Portable apparatus for automatically discharging carbon monoxide gas

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a portable apparatus for automatically discharging carbon monoxide gas comprises: a main body unit having a box shape; a sensor module disposed in the main body unit to detect carbon monoxide gas contained in the air; a blowing module disposed inside the main body unit and generating an air flow to suck in external air from one side thereof and discharge the air back to the other side; and a control module controlling whether to operate the blowing module.

Description

Portable carbon monoxide gas automatic discharge device

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable automatic carbon monoxide gas discharge device, and more particularly, to a portable automatic carbon monoxide gas discharge device that discharges air to the outside simultaneously with generating an alarm when carbon monoxide in the air reaches a reference level.

[0002] As the number of people enjoying camping and car camping has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of fatalities due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning has also increased. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, making it undetectable to humans, and even small amounts can be fatal. According to the Korea Consumer Agency, of the 195 campsite safety accidents that occurred over the past five years, 60 cases, or 30.8%, were caused by CO poisoning, including dizziness and oxygen deprivation. (As of 2021)

[0003] In particular, heating appliances are often used in enclosed spaces to raise indoor temperatures during the winter, or in vehicles with passive heaters. As a result, carbon monoxide concentrations in the air rapidly increase, leading to frequent cases of carbon monoxide poisoning.

[0004] To prevent such carbon monoxide poisoning incidents, various portable carbon monoxide detectors are being released. However, conventional technologies simply emit an alarm signal upon detection of carbon monoxide. Therefore, the alarm may not be recognized during deep sleep, or even if it sounds, those already suffering from mild carbon monoxide poisoning may experience dizziness, making it difficult to ventilate.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a device that can quickly and automatically discharge carbon monoxide in a closed space while maintaining the indoor temperature to a certain level.

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides a portable carbon monoxide gas automatic discharge device having both a carbon monoxide detection function and a discharge function, which can automatically discharge carbon monoxide when it exceeds a standard value.

[0007] In addition, the present invention seeks to provide a portable carbon monoxide gas automatic discharge device having a compact and lightweight structure that is easy to carry so that it can be easily used even during outdoor activities.

[0008] In addition, it is intended to provide a portable carbon monoxide gas automatic exhaust device that allows air to be drawn in from multiple directions.

[0009] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a portable automatic carbon monoxide gas discharge device having a structure that enables carbon monoxide to be discharged quickly and smoothly.

[0010] In order to solve the above-described problem, an embodiment of the present invention provides a portable carbon monoxide gas automatic discharge device including a main body in the shape of a container; a sensor module disposed in the main body for detecting carbon monoxide gas contained in the air; a blower module disposed inside the main body for generating an air flow so as to draw in outside air from one side and discharge it again from the other side; and a control module for controlling whether the blower module is operated.

[0011] It is preferable that the main body portion include a case portion formed with an open front and an external connection pipe formed at the rear; a guide cover portion coupled to the front of the case portion and guiding incoming external air to the blower module; and a gap plate portion coupled to the front of the guide cover portion and limiting the area through which air is introduced.

[0012] It is preferable that the above guide cover part includes a base plate having an air inlet hole formed in the center thereof to communicate with the blower module; and a slope edge part extending from the entire circumference of the base plate and forming a certain angle of inclination with the base plate to guide external air to move to the air inlet hole.

[0013] The above blower module preferably includes a blower fan portion that allows air to flow in an axial direction and discharge air in a radial direction; and a fan housing portion that is coupled to the blower fan portion and has an exhaust pipe formed on one side thereof; wherein the fan housing portion preferably includes a housing having an overall circular shape; a coupling groove formed on the bottom surface of the housing so that the blower fan portion is coupled to a preset position; and a flow guide groove portion that forms a step with the coupling groove and guides air discharged from the blower fan portion to the exhaust pipe.

[0014] It is preferable that the above-mentioned flow guide groove portion includes a first curved portion that guides external air discharged from the blower fan portion and moving along the inner surface of the housing to the discharge pipe; and a second curved portion that changes the direction of movement of the remaining external air moving past the first curved portion and the external air directly discharged from the blower fan portion toward the flow guide groove portion and guides them to the discharge pipe.

[0015] It is preferable that the above fan housing portion further includes a catalytic filter installed inside the exhaust pipe and purifying carbon monoxide gas through a chemical reaction.

