0035] The golf shoe care device includes a chamber, a plasma generation module, and a control unit.

[0036] The chamber provides space for storing golf shoes. Multiple chambers are provided and can be stacked in multiple layers.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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).

[0039] 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).

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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).

[0042] The plasma generation unit (130) excites the source gas to generate plasma.

[0043] The plasma generation unit (130) includes a power electrode (131), a ground electrode (132), a cable guide tube (133), and a power source (135).

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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).

[0047] The power supply (135) applies power to the power electrode (131) through the cable (134).

[0048] 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).

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the nozzle (140) includes a nozzle body (141) and a vane (Vane, 140).

[0052] 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).

[0053] 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).

[0054] 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.

[0055] Due to the structure of such a nozzle (140), plasma introduced from the plasma generation section 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the plasma generation module may utilize Arc-free Cold Plasma Jet technology.

[0059] The above plasma irradiation unit can be designed to efficiently irradiate plasma to the inside and outside of the shoe.

[0060] 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.

[0061] In addition, the control unit states that the shoe care device can provide a sterilization effect of 99.9% or more within 20 minutes.

[0063] Due to the technical features described above, the golf 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 golf shoe material and the sterilization effect is excellent.

[0064] In addition, since the golf 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 golf shoe, allowing the sterilization effect to be maintained uniformly.

[0066] 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

[0068] 100: Full cone-type plasma generator 110: Case 121: Gas supply pipe 130: Plasma generator 140: Nozzle

Claims

Claim 1 A golf shoe care device comprising: a plasma generating unit for generating plasma; a plasma irradiation unit for irradiating a shoe with plasma generated from the plasma generating unit; and a control unit for controlling the plasma generating unit and the plasma irradiation unit, wherein the plasma generating unit generates low-temperature plasma of 40°C or lower. Claim 2 A golf shoe care device according to claim 1, characterized in that the plasma generating unit utilizes Arc-free Cold Plasma Jet technology. Claim 3 A golf shoe care device according to claim 1, characterized in that the plasma irradiation unit is designed to efficiently irradiate plasma to the inside and outside of the shoe. Claim 4 A golf shoe care machine according to claim 1, further comprising a function to automatically adjust plasma treatment time and output according to the type of material of the shoe. Claim 5 A golf shoe care device according to claim 1, characterized in that the shoe care device provides a sterilization effect of 99.9% or more within 20 minutes.