Patent Description:
Ultraviolet (UV) light exhibit different properties depending on wavelength and is applied to a sterilization apparatus using such properties of UV light. The sterilization apparatus using UV light generally employs a mercury (Hg) lamp. The sterilization apparatus performs sterilization using ozone (O<NUM>) generated by wavelengths emitted from the mercury lamp. However, the mercury (Hg) lamp contains mercury, thereby causing environmental pollution when used for a long period of time. Portable water bottles with means for UV sterilization are e.g. known from the <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

The present invention provides a portable water bottle that can be conveniently carried by a user and allows sterilization of water therein.

The present invention provides a portable water bottle that can prevent a user from being exposed to sterilization UV light.

The present invention provides a water bottle according to the appending claims. In accordance with the present invention, the portable water bottle includes a bottle body having a space storing water therein and a sterilizing module emitting sterilization UV light into the bottle body. The sterilizing module includes a housing having a UV outlet through which the sterilization UV light passes; a light source module emitting the sterilization UV light; and a power storage member supplying electric power to the light source module. Further non-optional features of the portable water bottle of the present invention are defined in the independent claim <NUM>, whereas optional features corresponding to some preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims <NUM>-<NUM>. The present disclosure includes embodiments falling within the scope of the invention and embodiments outside of the scope of the invention.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the portable water bottle is manufactured by coupling a wireless sterilizing module and a bottle body and can be conveniently carried by a user.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the portable water bottle can control operation of a sterilization light source emitting sterilization UV light using a sensor, thereby preventing a user from being exposed to the sterilization UV light.

In the drawings, widths, lengths, thicknesses, and the like of elements or components can be exaggerated for clarity and descriptive purposes. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals denote like elements having the same or similar functions.

According to the invention, a portable water bottle includes a bottle body having a space storing water and a sterilizing module emitting sterilization UV light into the bottle body. The sterilizing module includes a housing having a UV outlet through which the sterilization UV light passes; a light source module emitting the sterilization UV light; and a power storage member supplying electric power to the light source module.

The light source module includes a substrate and a sterilization light source disposed on an upper surface of the substrate and emitting sterilization UV light.

The sterilizing module is disposed at a lower portion of the bottle body.

The portable water bottle includes a transparent window disposed between the UV outlet and the light source module to divide an interior of the housing from an exterior of the housing.

The portable water bottle further includes a transparent window seat formed along a circumference of the UV outlet on an upper surface of the interior of the housing and receiving the transparent window seated thereon.

The portable water bottle further includes an interior sealing member disposed on the transparent window seat and sealing a gap between the UV outlet and the transparent window.

According to the invention, a side surface of the transparent window is inserted into an inner surface of the interior sealing member to secure the transparent window to the interior sealing member.

According to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure falling outside of the scope of the invention, the interior sealing member may include a first interior sealing member disposed between the upper surface of the housing and the transparent window; and a second interior sealing member disposed between the transparent window and the light source module.

The interior sealing member may be formed of a silicone material.

The bottle body includes a body coupling portion coupled to at least a portion of the sterilizing module.

According to the invention, the body coupling portion is formed on an inner surface of the bottle body.

The bottle body includes a breakaway prevention portion formed at an upper portion of the body coupling portion and preventing the sterilizing module from being inserted into the bottle body by a predetermined depth or more.

The breakaway prevention portion may be formed of a material allowing transmission of the sterilization UV light therethrough. The breakaway prevention portion has a through-hole formed therein.

The body coupling portion includes threads formed on the inner surface of the bottle body.

The sterilizing module includes a module coupling portion composed of threads formed on an outer surface of a portion of the housing inserted into the body coupling portion to couple the module coupling portion to the body coupling portion.

The portable water bottle further includes an exterior sealing member disposed between the breakaway prevention portion and the sterilizing module and sealing a gap between the breakaway prevention portion and the sterilizing module. The exterior sealing member may be formed of a silicone material.

The portable water bottle may further include a connection terminal formed on the housing and connecting the power storage member to an external power source.

The sterilizing module may further include a timer controlling a sterilization time.

The sterilizing module may further include an input unit setting a sterilization time.

The sterilizing module may further include an output unit outputting at least one selected from among a sterilization start time, a sterilization stop time, and a remaining sterilization time.

The portable water bottle may further include a sensor sensing at least one selected from among water stored in the bottle body, user gesture, and operation of the bottle body or the sterilizing module. Here, the sterilization light source may emit sterilization UV light or may stop emission of the sterilization UV light depending on a sensing result of the sensor.

An inner wall of the bottle body may be formed of a material preventing transmission of the sterilization UV light therethrough. Alternatively, the inner wall of the bottle body may include a material reflecting the sterilization UV light.

The power storage member may be capable of being charged with electric power and may include at least one selected from among a first power storage member secured inside the sterilizing module and a second power storage member detachably secured to the sterilizing module.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a portable water bottle that can be conveniently carried by a user and can sterilize water stored therein.

<FIG> are views of a portable water bottle according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the assembled portable water bottle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the portable water bottle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a sectional view of a sterilizing module of the portable water bottle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a sectional view of the portable water bottle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> are different cross-sectional views of examples of the sterilization light source.

According to the first embodiment, the portable water bottle <NUM> includes a bottle body <NUM> and a sterilizing module <NUM>.