[0016] As discussed above, the problem-solving means of the present invention can be expected to produce various effects, including the following. However, the present invention is not established unless it exhibits all of the following effects.

[0017] A portable carbon monoxide gas automatic discharge device according to one embodiment of the present invention has both a carbon monoxide detection function and a discharge function, and can automatically discharge carbon monoxide when it exceeds a standard value.

[0018] In addition, the portable carbon monoxide gas automatic discharge device according to the present invention is easy to carry and has a compact and lightweight structure, making it easy to use during outdoor activities.

[0019] In addition, the portable carbon monoxide gas automatic exhaust device according to the present invention allows air to be introduced from multiple directions.

[0020] In addition, the portable carbon monoxide gas automatic discharge device according to the present invention has a structure that enables carbon monoxide to be discharged quickly and smoothly.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable carbon monoxide gas automatic discharge device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the portable carbon monoxide gas automatic discharge device of Figure 1.

[0023] Fig. 3 is a drawing showing the guide cover part of Fig. 2.

[0024] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the portable carbon monoxide gas automatic discharge device of Fig. 1.

[0025] Figure 5 is a drawing showing the fan housing part of Figure 2.

[0026] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the air flow within the portable carbon monoxide gas automatic exhaust device of Figure 1.

[0027] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a catalytic filter coupled to the portable carbon monoxide gas automatic discharge device of Fig. 1.

[0028] To fully understand the structure and effects of the present disclosure, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be implemented in various forms and subject to various modifications. In the following description of the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known functions that are obvious to those skilled in the art and that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention will be omitted.

[0029] While terms like "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first component could be referred to as a "second component," and similarly, a second component could also be referred to as a "first component."

[0030] In this application, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0031] The terminology used in this application is solely for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless otherwise defined, terms used in the embodiments of this disclosure are to be interpreted as having the meanings commonly known to those skilled in the art.

[0032] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable automatic carbon monoxide gas discharge device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the portable automatic carbon monoxide gas discharge device of FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention may include a main body (100), a sensor module (200), a control module (not shown), a display module (300), an alarm module (400), a blower module (500), a charging module (600), etc.

[0034] The main body (100) forms the outer shape of the present invention, and each module can be arranged inside. In one embodiment, the main body (100) can be formed in a box shape. Alternatively, the main body (100) can be formed in a cylindrical shape. Referring to FIG. 2, the main body (100) can include a case portion (110), a guide cover portion (120), a gap plate portion (130), and the like.

[0035] In Fig. 1, the case portion (110) may include a button portion (111), a leg portion (112), a strap (113), an external connection tube (114), etc. In one embodiment, the case portion (110) may be formed with an open front, and an external connection tube (114) may be formed on the rear.

[0036] In one embodiment, a button portion (111) may be arranged on the upper surface of the case portion (110). The button portion (111) may transmit a signal to the control module whenever the button is pressed by a user. At this time, the button portion (111) may include a power button, a blower module setting button, a display module setting button, an alarm module setting button, etc. Here, each button may be a push button or a dial-type button.

[0037] The blower module setting button can allow the user to adjust the blower speed of the blower module (500) in stages. In one embodiment, the display module setting button can allow the user to adjust the brightness of the LED in stages. In one embodiment, the display module setting button can sequentially display the time, weather, etc. each time the button is pressed by the user. Meanwhile, the alarm module setting button can allow the user to adjust the volume of the alarm sound or change the alarm sound melody.

[0038] In one embodiment, a leg portion (112) may be arranged on the lower surface of the case portion (110). The leg portion (112) may space the main body portion (100) from the ground by a certain height. In addition, the leg portion (112) may enable the main body portion (100) to be stably supported on an uneven ground. In one embodiment, the leg portions (112) are formed as a pair, and each leg portion (112) may be angle- and height-adjustable.

[0039] In one embodiment, a strap (113) may be placed on the outer surface of the case portion (110). The strap (113) may be used for the purpose of fixing or installing the main body portion (100) to a wall or ceiling, etc., when it is difficult to install the main body portion (100) on the ground.

[0040] Meanwhile, the strap (113) allows the main body (100) to be installed at a certain height from the ground for rapid carbon monoxide detection. Carbon monoxide, which is generally the cause of poisoning accidents occurring at campsites, is lighter than air and tends to rise. Therefore, carbon monoxide can be detected more quickly in the air than on the ground. Using this, the present invention allows the main body (100) to be installed on a pole inside a tent or at a specific location inside a vehicle using the strap (113).

