KR20210137615A - Sterilization device using UV-C light - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a sterilization device capable of sterilizing buttons and touch panels that are touched by lots of people within a short period of time using UV-C light. The sterilization device according to one embodiment of the present invention is for sterilizing a device for public use used by a plurality of users, wherein the sterilization device comprising: a UV-C emitting unit emitting light in the UV-C range for sterilizing the device for public use; a sensor unit detecting whether an object exists in a peripheral region of the device for public use; and a control unit controlling the UV-C emitting unit so as to enable the UV-C emitting unit to emit light in the UV-C range in the case of no object existing in the peripheral region of the device for public use according to the detection results of the sensor unit.

Description

Sterilization device using UV-C light

The present invention relates to a sterilization device, and to a sterilization device capable of performing a sterilization operation on a common button and a touch panel within a short time using UV-C light.

Recently, contagious diseases such as coronavirus have emerged as a threat to public health. Elevator buttons, kiosk touch panels, and fingerprint recognition devices that are commonly used by a large number of people can be mediators of spreading these contagious diseases.

In order to prevent infectious diseases caused by these common devices, an antibacterial film or the like is used for elevator buttons. However, the antibacterial film takes several hours from sterilization to disinfection, and in the meantime has a high possibility of transmission. In addition, when this antibacterial film is applied to a kiosk touch panel and a fingerprint recognition device that need to recognize people's touch, the device has a limit that prevents the device from performing its own function properly.

That is, the general public is exposed to the risk of disease transmission by contact-type service devices used by the public, such as elevator buttons, kiosk touch panels, and fingerprint recognition devices that are commonly used by people. There is a need for a sterilization device capable of performing sterilization within a short period of time that is not used by the general public while being able to do so.

The present invention provides a sterilization apparatus capable of performing a sterilization operation on a common button and a touch panel within a short time using UV-C light.

The sterilization device using UV-C light according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device for sterilizing a common device used by a plurality of users. -C emission; A sensor unit that detects whether an object exists in the area around the common device; and when the object does not exist in the area around the shared device according to the detection result of the sensor unit, the UV-C wavelength range light is emitted. It includes a control unit for controlling the UV-C emitter to emit.

In one embodiment, the shared device may be an elevator button panel, a kiosk or a fingerprint recognition device.

In an embodiment, the sterilization device using UV-C light further includes a housing configured to accommodate the UV-C emitting unit, the sensor unit, and the control unit, and the housing is configured to be detachably attached to the common device.

In an embodiment, the sterilization apparatus using UV-C light further includes a power supply unit for supplying operating power to the UV-C emission unit, the sensor unit, and the control unit, and the power supply unit is a battery accommodated in the housing. It consists of packs.

In an embodiment, the control unit includes an interval mode for operating the sensor unit according to a predetermined period and a sensing mode for constantly operating the sensor unit.

In one embodiment, the object is a user using the shared device.

In one embodiment, the UV-C emitter, a plurality of light sources emitting light in the UV-C wavelength region; and operates in conjunction with the operation of the plurality of light sources, configured to emit light in the visible wavelength region It includes an identification light source.

In another embodiment, the UV-C emitter includes a first light source array arranged side by side in a first direction and a second light source array arranged side by side in a direction different from the first direction, and the first light source array and The second light source array is electrically connected, and the housing includes a first unit housing accommodating the first light source array and a second unit housing accommodating the second light source array.

In another embodiment, the sterilization apparatus using UV-C light further includes a connection part configured to connect the first unit housing and the second unit housing.

In another embodiment, the second unit housing is rotated through the first unit housing and the connection part.

The sterilization apparatus using UV-C light according to an embodiment of the present invention uses light in the UV-C wavelength region with high sterilization power to sterilize the common device, but by checking the presence of a user in the work area, , selective sterilization is performed only when there is no user. In other words, efficient sterilization can be carried out within a short period of time not used by the general public, reducing the risk of disease transmission by contact-type service devices used by the public, such as elevator buttons, kiosk touch panels, and fingerprint recognition devices that are commonly used by people. It can prevent exposure of the general public.

In addition, the sterilization device using UV-C light according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device that can be operated without the help of other devices (Standalone Type), without the need for installation or configuration such as changing the existing system or connecting the power supply It can be easily applied to an existing elevator or kiosk, providing the advantage of easy installation and management operation.

In addition, the sterilization apparatus using UV-C light according to the present invention can be modified into various sizes and shapes, so that it can be more universally applied to a common device such as an existing elevator or a kiosk.