The bottle body <NUM> is adapted to store water. According to this embodiment, the bottle body <NUM> has a structure open at a lower side thereof. The sterilizing module <NUM> is coupled to an open portion of the bottle body <NUM> to define a space in the bottle body <NUM> such that water can be stored in the space inside the bottle body <NUM>.

The bottle body <NUM> is formed therein with a breakaway prevention portion <NUM>. The breakaway prevention portion <NUM> protrudes from an inner surface of the bottle body <NUM> in an inward direction. The breakaway prevention portion <NUM> is formed along the inner surface of the bottle body <NUM> to form a hollow space therein. The breakaway prevention portion <NUM> prevents the sterilizing module <NUM> from being moved out of a predetermined location when the sterilizing module <NUM> is inserted into the bottle body <NUM> and coupled to a body coupling portion <NUM>. When the sterilizing module <NUM> is coupled to the body coupling portion <NUM>, an upper surface of the sterilizing module <NUM> contacts a lower surface of the breakaway prevention portion <NUM>. That is, the breakaway prevention portion <NUM> prevents the sterilizing module <NUM> from being detached from the bottle body <NUM> by restricting an insertion depth of the sterilizing module <NUM> into the bottle body <NUM>.

The breakaway prevention portion <NUM> is formed at a lower side thereof with the body coupling portion <NUM>. The body coupling portion <NUM> is coupled to the sterilizing module <NUM>. When the body coupling portion <NUM> is coupled to the sterilizing module <NUM>, which is in turn secured to the bottle body <NUM>. The body coupling portion <NUM> comprises threads formed on an inner wall of the bottle body <NUM>.

Since the bottle body <NUM> stores water therein, the inner wall of the bottle body <NUM> is formed of a corrosion resistant material. Further, the inner wall of the bottle body <NUM> may be coated with a material not allowing transmission of sterilization UV light therethrough. Since the sterilization UV light cannot pass through the bottle body <NUM>, the water bottle can prevent the sterilization UV light from affecting the health conditions of a user carrying the portable water bottle <NUM>. Alternatively, the inner wall of the bottle body <NUM> may be coated with a reflective material reflecting the sterilization UV light. The sterilization UV light is reflected from the inner wall of the bottle body <NUM> toward the water stored in the bottle body <NUM>, thereby improving efficiency in sterilization of water. In other embodiments, the bottle body <NUM> per se may be formed of the material not allowing transmission of the sterilization UV light or the reflective material reflecting the sterilization UV light.

The sterilizing module <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>, a transparent window <NUM>, a light source module <NUM>, and a power storage member <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> includes a first housing <NUM> and a second housing <NUM>. According to this embodiment, the first housing <NUM> constitutes an upper surface and a side surface of the housing <NUM>, and the second housing <NUM> constitutes a lower surface of the housing <NUM>. The transparent window <NUM>, the light source module <NUM> and the power storage member <NUM> are disposed in a space defined by the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> is formed with a first coupling portion <NUM> protruding downwards from an upper surface thereof and the second housing <NUM> is formed with a second coupling portion <NUM> protruding upwards from a lower surface thereof. The first housing <NUM> is coupled to the second housing <NUM> by inserting one end of the first coupling portion <NUM> into the second coupling portion <NUM>. A portion of the second housing <NUM> on which the second coupling portion <NUM> is formed and the second coupling portion <NUM> may be formed in a penetrated structure. Here, a screw may be inserted into a penetrated portion of the second housing <NUM> to be fastened to the first coupling portion <NUM> through the second coupling portion <NUM>. This structure can improve coupling force between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>.

The first housing <NUM> is formed with a UV outlet <NUM> having a penetrated structure. The UV outlet <NUM> is a path through which sterilization UV light emitted from the light source module <NUM> is discharged outside the sterilizing module <NUM>. With the bottle body <NUM> coupled to the sterilizing module <NUM>, water stored in the bottle body <NUM> is irradiated with the sterilization UV light emitted through the UV outlet <NUM>. The UV outlet <NUM> may have a diameter determined in consideration of a beam angle of the sterilization UV light emitted from the light source module <NUM>. In addition, the entirety or a portion of an inner surface of the first housing <NUM> defining the UV outlet <NUM> may have a tapered structure. The tapered structure can reduce loss of the sterilization UV light due to collision with the inner surface of the first housing <NUM> while the sterilization UV light passes through the UV outlet <NUM>.

In addition, the inner surface of the first housing <NUM> defining the UV outlet <NUM> may be formed of a reflective material reflecting the sterilization UV light or may be coated with the reflective material. Upon collision with the inner surface of the first housing <NUM>, the sterilization UV light can be reflected from the inner surface of the first housing <NUM> and pass through the UV outlet <NUM>. Accordingly, the sterilization UV light may not be lost on the inner surface of the first housing <NUM> and is reflected toward the interior of the bottle body <NUM>. Sterilization efficiency of the portable water bottle <NUM> may improve.

The housing <NUM> is formed on an outer surface thereof with a module coupling portion <NUM>. The module coupling portion <NUM> is formed on an outer surface of an upper portion of the first housing <NUM> inserted into the bottle body <NUM>. The module coupling portion <NUM> comprises threads formed on an outer portion of the housing and corresponding to the body coupling portion <NUM> of the bottle body <NUM>.

Accordingly, the module coupling portion <NUM> of the sterilizing module <NUM> is inserted into the body coupling portion <NUM> of the bottle body <NUM> and screwed thereto. In this way, the bottle body <NUM> is coupled to the sterilizing module <NUM> such that water can be stored in the bottle body <NUM>.