[0041] In one embodiment, the external connection pipe (114) may be formed to extend inward from the rear surface of the case portion (110). The external connection pipe (114) may be formed in multiple stages, having two or more stages. The diameter of each stage of the external connection pipe (114) may increase as it goes outward. Meanwhile, the external connection pipe (114) may be configured to allow a discharge pipe (522), which will be described later, to be inserted and fixed therein. At this time, it is preferable that the minimum inner diameter of the external connection pipe (114) is equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the discharge pipe (522).

[0042] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the guide cover part (120) of FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the guide cover part (120) is coupled to the front of the case part (110) and can guide the incoming external air to the blower module (500). Referring to FIG. 3, the guide cover part (120) may include a base plate part (121), a slope edge part (123), etc.

[0043] The base plate portion (121) may be formed in a shape similar to the guide cover portion (120). In one embodiment, an air inlet hole (122) communicating with a blower module (500) may be formed in the center of the base plate portion (121). Meanwhile, a blower fan portion (510), which will be described later, may be coupled to the rear of the base plate portion (121). At this time, it is preferable that an absorbent material capable of absorbing fan vibration be installed between the base plate portion (121) and the blower fan portion (510).

[0044] Meanwhile, the slope edge portion (123) may be formed to extend along the entire circumference of the base plate portion (121). In addition, the slope edge portion (123) may form a certain inclination angle with the base plate portion (121) to induce external air to move to the air inlet hole (122). At this time, the inclination angle is preferably within the range of 110 to 130 degrees. In one embodiment, the size of the outer circumference of the slope edge portion (123) is preferably formed to be the same as the front size of the case portion (110). Through this, the slope edge portion (123) may be hermetically coupled with the case portion (110).

[0045] In one embodiment, a gap plate portion (130) may be coupled to the front surface of the guide cover portion (120). The gap plate portion (130) may be formed of a translucent material. In this case, the gap plate portion (130) limits the area through which air flows in, thereby allowing air to flow in from multiple locations. To this end, the size of the gap plate portion (130) is preferably smaller than that of the guide cover portion (120). Meanwhile, the gap plate portion (130) may be coupled to the guide cover portion (120) at a predetermined distance. Through this, a gap may be formed between the gap plate portion (130) and the guide cover portion (120).

[0046] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the portable automatic carbon monoxide gas exhaust device of Figure 1. Referring to Figure 4, outside air can be introduced through a gap. The outside air can increase its velocity as it passes through the relatively small gap. Thus, the portable automatic carbon monoxide gas exhaust device according to one embodiment of the present invention can allow outside air to be introduced at a faster rate.

[0047] Meanwhile, the sensor module (200) is arranged in the main body (100) and can detect carbon monoxide gas contained in the air. In one embodiment, the sensor module (200) can be installed between the guide cover portion (120) and the gap plate portion (130). The sensor module (200) can include a carbon monoxide detection sensor, a temperature / humidity sensor, a smoke detection sensor, etc. The sensor module (200) can measure the concentration of carbon monoxide, temperature / humidity, whether smoke is generated, etc.

[0048] The control module can electrically transmit and receive signals with the sensor module (200), display module (300), alarm module (400), blower module (500), charging module (600), etc. At this time, the control module can cause the blower module (500), alarm module (400), etc. to operate when the measured value collected by the sensor module (200) exceeds a reference value. At this time, the reference value of the carbon monoxide concentration is preferably, for example, 250 ppm to prevent malfunction.

[0049] In one embodiment, the display module (300) may be positioned to be in contact with the rear surface of the gap plate portion (130). The display module (300) may be linked to a control module, and brightness or content to be displayed may be changed by a display module setting button. In one embodiment, the display module (300) may display the concentration of carbon monoxide, ambient temperature / humidity, current time, weather, battery (610) status, etc. through an LED display.

[0050] In one embodiment, the alarm module (400) generates an alarm sound when receiving a signal from the control module. At this time, the volume of the alarm sound is preferably 70 dB or higher. The alarm module (400) can stop the alarm sound when the concentration of carbon monoxide decreases below a certain level. In addition, the alarm module (400) can be manually stopped by a user. Meanwhile, the alarm module (400) can increase the volume of the alarm sound when the concentration of carbon monoxide exceeds a reference value and continues for 5 minutes or more.