1 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a state in which a sterilization device using UV-C light according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a conventional common device (elevator button).
2 is an exemplary view illustrating a state in which the sterilization device using UV-C light according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a conventional common device (kiosk).
3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a sterilization apparatus using UV-C light according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 shows a schematic external structure of a sterilization apparatus using UV-C light according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 shows a schematic internal structure of a sterilization apparatus using UV-C light according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation process of a sterilization apparatus using UV-C light according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 exemplarily shows the structure of a sterilization apparatus using UV-C light according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the appended drawings is intended to describe exemplary embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. The following detailed description includes specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. Specific terms used in the following description are provided to help the understanding of the present invention, and the use of these specific terms may be changed to other forms without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention.

1 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a state in which a sterilization device using UV-C light according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a conventional common device (elevator button). 2 is an exemplary view showing a state in which the sterilization device using UV-C light according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a conventional common device (kiosk).

1 and 2 , the sterilization device 10 using UV-C light corresponds to a device for sterilizing the common device 20 used by a plurality of users together. The shared device 20 is a device commonly used by a plurality of people, and may be operated in contact with a user's body. For example, the common device 20 may be an elevator button, a kiosk touch panel, or a fingerprint recognition device. The sterilizing device 10 according to the present embodiment may be configured to be attached around the common device 20 to sterilize an operation part that a plurality of people come into contact with as they use the common device 20 .

1, the sterilization device 10 using UV-C light is attached to the periphery of the common device 20 corresponding to the elevator button, it may be configured to sterilize the elevator button. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2 , the sterilization device 10 using UV-C light is attached to the periphery of the common device 20 corresponding to the kiosk touch panel, and may be configured to sterilize the kiosk touch panel. The sterilization device 10 and the common device 20 may be connected to each other so that detachment and attachment are possible. The sterilizing device 10 may be attached to the periphery of the common device 20 through an adhesive member, but is not limited thereto. The sterilizing device 10 and the common device 20 may be connected to each other through a connection member capable of maintaining a mutually connected and connected state. That is, the sterilization device 10 using UV-C light according to the present embodiment can be easily mounted on the common device 20 without disassembling the common device 20 to perform sterilization of the common device 20 . have.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the sterilization apparatus 10 using UV-C light according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6 .

3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a sterilization apparatus using UV-C light according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 shows a schematic external structure of a sterilization apparatus using UV-C light according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5 shows a schematic internal structure of a sterilization apparatus using UV-C light according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation process of a sterilization apparatus using UV-C light according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 to 6 , the sterilization apparatus 10 using UV-C light according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a UV-C emitting unit 100 , a sensor unit 110 , a control unit 120 , and a housing. 130 , and a power supply unit 140 .

The UV-C emitter 100 is configured to emit light in the UV-C wavelength region. UV-C light may have a wavelength range of 100 to 280 nm. Specifically, the UV-C emitter 100 may be configured to emit light having a wavelength of 253.7 nm. Since light in the UV-C wavelength region has a high sterilization power, it may be effective in sterilizing bacteria and killing viruses even if it is emitted for a short period of time. That is, even if light in the UV-C wavelength region is emitted to the common device 20 for only one minute, bacteria and viruses present in the common device 20 may be removed. However, since these UV-C wavelengths may be harmful to the human body of a plurality of users using the common device 20 , the UV-C emitter 100 is configured to selectively emit such UV-C light.

The sensor unit 110 detects whether an object exists in the area around the common device 20 . Here, the object is a living organism existing in a region surrounding the common device 20 and may mean an organism that may be unintentionally harmed by light in the UV-C wavelength region. Exemplarily, the object may be a user who uses the common device 20 , but is not limited thereto, and may be a companion animal located in a peripheral area of the common device 20 together with the user. Also, the peripheral area of the shared device 20 is an area in which an object is located to use the common device 20 , and may be defined as an area adjacent to the common device 20 .

The sensor unit 110 may be an infrared sensor, and may be configured to radiate infrared rays to a peripheral area of the common device 20 to check whether an object exists in the peripheral area and the movement or outline of the object. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the sensor unit 110 may be configured as a thermal sensor capable of detecting the temperature of an object. The sensor unit 110 may detect the presence of an object in real time or near real time, and if an object is not detected in the surrounding area, an undetected signal is provided to the control unit 120 . can do.

The controller 120 may control the UV-C emitting unit 100 to emit UV-C light according to the detection result of the sensor unit 110 . Specifically, the controller 120 may control the UV-C emitting unit 100 to emit UV-C light in response to the unsensed signal provided from the sensor unit 110 . That is, the control unit 120 emits light in the UV-C wavelength region when no object exists in the peripheral region of the common device 20 , and emits UV-C light in the peripheral region of the common device 20 when the object exists in the peripheral region of the common device 20 . The UV-C emitter 100 may be controlled so as not to emit light in a wavelength region. The control unit 120 controls the UV-C emitting unit 100 to selectively emit UV-C light according to the detection result of the sensor unit 110, so that an object (user) is damaged by the UV-C light. it can be prevented

The power supply unit 140 may provide operating power for the UV-C emitter 100 , the sensor unit 110 , and the control unit 120 . The power supply unit 140 may be configured in the form of a battery pack so that a separate external power source is not required for the operation of the sterilizer 10 using the UV-C wavelength. Accordingly, the sterilization device 10 using the UV-C wavelength can be applied to the common device 20 without separate electrical wiring work or construction. That is, it may be easier to apply the sterilization device 10 using the UV-C wavelength to the common device 20 through the power supply unit 140 . The power supply unit 140 is composed of replaceable batteries, so that the maintenance of the power supply unit 140 can be simplified. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the power supply unit 140 may be configured as a lithium-ion battery capable of charging and discharging.