An exterior sealing member <NUM> is disposed between the breakaway prevention portion <NUM> of the bottle body <NUM> and the sterilizing module <NUM>. The exterior sealing member <NUM> seals a gap between the breakaway prevention portion <NUM> and the sterilizing module <NUM> to prevent water stored in the bottle body <NUM> from leaking from the portable water bottle <NUM>.

The exterior sealing member <NUM> is formed between the breakaway prevention portion <NUM> and the sterilizing module <NUM> to surround the circumference of the inner surface of the breakaway prevention portion <NUM> and the circumference of the UV outlet <NUM>. The exterior sealing member <NUM> is formed of an elastic material. For example, the exterior sealing member <NUM> may be formed of a silicone material.

The sterilizing module <NUM> includes an exterior sealing member seat <NUM> on which the exterior sealing member <NUM> is seated.

The exterior sealing member seat <NUM> is formed on an upper surface of the sterilizing module <NUM> to surround the circumference of the UV outlet <NUM>. In addition, the exterior sealing member seat <NUM> may have a smaller height than the upper surface of the sterilizing module <NUM> on which the UV outlet <NUM> is formed. That is, the upper surface of the sterilizing module <NUM> may have a stepped structure in which the UV outlet <NUM> has a different height from the exterior sealing member seat <NUM>. With the stepped structure of the upper surface of the sterilizing module <NUM>, the portable water bottle <NUM> can prevent the exterior sealing member <NUM> from being detached from a predetermined location.

In addition, the stepped structure of the sterilizing module <NUM> allows the upper surface of the sterilizing module <NUM> having the UV outlet <NUM> formed thereon to be placed inside the breakaway prevention portion <NUM> or above the breakaway prevention portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the distance between the sterilizing module <NUM> and the space storing water therein is stored can be reduced, thereby improving sterilization efficiency of the portable water bottle <NUM>.

Further, the breakaway prevention portion <NUM>, the exterior sealing member seat <NUM> and the exterior sealing member <NUM> are formed to have sufficient contact areas, thereby improving a waterproofing function of the portable water bottle <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> is formed therein with a transparent window seat <NUM>. The transparent window seat <NUM> defines a space on which the transparent window <NUM> is seated. The transparent window seat <NUM> protrudes downwards from the upper surface of the first housing <NUM> while surrounding the periphery of the UV outlet <NUM>.

The transparent window seat <NUM> is provided with the transparent window <NUM> and an interior sealing member <NUM>.

The transparent window <NUM> is formed of a material allowing transmission of the sterilization UV light therethrough. For example, the transparent window <NUM> may be formed of at least one selected from among quartz, a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) resin, and a fluorine-based polymer resin.

With a side surface of the transparent window <NUM> inserted into an inner surface of the interior sealing member <NUM>, the transparent window <NUM> may be seated on the transparent window seat <NUM>.

The interior sealing member <NUM> is formed to surround the side surface of the transparent window <NUM>. The interior sealing member <NUM> is provided to waterproof the sterilizing module <NUM> and seals a gap between the transparent window <NUM> and the transparent window seat <NUM>. The interior sealing member <NUM> is formed of an elastic material. For example, the interior sealing member <NUM> is formed of a silicone material.

In addition, a thickness of the interior sealing member <NUM> from an upper surface of the interior sealing member <NUM> to a lower surface thereof may be the same as or slightly greater than a height of the transparent window seat <NUM> protruding from the upper surface of the first housing <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> is formed therein with a light source module fastening portion <NUM>. The light source module fastening portion <NUM> serves to hold the sterilizing module <NUM> inside the housing <NUM>. The light source module fastening portion <NUM> is formed to protrude downwards from the upper surface of the first housing <NUM>. The light source module <NUM> emits sterilization UV light capable of sterilizing water. The light source module <NUM> includes a substrate <NUM> and a sterilization light source <NUM>.

The substrate <NUM> is electrically connected to the sterilization light source <NUM> to supply electric power to the sterilization light source <NUM>. For example, the substrate <NUM> may be a printed circuit board (PCB), a metal substrate, a ceramic substrate, or the like. That is, the substrate <NUM> may be selected from any kind of substrate that can be electrically connected to the sterilization light source <NUM>.

The sterilization light source <NUM> is mounted on an upper surface of the substrate <NUM>. The sterilization light source <NUM> emits sterilization UV light. For example, the sterilization light source <NUM> is a light emitting diode chip that emits sterilization UV light. The sterilization UV light emitted from the sterilization light source <NUM> may be UV light in any wavelength band capable of sterilizing water.

For example, the sterilization light source <NUM> may be a light emitting diode having a structure shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, compound semiconductor layers including a first conductivity type semiconductor layer <NUM>, an active layer <NUM>, and a second conductivity type semiconductor layer <NUM> are formed on a conductive substrate <NUM>. Here, the first conductivity type semiconductor layer <NUM> is an N-type semiconductor layer and the second conductivity type semiconductor layer <NUM> is a P-type semiconductor layer. The conductive substrate <NUM> may be a substrate formed of Si, GaAs, GaP, AlGaINP, Ge, SiSe, GaN, AlInGaN or InGaN, or a substrate formed of Al, Zn, Ag, W, Ti, Ni, Au, Mo, Pt, Pd, Cu, Cr, Fe, or alloys thereof. The compound semiconductor layers are III-N-based compound semiconductor layers.