[0051] The blower module (500) is placed inside the main body (100) and can generate an air flow to suck in outside air from one side and discharge it again from the other side. At this time, the blower module (500) may include a blower fan section (510), a fan housing section (520), etc. In one embodiment, the blower module (500) may be operated to prevent condensation when the difference between the inside and outside temperatures is large in winter, even if the carbon monoxide level is below the standard value.

[0052] In one embodiment, the blower fan unit (510) can allow air to be introduced in an axial direction and discharged in a radial direction. In this case, the blower fan unit (510) is preferably a centrifugal fan. The blower fan unit (510) can include a fixed part, a rotating part, a driving motor, etc.

[0053] In one embodiment, the fixing member may be formed of a pair of annular plates. The fixing members may be arranged spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. Air drawn into the blower fan unit (510) may be discharged through the gap formed by the fixing members.

[0054] The rotating member may be positioned between a pair of fixed members. In one embodiment, the rotating member may have a circular shape, and the central portion may be formed to protrude toward the front. At this time, a drive motor is positioned inside the central portion to rotate the rotating member. The drive motor may rotate at maximum speed when the concentration of carbon monoxide is detected to be above a reference value. In one embodiment, a plurality of blades may be positioned around the circumference of the rotating member. At this time, it is preferable that the blades are formed perpendicular to the fixed portion.

[0055] Meanwhile, the fan housing part (520) is coupled with the blower fan part (510), and an exhaust pipe (522) may be formed on one side. Fig. 5 is a drawing showing the fan housing part (520) of Fig. 2, and Fig. 6 is a drawing showing the air flow within the portable carbon monoxide gas automatic exhaust device of Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 5, the fan housing part (520) may include a housing (521), a coupling groove (523), a flow guide groove part (524), etc.

[0056] The housing (521) may have an overall circular shape. In this case, a portion of the outer circumference of the housing (521) may be curved and protruded outward. In one embodiment, the housing (521) may be coupled and fixed to the guide cover portion (120). The housing (521) may guide the air discharged from the blower fan portion (510) to the exhaust pipe (522) so that it may be smoothly discharged. Meanwhile, the housing (521) forms a step with the coupling groove (523) and the flow guide groove portion (524) based on the bottom surface.

[0057] In one embodiment, the housing (521) allows the blower fan unit (510) to be fixed by being coupled to the coupling groove (523). At this time, the coupling groove (523) may be formed on the bottom surface of the housing (521) so that the blower fan unit (510) is coupled to a preset position. The coupling groove (523) may be formed in the same shape as the rear surface of the blower fan unit (510).

[0058] The flow guide groove (524) may be formed on one side of the bottom surface. At this time, the flow guide groove (524) forms a step with the joining groove (523) and can guide the air discharged from the blower fan (510) to the exhaust pipe (522). Referring to Fig. 4, the flow guide groove (524) may include a first curved portion (5241), a second curved portion (5242), etc.

[0059] In Fig. 6, external air may be discharged from the blower fan unit (510) and rotate along the inner surface of the housing (521) and then guided to the flow guide groove unit (524). At this time, the external air may be discharged through the first curved portion (5241) or may be discharged sequentially through the first curved portion (5241) and the second curved portion (5242). Additionally, the external air may be directly discharged from the blower fan unit (510) toward the flow guide groove unit (524).

[0060] At this time, the first curved portion (5241) can guide the external air discharged from the blower fan portion (510) and moving along the inner surface of the housing (521) to the exhaust pipe (522). In one embodiment, the radius of curvature of the first curved portion (5241) can be formed to be larger than the radius of curvature of the inner surface of the housing (521). Through this, the first curved portion (5241) can reduce the rotational speed of the external air.

[0061] The second curved portion (5242) can change the direction of movement of the remaining external air moving past the first curved portion (5241) and the external air directly discharged from the blower fan portion (510) toward the flow guide groove portion (524) and guide them to the exhaust pipe (522). At this time, it is preferable that the direction of movement of the external air is changed by 90 to 180 degrees. At this time, the external air whose direction has been changed can be 1) directly guided to the exhaust pipe (522) or 2) rotated within the flow guide groove portion (524) and then guided to the exhaust pipe (522).