The housing 130 may accommodate the configuration of the sterilization device 10 using UV-C wavelengths. 4 and 5, the housing 130 may constitute the overall appearance of the sterilization device 10 using a UV-C wavelength, and the main configuration of the sterilization device 10 using a UV-C wavelength are configured to be accommodated therein. The sensor unit 110 and the UV-C emission unit 100 may be accommodated in the housing 130 to be exposed to the outside. The sensor unit 110 may be accommodated in the housing 130 so that a part thereof is exposed to the outside, and the common device 20 may sense the surrounding area. In addition, the UV-C emitter 100 may be accommodated in the housing 130 so that a part thereof is exposed to the outside, and may perform sterilization by emitting light in the UV-C wavelength region to the common device 20 . The control unit 120 and the power supply unit 140 may be accommodated in a predetermined space inside the housing 130 to provide the above-described functions. In addition, the sterilization device 10 may further include a status indicator 131 and a power switch 132 for displaying the operating state and battery capacity, these status indicators 131 and the power switch 132 are also external It may be accommodated in the housing 130 so as to be exposed as

Here, the UV-C emitter 100 may include a plurality of light sources 101 emitting light in the UV-C wavelength region. Here, the plurality of light sources 101 may be UV-C LEDs, but are not limited thereto, and may be lamps (halogen lamps) emitting light in the UV-C wavelength region. The plurality of light sources 101 may include a light source array arranged side by side in the first direction. Illustratively, the plurality of light sources 101 may be configured like an LED Bar.

The UV-C emitter 100 operates in conjunction with the operation of the plurality of light sources 101 and may further include an identification light source 102 configured to emit light in a visible ray wavelength region. Whether the light in the UV-C wavelength region emitted from the plurality of light sources 101 is emitted in a wavelength band outside the visible light region that can be identified by humans is not recognized by human eyes. Therefore, an identification means for identifying that light in the UV-C wavelength region is emitted from the plurality of light sources 101 by human eyes may be required, and the identification light source 102 may provide such a function. The identification light source 102 may be operated in conjunction with the operation of the plurality of light sources 101 to emit light in a visible ray wavelength region. Illustratively, the identification light source 102 may be a blue LED configured to emit blue light. The controller 120 causes the plurality of light sources 101 of the UV-C emitting unit 100 to emit light in the UV-C wavelength region when there is no object in the peripheral region of the common device according to the detection result. , it is possible to control the identification light source 102 to emit light in the visible wavelength region.

In addition, the control unit 120 includes an interval mode in which the sensor unit 110 operates according to a predetermined period and a detection mode in which the sensor unit 110 is always operated, and in response to a user's mode selection input, an interval mode or detection mode can be operated.

The interval mode may be applied to a time zone in which the use of the common device 20 by users is low. That is, through the interval mode, the sterilization device 10 may perform the sterilization operation on the common device 20 according to a predetermined time interval during a time period when there is not much use by users. The control unit 120 may include a Real Time Clock (RTC) module for operation in the interval mode, and may cause the sensor unit 110 to operate according to a predetermined time or a predetermined period. The sensor unit 110 is activated by the control unit 120 to detect an object in the surrounding area of the common device 20 , and when the object does not exist, a sterilization operation is performed.

The sensing mode may be applied during a time period when users for the common device 20 are high. That is, through the sensing mode, the sterilization device 10 may perform the sterilization operation on the common device 20 at a timing when there are no users for a while during a time period in which many users use it. According to the detection mode, the control unit 120 may keep the sensor unit 110 in an activated state, and the sensor unit 110 always detects an object in a surrounding area of the common device 20 . The sensor unit 110 performs a sterilization operation when there is no object in the peripheral area of the shared device 20 .

The sterilization device 10 using UV-C light according to an embodiment of the present invention performs a sterilization operation on the common device 20 using light of a UV-C wavelength region having high sterilization power, but the user By checking the existence of the , selective sterilization is performed only when there is no user. In other words, efficient sterilization can be carried out within a short period of time not used by the general public, reducing the risk of disease transmission by contact-type service devices used by the public, such as elevator buttons, kiosk touch panels, and fingerprint recognition devices that are commonly used by people. It can prevent exposure of the general public.