The first conductivity type semiconductor layer <NUM> may be subjected to a roughening process. Accordingly, light generated from the active layer can be reflected from an interface of the first conductivity type semiconductor layer <NUM> subjected to the roughening process.

A metal reflective layer <NUM> is interposed between the compound semiconductor layers and the conductive substrate <NUM>. The metal reflective layer <NUM> is formed of a material having high reflectivity, for example, silver (Ag) or aluminum (Al).

On the other hand, a bonding layer <NUM> may be interposed between the metal reflective layer <NUM> and the conductive substrate <NUM> to prevent the conductive substrate <NUM> from being separated from the metal reflective layer <NUM> by enhancing bonding force between the conductive substrate <NUM> and the metal reflective layer <NUM>.

Although not shown in the drawings, an anti-diffusion layer may be interposed between the bonding layer <NUM> and the metal reflective layer <NUM>. The anti-diffusion layer can maintain reflectivity of the metal reflective layer <NUM> by preventing metal elements from diffusing from the bonding layer <NUM> or the conductive substrate <NUM> to the metal reflective layer <NUM>.

An electrode pad <NUM> is disposed on an upper surface of the compound semiconductor layers to be opposite to the conductive substrate <NUM>. With this structure, electric current can be supplied to the semiconductor layers through the conductive substrate <NUM> and the electrode pad <NUM> to emit light.

In a typical light emitting diode, since a P-type semiconductor layer having a small thickness is formed on the conductive substrate, current leakage occurs at a bonding interface between the conductive substrate and the P-type semiconductor layer, thereby causing deterioration in luminous efficacy. However, in the light emitting diode shown in <FIG>, the first conductivity type semiconductor layer <NUM>, that is, the N-type semiconductor layer, is formed on the conductive substrate <NUM>, thereby solving the problems of the typical light emitting diode suffering from current leakage and deterioration in luminous efficacy.

Alternatively, the sterilization light source <NUM> may be a light emitting diode having a structure shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the light emitting diode may include a first conductivity type semiconductor layer <NUM>, a mesa M including an active layer <NUM> and a second conductivity type semiconductor layer <NUM>, a first insulating layer <NUM>, a first electrode <NUM>, and a second insulating layer <NUM>, and may further include a growth substrate <NUM> and a second electrode <NUM>. The growth substrate <NUM> may be selected from any substrate enabling growth of the first conductivity type semiconductor layer <NUM>, the active layer <NUM>, and the second conductivity type semiconductor layer <NUM> thereon. For example, the growth substrate <NUM> may be a sapphire substrate, a silicon carbide substrate, a gallium nitride substrate, an aluminum nitride substrate, a silicon substrate, or the like. A side surface of the growth substrate <NUM> may include an inclined surface, thereby improving extraction of light generated in the active layer <NUM>.

The second conductivity type semiconductor layer <NUM> may be disposed on the first conductivity type semiconductor layer <NUM> and the active layer <NUM> may be disposed between the first conductivity type semiconductor layer <NUM> and the second conductivity type semiconductor layer <NUM>.

The first conductivity type semiconductor layer <NUM> may include n-type dopants and the second conductivity type semiconductor layer <NUM> may include p-type dopants, or vice versa. The active layer <NUM> may include a multi-quantum well (MQW) structure.

The light emitting diode may include at least one mesa M which includes the active layer <NUM> and the second conductivity type semiconductor layer <NUM>. A side surface of the mesa M may be an inclined surface, which improves luminous efficacy of light generated in the active layer <NUM>.

The first conductivity type semiconductor layer <NUM> may include a first contact region R1 and a second contact region R2 exposed through the mesa M. The first electrode <NUM> may be electrically connected to the first conductivity type semiconductor layer <NUM> in the first contact region R1 and the second contact region R2. The first contact region R1 may be disposed around the mesa M along an outer circumference of the first conductivity type semiconductor layer <NUM>. In addition, the second contact region R2 may be at least partially surrounded by the mesa M. With this structure, electric current can flow along the outer circumference of the light emitting diode at the center thereof, thereby reducing forward voltage through effective distribution of the electric current.

The second electrode <NUM> may be disposed on the second conductivity type semiconductor layer <NUM> and may be electrically connected thereto. The second electrode <NUM> may include a reflective metal layer <NUM> formed on the second conductivity type semiconductor layer <NUM> and a barrier metal layer <NUM> covering upper and side surfaces of the reflective metal layer <NUM>.

The first insulating layer <NUM> may be disposed between the first electrode <NUM> and the mesa M. The first electrode <NUM> may be insulated from the mesa M and the first electrode <NUM> may be insulated from the second electrode <NUM> through the first insulating layer <NUM>. The first insulating layer <NUM> may partially expose the first contact region R1 and the second contact region R2. The first insulating layer <NUM> may have an opening that exposes the second electrode <NUM>. The second electrode <NUM> may be electrically connected to pads or bumps (not shown) through the opening.

The second insulating layer <NUM> may adjoin a portion of the first contact region R1. Specifically, the second insulating layer <NUM> may cover the first contact region R1 exposed through the first electrode <NUM>. In addition, the second insulating layer <NUM> may cover at least part of the first electrode <NUM>.

The structure of the sterilization light source <NUM> has been described with reference to <FIG>. However, it should be understood that the structure of the sterilization light source <NUM> is not limited to the structure shown in <FIG>. The sterilization light source <NUM> may be any kind of light emitting diode having any structure so long as the sterilization light source <NUM> can emit sterilization UV light.