[0062] In one embodiment, the radius of curvature of the second curved portion (5242) may be formed to be smaller than the radius of curvature of the inner surface of the housing (521). Through this, the second curved portion (5242) may increase the movement speed of the remaining external air and the external air.

[0063] In one embodiment, the discharge pipe (522) communicates with the euro guide groove (524) and may have a diameter that gradually decreases as it goes outward. A catch (5221) may be formed at the end of the discharge pipe (522). Meanwhile, the discharge pipe (522) may be inserted into the external connection pipe (114) to discharge air to the outside.

[0064] At this time, it is preferable that the discharge pipe (522) be connected to an external space. In one embodiment, when the portable carbon monoxide gas automatic discharge device according to the present invention is installed at a distance from the external space, the length can be extended by connecting a corrugated pipe to the discharge pipe (522). At this time, one end of the corrugated pipe can be connected to the discharge pipe (522), and the other end can be positioned in the external space.

[0065] Meanwhile, the fan housing (520) may further include a catalytic filter (525). In one embodiment, the catalytic filter (525) is installed inside the discharge pipe (522) and can purify carbon monoxide gas through a chemical reaction. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a catalytic filter (525) installed in the portable carbon monoxide gas automatic discharge device of Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 7, the catalytic filter (525) may be positioned to be in contact with a catch (5221). This can prevent the catalytic filter (525) from being detached to the outside due to airflow.

[0066] The catalyst filter (525) may be formed in a long cylindrical shape in the longitudinal direction of the discharge pipe (522). In one embodiment, the cross-section of the catalyst filter (525) is preferably formed in a porous honeycomb structure. The honeycomb structure has a large surface area in contact with the outside air, thereby enabling an active catalytic reaction to occur. At this time, the catalyst filter (525) may include zeolite, alumina, or the like as a catalyst. Meanwhile, the catalyst filter (525) may be formed of cordierite.

[0067] In one embodiment, the charging module (600) may be placed on the inner surface of the case (110). The charging module (600) may supply the current necessary to drive the portable automatic carbon monoxide discharge device according to the present invention. Meanwhile, the present invention may be powered by a battery (610), a rechargeable battery, etc., considering an environment where external power supply is not readily available. In this case, the charging module (600) may charge the battery (610), the rechargeable battery, etc.

[0068] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above by way of example, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and may be appropriately modified within the scope described in the claims.

Claims

1. Main body of the ship shape; A sensor module disposed in the above main body to detect carbon monoxide gas contained in the air; A blower module that is placed inside the main body and generates an air flow to suck in external air from one side and discharge it again from the other side; and A portable carbon monoxide gas automatic discharge device comprising a control module for controlling whether the above blower module operates.

2. In paragraph 1, The above main body part A case part formed with an open front and an external connection tube formed at the rear; A guide cover part that is connected to the front of the case part and guides the incoming external air to the blower module; and A portable carbon monoxide gas automatic discharge device including a gap plate portion that is coupled to the front of the above guide cover portion and limits the area through which air flows in.

3. In paragraph 2, The above guide cover part, A base plate having an air inlet hole formed in the center to communicate with the blower module; and A portable carbon monoxide gas automatic discharge device including a slope edge portion extending from the entire circumference of the base plate and forming a certain angle of inclination with the base plate to induce external air to move to the air inlet hole.

4. In paragraph 1, The above blower module comprises a blower fan section that allows air to flow in the axial direction and discharge air in the radial direction; and A fan housing part coupled to the above blower fan part and having a discharge pipe formed on one side thereof; The above fan housing part A housing having an overall circular shape; A joining groove formed on the bottom surface of the housing so that the blower fan part is joined at a preset position; and A portable carbon monoxide gas automatic discharge device comprising a flow guide groove forming the above-mentioned combination groove and step and guiding air discharged from the blower fan to the discharge pipe.

5. In paragraph 4, The above Euro Guide Homepage A first curved portion that guides external air discharged from the blower fan portion and moving along the inner surface of the housing to the exhaust pipe; and A portable carbon monoxide gas automatic discharge device comprising a second curved portion that changes the direction of movement of the remaining outside air moving through the first curved portion and the outside air directly discharged from the blower fan portion toward the flow guide groove portion and guides them to the discharge pipe.

6. In paragraph 4, The above fan housing part A portable carbon monoxide gas automatic discharge device further comprising a catalytic filter installed inside the above discharge pipe and purifying carbon monoxide gas through a chemical reaction.

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