In addition, the sterilization device 10 using UV-C light according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device that can be operated without the help of other devices (Standalone Type), and installation or configuration of a change of an existing system or connection of a power supply It can be easily applied to an existing elevator or kiosk without this need, providing the advantage of easy installation and management operation.

Hereinafter, the characteristics of the sterilization apparatus using UV-C light according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

7 exemplarily shows the structure of the sterilization apparatus 11 using UV-C light according to another embodiment of the present invention. The sterilization apparatus 11 using UV-C light according to another embodiment of the present invention is substantially the same as the sterilization apparatus 10 using UV-C light according to an embodiment of the present invention according to FIGS. 1 to 6 . It may have a configuration, and may provide substantially the same technical characteristics. Hereinafter, technical features and configurations further included in the sterilization apparatus 11 using UV-C light according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The UV-C emitting unit 100 of the sterilization apparatus 11 using UV-C light according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a first light source array 100A arranged side by side in a first direction and the first light source array 100A and the first direction. and a second light source array 100B arranged side by side along different directions. The first light source array 100A and the second light source array 100B may be electrically connected and controlled together by the controller 120 . That is, when the first light source array 100A emits light in the UV-C wavelength region, the second light source array 100B also emits light in the UV-C wavelength region.

In addition, the housing 130 of the sterilization apparatus 11 using UV-C light according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a first unit housing 130A and a second light source array ( and a second unit housing 130B for accommodating 100B). In addition, the sterilization apparatus 11 using UV-C light according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a connection part 150 connecting the first unit housing 130A and the second unit housing 130B. . The connection part 150 shows not only the physical connection between the first unit housing 130A and the second unit housing 130B, but also the electrical connection between the housed first light source array 100A and the second light source array 100B, respectively. make it possible

Also, the first unit housing 130A may be rotated through the second unit housing 130B and the connection part 150 . That is, the first unit housing 130A and the second unit housing 130B may form various angles through the connection part 150 , and the positions of the first unit housing 130A and the second unit housing 130B and The positions and angles of the first light source array 100A and the second light source array 100B respectively accommodated therein may be determined corresponding to the angles.

That is, the sterilization device 11 using UV-C light according to another embodiment of the present invention can be modified in various sizes and shapes, so that it can be more universally applied to a common device such as an existing elevator or kiosk.

Although described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention should not be construed as being limited by these embodiments or drawings, and those skilled in the art will appreciate the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the claims below. It will be understood that various modifications and variations of the present invention can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

10: Sterilizer
20: common device
100: UV-C emitter
110: sensor unit
120: control unit
130: housing
140: power unit

Claims (10)

A device for sterilizing a common device used by a plurality of users together,
a UV-C emitting unit emitting light in a UV-C wavelength region for sterilizing the common device;
A sensor unit that detects whether an object exists in a peripheral area of the common device; And
According to the detection result of the sensor unit, when there is no object in the peripheral area of the common device, the UV-C wavelength using sterilization device. According to claim 1,
The common device is an elevator button panel, a kiosk, or a sterilization device using a UV-C wavelength, characterized in that a fingerprint recognition device. According to claim 1,
Further comprising a housing configured to accommodate the UV-C emitting unit, the sensor unit, and the control unit,
The housing is a sterilization device using a UV-C wavelength, characterized in that it is configured to be detachably attached to the common device. 4. The method of claim 3,
The UV-C emitting unit, the sensor unit and further comprising a power supply for supplying operating power of the control unit,
The power supply unit is a sterilization device using a UV-C wavelength, characterized in that consisting of a battery pack accommodated in the housing. According to claim 1,
The control unit is a sterilization apparatus using UV-C wavelength, characterized in that it comprises an interval mode for operating the sensor unit according to a predetermined period and a sensing mode for always operating the sensor unit. According to claim 1,
The UV-C emitting part,
a plurality of light sources emitting light in the UV-C wavelength region; and
The sterilization apparatus using UV-C wavelength, characterized in that it operates in conjunction with the operation of the plurality of light sources, and comprises an identification light source configured to emit light in the visible wavelength region. According to claim 1,
The object is a sterilization device using a UV-C wavelength, characterized in that the user using the common device. 4. The method of claim 3,
The UV-C emitter includes a first light source array arranged side by side in a first direction and a second light source array arranged side by side in a direction different from the first direction,
The first light source array and the second light source array are electrically connected,
wherein the housing includes a first unit housing accommodating the first light source array and a second unit housing accommodating the second light source array. 9. The method of claim 8,
The UV-C wavelength sterilization apparatus further comprising a connection part configured to connect the first unit housing and the second unit housing. 10. The method of claim 9,
The second unit housing is a sterilizing apparatus using UV-C wavelength, characterized in that it rotates through the first unit housing and the connection part.

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