The substrate <NUM> is formed with fastening holes <NUM>. The fastening holes <NUM> are formed at locations corresponding to the light source module fastening portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> when the light source module <NUM> is disposed inside the housing <NUM>. For example, the sterilizing module <NUM> may be secured to the interior of the housing <NUM> by screw fastening. That is, one end of a screw is fastened to the light source module fastening portion <NUM> through each of the fastening holes <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>.

When the sterilization light source <NUM> is secured to the housing <NUM>, the upper surface of the substrate <NUM> may press the interior sealing member <NUM>. The interior sealing member <NUM> may more reliably seal the gap between the upper surface of the first housing <NUM> and the transparent window <NUM> while being pressed on the upper surface of the first housing <NUM> by the substrate <NUM>.

In this way, the light source module <NUM> is secured to the housing <NUM> while pressing the interior sealing member <NUM> on which the transparent window <NUM> is mounted, thereby waterproofing the UV outlet <NUM>.

The power storage member <NUM> supplies electric energy to interior components of the sterilizing module <NUM> for operation of the sterilizing module <NUM>. That is, the power storage member <NUM> supplies electric energy to the light source module <NUM>. The power storage member <NUM> may accumulate chemical energy obtained through conversion of the electric energy supplied from an external power source. In addition, the power storage member <NUM> may convert the accumulated chemical energy into electric energy to supply the electric energy to other components. The power storage member <NUM> may be a secondary battery capable of repeating such charge and discharge operations. In this way, since the power storage member <NUM> can repeat charge and discharge, the portable water bottle <NUM> can sterilize water even without being connected to an external power source. That is, the power storage member <NUM> enables convenient carrying of the portable water bottle <NUM>. For example, the power storage member <NUM> may be selected from any secondary battery, such as a NiCd battery, a lithium ion battery, a polymer battery, a nickel hydrogen battery, and the like.

Alternatively, the power storage member <NUM> may be a primary battery previously charged and not allowing recharging. When the power storage member <NUM> is the primary battery, the power storage member <NUM> is replaced by a new power storage member <NUM> after being discharged. For example, the power storage member <NUM> may be any primary battery, such as a typical dry battery.

When the power storage member <NUM> is the primary battery, the first housing <NUM> may be coupled to the second housing <NUM> by other coupling methods allowing easy separation and coupling instead of screw coupling. For example, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be secured in a coupled state only by inserting the second coupling portion <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> into the first coupling portion <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. Alternatively, the first housing <NUM> or the second housing <NUM> may be formed with an inlet through which the power storage member <NUM> can be replaced.

In the drawings, the sterilizing module <NUM> is illustrated as including one power storage member <NUM>. Alternatively, the sterilizing module <NUM> may include a plurality of power storage members <NUM>. The sterilizing module <NUM> may include a first power storage member <NUM> and a second power storage member <NUM>. Here, the first power storage member <NUM> may be a secondary battery and the second power storage member <NUM> may be a primary battery. The sterilizing module <NUM> may receive electric power supplied from one of the first power storage member <NUM> and the second power storage member <NUM> depending on circumstances. For example, when the first power storage member <NUM> supplying electric power to the sterilizing module <NUM> is discharged, the sterilizing module <NUM> may receive electric power supplied from the second power storage member <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> of the sterilizing module <NUM> is formed with a connection terminal <NUM>. The connection terminal <NUM> is an input unit through which electric current supplied from an external power source (not shown) is supplied to the power storage member <NUM>. The connection terminal <NUM> may be directly connected to the power storage member <NUM> or may be connected thereto through the substrate <NUM> of the light source module <NUM> or through a separate substrate (not shown). For example, the connection terminal <NUM> may be selected from any terminals for power charge, such as a universal serial bus (USB) terminal, a cigar jack, and the like.

Further, the housing <NUM> of the sterilizing module <NUM> is formed with a power switch <NUM>. The power switch <NUM> controls electric power supplied from the power storage member <NUM> to the light source module <NUM> such that the sterilizing module <NUM> emits sterilization UV light or stops emission of the sterilization UV light. The power switch <NUM> may send a signal to the substrate <NUM> of the light source module <NUM> to control power supply of the light source module <NUM>.

The power switch <NUM> may be operated by any methods capable of controlling power connection between the power storage member <NUM> and the light source module <NUM>. For example, the power switch <NUM> may be a switch to which at least one mechanism of a push mechanism, a toggle mechanism, a slide mechanism and a touch mechanism is applied.

Detailed description of a lid (not shown) that covers an upper portion of the portable water bottle <NUM> according to this embodiment is omitted. The presence and structure of the lid can be modified in various ways according to selection of those skilled in the art.

In the following description, description of the same components as those described above will be omitted. For description of the omitted components, the above description can be referred.

<FIG> is a sectional view of another embodiment of the interior sealing member of the sterilizing module not according to the present invention.

The interior sealing member <NUM> may include a first interior sealing member <NUM> and a second interior sealing member <NUM>. The first interior sealing member <NUM> and the second interior sealing member <NUM> are disposed on the transparent window seat <NUM>. The first interior sealing member <NUM> and the second interior sealing member <NUM> are formed of an elastic material.

The first interior sealing member <NUM> is disposed between an upper surface of the housing <NUM> and the transparent window <NUM>. Further, the second interior sealing member <NUM> is disposed between the transparent window <NUM> and the substrate <NUM> of the light source module <NUM>.

When the light source module <NUM> is secured to the housing <NUM>, the substrate <NUM> presses the second interior sealing member <NUM> in an upward direction. That is, the second interior sealing member <NUM>, the transparent window <NUM> and the first interior sealing member <NUM> are pressed on the upper surface of the housing <NUM> to be brought into close contact with one another by the substrate <NUM>. Since the first interior sealing member <NUM> and the second interior sealing member <NUM> are formed of an elastic material, the first interior sealing member <NUM> and the second interior sealing member <NUM> seal the gap between the UV outlet <NUM> and the transparent window <NUM>, thereby waterproofing the sterilizing module <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a portable water bottle according to a second example not being part of the invention.

The following description will focus on different features of the portable water bottle <NUM> according to the second embodiment from the portable water bottle <NUM> according to the first embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the portable water bottle <NUM> according to the second embodiment includes a bottle body <NUM> and a sterilizing module <NUM>.

Unlike the portable water bottle <NUM> of the first embodiment, the bottle body <NUM> according to this embodiment has a closed lower surface. That is, a breakaway prevention portion <NUM> is formed to seal the bottle body <NUM> instead of having a penetrated structure. Accordingly, water can be stored in the bottle body <NUM> even in a state wherein the bottle body <NUM> is not coupled to the sterilizing module <NUM>.

The breakaway prevention portion <NUM> is formed at a lower side thereof with a body coupling portion <NUM>. An upper portion of the sterilizing module <NUM> is inserted into the body coupling portion <NUM>. That is, the upper portion of the sterilizing module <NUM> is inserted into a space between inner surfaces of the bottle body <NUM> that constitutes the body coupling portion <NUM>.

The breakaway prevention portion <NUM> disposed to face a UV outlet <NUM> of the sterilizing module <NUM> is formed of a material allowing transmission of UV light therethrough. For example, the breakaway prevention portion <NUM> may be formed of quartz. Alternatively, not only the breakaway prevention portion <NUM> but also the entirety of the lower surface of the bottle body <NUM> may be formed of the material allowing transmission of UV light therethrough.

The sterilizing module <NUM> has a stepped upper surface. <FIG> shows the sterilizing module <NUM> partially inserted into the body coupling portion <NUM>. Alternatively, the sterilizing module <NUM> may be formed in a smaller size than the body coupling portion <NUM> such that the entirety of the sterilizing module <NUM> can be inserted into the body coupling portion <NUM>. With the structure where the sterilizing module <NUM> has a smaller size than the body coupling portion <NUM>, the sterilizing module <NUM> may have a flat upper surface instead of the stepped upper surface.

According to this embodiment, since the portable water bottle <NUM> can store water only with the bottle body <NUM>, a user can carry the bottle body <NUM> alone. As such, since the bottle body <NUM> excluding the sterilizing module <NUM> can be carried alone by a user, it is possible to carry the portable water bottle <NUM> with reduced weight.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a portable water bottle according to a third example not being part of the invention.

The following description will focus on different features of the portable water bottle <NUM> according to the third embodiment from the portable water bottles <NUM>, <NUM> according to the first and second embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the portable water bottle <NUM> according to the third embodiment includes a bottle body <NUM> and a sterilizing module <NUM>.

The bottle body <NUM> has a closed lower surface and is formed to have a flat structure. Even without the sterilizing module <NUM>, the bottle body <NUM> can store water therein. In addition, since the bottle body <NUM> has a flat lower surface, it is possible to prevent the bottle body <NUM> from falling down due to slight impact or vibration when the bottle body <NUM> is placed on a floor. The entirety of the lower surface of the bottle body <NUM> or a portion of the bottle body <NUM> facing a UV outlet <NUM> of the sterilizing module <NUM> may be formed of a material allowing transmission of sterilization UV light therethrough.

The sterilizing module <NUM> may have a flat upper surface. Accordingly, a UV outlet <NUM> of the sterilizing module <NUM> may be formed in a large size, as needed. Since the UV outlet <NUM> has a large size, a greater number of sterilization light sources <NUM> can be disposed on the substrate <NUM>. Even with a broad irradiation range through emission of sterilization UV light from many sterilization light sources <NUM>, the UV outlet <NUM> is formed in a large size, thereby reducing loss of the sterilization UV light through collision with the interior of the sterilizing module <NUM>. That is, the interior of the bottle body <NUM> can be sufficiently irradiated with the sterilization UV light emitted in a broad range from many sterilization light sources <NUM>. Accordingly, the portable water bottle <NUM> can sterilize water stored therein with a large magnitude of the sterilization UV light, thereby improving sterilization efficiency through reduction in sterilization time.

Furthermore, the portable water bottle <NUM> according to this embodiment can store water only with the bottle body <NUM>. As such, since the bottle body <NUM> excluding the sterilizing module <NUM> can be carried alone by a user, it is possible to carry the portable water bottle <NUM> with a reduced weight.

<FIG> is a schematic block diagram of the sterilizing module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a sterilizing module <NUM> includes a power switch <NUM>, a substrate <NUM>, a sterilization light source <NUM>, and a power storage member <NUM>.

The power switch <NUM> generates a start signal and a stop signal. The start signal and the stop signal are generated by the power switch <NUM> in response to input signals from the outside. For example, when a user touches the power switch <NUM>, the power switch <NUM> generates the start signal. Then, when the user touches the power switch <NUM> again, the power switch <NUM> generates the stop signal. A method of sending the signals to the power switch <NUM> corresponding to the start signal and the stop signal may be changed depending on the kind of power switch <NUM>.

Upon reception of the start signal from the power switch <NUM>, the substrate <NUM> supplies electric power stored in the power storage member <NUM> to the sterilization light source <NUM>.

Upon reception of the stop signal from the power switch <NUM>, the substrate <NUM> stops power supply to the sterilization light source <NUM>.

Upon reception of electric power through the substrate <NUM>, the sterilization light source <NUM> emits sterilization UV light. In addition, the sterilization light source <NUM> stops emission of the sterilization UV light when power supply through the substrate <NUM> is stopped.

The sterilizing module <NUM> according to the first embodiment can be conveniently controlled through manipulation of the power switch <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic block diagram of a sterilizing module according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

A sterilizing module <NUM> according to the second embodiment includes a power switch <NUM>, a timer <NUM>, a substrate <NUM>, a power storage member <NUM>, and a sterilization light source <NUM>.

The power switch <NUM> generates a start signal and a stop signal in response to input signals from the outside. The power switch <NUM> may send the start signal to the timer <NUM>.

Upon reception of the start signal, the timer <NUM> may send a sterilization start signal to the substrate <NUM>.

Upon reception of the sterilization start signal, the substrate <NUM> supplies electric power from a power storage member <NUM> to the sterilization light source <NUM>.

Further, the timer <NUM> sends a sterilization stop signal to the substrate <NUM> after a preset sterilization time.

Upon reception of the sterilization stop signal, the substrate <NUM> stops power supply of the sterilization light source <NUM>.

The power switch <NUM> may send the stop signal to at least one selected from among the timer <NUM> and the substrate <NUM>.

Upon reception of the stop signal, the timer <NUM> may send the sterilization stop signal to the substrate <NUM> even when the preset sterilization time has not elapsed.

Upon reception of the stop signal, the substrate <NUM> stops power supply of the sterilization light source <NUM> even when the substrate <NUM> does not receive the sterilization stop signal from the timer <NUM>.

The sterilizing module <NUM> according to the second embodiment emits sterilization UV light only for a period of sterilization preset by the timer <NUM>. Since the sterilizing module <NUM> automatically stops sterilization operation after the preset sterilization time, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

<FIG> is a schematic block diagram of the sterilizing module according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

A sterilizing module <NUM> according to the third embodiment includes a power switch <NUM>, an input unit <NUM>, an output unit <NUM>, a timer <NUM>, a substrate <NUM>, a power storage member <NUM>, and a sterilization light source <NUM>.

The power switch <NUM> generates a start signal and a stop signal in response to input signals from the outside. The power switch <NUM> sends the start signal to the input unit <NUM>.

The input unit <NUM> is activated in response to the start signal. The input unit <NUM> is a component through which a user inputs a signal. For example, the input unit <NUM> may be selected from any components enabling input of commands, such as a touch pad, a button, a keypad, and the like.

According to this embodiment, a sterilization time may be set through the input unit <NUM>. The input unit <NUM> sends data regarding the input sterilization time to the timer <NUM>.

The timer <NUM> sends the sterilization start signal or the sterilization stop signal to the substrate <NUM> based on the data regarding the sterilization time.

The substrate <NUM> supplies electric power of the power storage member <NUM> to the sterilization light source <NUM> or stops power supply thereto in response to the sterilization start signal or the sterilization stop signal sent from the timer <NUM>.

The output unit <NUM> outputs the data regarding the sterilization time input to the input unit <NUM> such that a user can monitor the data. In addition, the output unit <NUM> may output sterilization data, such as a sterilization start time, a sterilization stop time, and a remaining sterilization time, received from the timer <NUM>. For example, the output unit <NUM> may be a liquid crystal display device. The output unit <NUM> may be selected from any device capable of visibly or audibly displaying data in the form of text or sound.

The sterilizing module <NUM> according to the third embodiment allows a user to directly set the sterilization time. Accordingly, the sterilizing module <NUM> emits sterilization UV light to sterilize water for a period of time set by a user.

<FIG> is a schematic block diagram of the sterilizing module according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

A sterilizing module <NUM> according to the fourth embodiment includes a power switch <NUM>, a sensor <NUM>, a substrate <NUM>, a power storage member <NUM>, and a sterilization light source <NUM>.

The power switch <NUM> generates a start signal and a stop signal in response to input signals from the outside. The power switch <NUM> may send the start signal to the sensor <NUM>.

Upon reception of the start signal, the sensor <NUM> generates a sterilization start signal or a sterilization stop signal according to the kind of sensor. Then, the sensor <NUM> sends the sterilization start signal or the sterilization stop signal to the substrate <NUM>.

For example, the sensor <NUM> may be a humidity sensor. The sensor <NUM> may sense water stored in the portable water bottle. That is, high humidity of the portable water bottle indicates water stored therein and low humidity of the portable water bottle indicates that the portable water bottle is in an empty state. Upon detection of a higher humidity than a preset humidity, the sensor <NUM> generates and sends the sterilization start signal to the substrate <NUM>. Further, upon detection of a lower humidity than the preset humidity, the sensor <NUM> generates and sends the sterilization stop signal to the substrate <NUM>. Thus, the portable water bottle may send the sterilization UV light into the portable water bottle only when it is determined based on a sensing result of the humidity sensor that the portable water bottle stores water.

Alternatively, the sensor <NUM> may be a gyro sensor. The sensor <NUM> detects an inclination of the portable water bottle to generate the sterilization start signal or the sterilization stop signal.

The sensor <NUM> generates and sends the sterilization start signal to the substrate <NUM> when the sterilizing module <NUM> or the portable water bottle is tilted at an angle less than or equal to a predetermined inclination. In addition, the sensor <NUM> generates and sends the sterilization stop signal when the sterilizing module <NUM> or the portable water bottle is tilted at an angle greater than or equal to a predetermined inclination. That is, in order to allow a user to drink water stored in the portable water bottle, the portable water bottle is tilted at a predetermined angle or more. Accordingly, the portable water bottle can prevent a user from being exposed to the sterilization UV light by detecting the inclination of the portable water bottle using the gyro sensor when the user drinks water.

Alternatively, the sensor <NUM> may be a distance sensor. The sensor <NUM> detects a distance between the portable water bottle and the body of a user. The sensor <NUM> may generate the sterilization start signal only when the distance between the portable water bottle and the body of a user is a predetermined distance or longer. In addition, the sensor <NUM> may generate the sterilization stop signal only when the distance between the portable water bottle and the body of a user is a predetermined distance or less. Accordingly, the portable water bottle can prevent a user from being exposed to the sterilization UV light by emitting the sterilization UV light to water only when it is determined using the distance sensor that the user is away from the portable water bottle.

Alternatively, the sensor <NUM> may be a gesture sensor or a motion sensor. The sensor <NUM> detects a user gesture or motion of the portable water bottle. The sensor <NUM> generates the sterilization start signal or the sterilization stop signal corresponding to the user gesture or the motion of the portable water bottle detected thereby. Accordingly, the portable water bottle can start or stop sterilization of water only through a simple operation based on sensing results of the gesture sensor or the motion sensor even when a user does not input a command for sterilization through the input unit.

Alternatively, the sensor <NUM> may be an illuminance sensor. The sensor <NUM> detects the interior illuminance of the portable water bottle to generate the sterilization start signal or the sterilization stop signal. The sensor <NUM> generates the sterilization start signal when the lid of the portable water bottle is closed, and generates the sterilization stop signal when the lid of the portable water bottle is open. Accordingly, since the portable water bottle emits sterilization UV light only when it is determined based on a sensing result of the illuminance sensor that the lid of the portable water bottle is closed, the portable water bottle can prevent a user from being exposed to the sterilization UV light.

The sterilizing module <NUM> may include at least one selected from the group consisting of the aforementioned sensors and a combination thereof.

The sterilizing module <NUM> or the portable water bottle may control sterilization start and sterilization stop of the sterilizing module <NUM> using various other sensors as well as the aforementioned sensors.

Upon reception of the sterilization start signal from the sensor <NUM>, the substrate <NUM> supplies electric power of the power storage member <NUM> to the sterilization light source <NUM>. In addition, upon reception of the sterilization stop signal from the sensor <NUM>, the substrate <NUM> stops power supply from the sterilization light source <NUM>.

According to the fourth embodiment, the sterilizing module <NUM> automatically performs operation for sterilization start or sterilization stop based on sensing results of the sensor <NUM> even when a user does not input a separate command for sterilization.

Although not described in the fourth embodiment, the sterilizing module <NUM> may further include an input unit, an output unit, a timer, and the like.

For example, a preset sterilization time is input through the input unit and the sterilizing module <NUM> can generate the sterilization start signal or the sterilization operation signal based on sensing results of the sensor <NUM> detecting the portable water bottle, a user and water stored in the portable water bottle for the preset sterilization time.

Claim 1:
A portable water bottle comprising:
a bottle body (<NUM>) having a space storing water, the bottle body comprising:
a body coupling portion (<NUM>) formed on an inner surface thereof; and
a breakaway prevention portion (<NUM>) formed at an upper portion of the body coupling portion; and
a sterilizing module (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) having a UV outlet (<NUM>) through which sterilization UV light passes,
a light source module (<NUM>) emitting the sterilization UV light,
a power storage member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) supplying electric power to the light source module;
a transparent window (<NUM>) disposed between the UV outlet and the light source module to divide an interior of the housing from an exterior of the housing; and
a transparent window seat (<NUM>) formed along a circumference of the UV outlet on an upper surface of the interior of the housing and receiving the transparent window seated thereon;
wherein the sterilizing module emits the sterilization UV light into the bottle body,
the body coupling portion is coupled to at least a portion of the sterilizing module,
the breakaway prevention portion prevents the sterilizing module from being inserted into the bottle body by a predetermined depth or more, and
the light source module comprises a substrate (<NUM>) and a sterilization light source (<NUM>) disposed on the substrate and emitting the sterilization UV light;
the water bottle further comprising:
an interior sealing member (<NUM>) disposed on the transparent window seat and sealing a gap between the UV outlet and the transparent window,
wherein a side surface of the transparent window is inserted into an inner surface of the interior sealing member to secure the transparent window to the interior sealing member;
wherein the breakaway prevention portion has a through-hole formed therein;
the sterilizing module further comprising:
a module coupling portion (<NUM>) coupled to the body coupling portion,
wherein the body coupling portion comprises threads formed on the inner surface of the bottle body, and
the module coupling portion comprises threads formed on an outer surface of a portion of the housing inserted into the body coupling portion; and
an exterior sealing member (<NUM>) disposed between the breakaway prevention portion and the sterilizing module and sealing a gap between the breakaway prevention portion and the sterilizing module.