Accelerated sterilization module, accelerated residue removal module and sterilization device

Abstract

The invention provides an accelerated sterilization module, an accelerated residue removal module and a sterilization device.The sterilization device comprises a packaging box and the accelerated sterilization module or the accelerated residue removal module arranged in the packaging box and used for sterilizing a catheter to be sterilized in the packaging box; sterilization or residue removal in the slender catheter to be sterilized can be accelerated, and the sterilization quality and efficiency are improved.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application with application number 2024108144071 and invention name “Sterilization device and accelerated sterilization method, accelerated residue removal method”. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to an accelerated sterilization module, an accelerated residue removal module and a sterilization device capable of accelerating the sterilization and residue removal of a slender catheter. Background Art

[0003] Medical devices usually need to be sterilized before use. In the prior art, there are solutions using gas sterilization, but for medical devices with slender catheters, the sterilizing gas takes a long time to enter the catheter and has difficulty reaching the deep part of the lumen, thus affecting the sterilization effect. The current sterilization method for slender catheters is to increase the number of gas cycles and extend the sterilization time, which increases costs and reduces efficiency.

[0004] In addition, after sterilization, the sterilization gas in the slender tube is difficult to discharge quickly, which affects the analysis time and takes up storage space. Even a special storage room is required for ventilation to remove residual sterilization gas. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of the present application is to provide a sterilization device that can accelerate the sterilization of a slender catheter and improve the sterilization quality. In order to achieve the above purpose, one scheme of the present application is an accelerated sterilization module. During sterilization, the accelerated sterilization module and the catheter to be sterilized are placed in a packaging box and placed in a sterilization environment to sterilize the catheter to be sterilized; characterized in that: the accelerated sterilization module includes a driving unit and a first trigger unit that are connected to each other; the first trigger unit includes a first air pressure switch and a first trigger member; the first trigger member is a stepping mechanism that can move in a direction close to the driving unit; the packaging box includes a permeable membrane so that the sterilization gas in the sterilization environment enters the packaging box through the permeable membrane; when the concentration of the sterilization gas in the packaging box reaches the required concentration requirement, the first air pressure switch drives the first trigger member to move to a predetermined position and triggers the driving unit, so that the driving unit drives the sterilization gas in the packaging box to accelerate into the catheter to be sterilized.

[0006] Preferably, the air pressure in the sterilization environment cycles between low pressure and high pressure, so that the air pressure in the packaging box changes, and when the air pressure in the packaging box meets a preset first condition, the first air pressure switch drives the first trigger member to move toward the direction close to the drive unit; and when the air pressure in the packaging box meets the first condition for a predetermined first number of times, the first trigger member moves to the predetermined position and triggers the drive unit to operate.

[0007] Preferably, the first trigger member is a rack that can be driven by the first air pressure switch to gradually move unidirectionally toward the driving unit.

[0008] Preferably, the trigger distance between the first trigger member and the driving unit and the number of teeth of the first trigger member are set according to the number of air pressure cycles in the packaging box.

[0009] Preferably, the driving unit comprises a first energy storage member, a first locking member and an enabling member; in an initial state, the first energy storage member stores energy and is locked by the first locking member; when the first air pressure switch drives the first trigger member to move to a predetermined position and triggers the driving unit, the first energy storage member is unlocked and drives the enabling member to work, so that the enabling member drives the sterilization gas to accelerate into the catheter to be sterilized.

[0010] Preferably, the first energy storage member comprises a paddle, an elastic member, a transmission shaft transmission-connected to the elastic member, and a gear / locking groove provided on the transmission shaft, and the paddle cooperates with the first trigger member; the elastic member is a spring or a spring or an elastic paddle.

[0011] Preferably, when the first locking member is inserted into the tooth groove of the gear or the locking groove, the first energy storage member is in a locked state; when the paddle pushes the first locking member to move out of the tooth groove of the gear or the locking groove, the first energy storage member is unlocked.

[0012] The present application also provides an accelerated residue removal module. During sterilization, the accelerated residue removal module and the conduit to be sterilized are placed in a packaging box and placed in a sterilization environment for sterilization. The accelerated residue removal module is used to accelerate the discharge of residual gas in the conduit to be sterilized at the end of sterilization; it is characterized in that: the accelerated residue removal module comprises a gas storage unit, a sterilization pipeline and a gas valve unit, the gas valve unit connects the gas storage unit, the sterilization pipeline and the conduit to be sterilized; the gas valve unit has a first connection state in which the sterilization pipeline is connected to the conduit to be sterilized, and the gas storage unit and the conduit to be sterilized are not connected; and a second connection state in which the gas storage unit and the conduit to be sterilized are connected, and the sterilization pipeline and the conduit to be sterilized are not connected: when the air pressure in the packaging box meets the preset third condition and reaches a predetermined second number of times, the gas valve unit switches from the first connection state to the second connection state, so that the pressurized gas stored in the gas storage unit enters the conduit to be sterilized.

[0013] Preferably, the accelerated residue removal module also includes a second trigger unit, which includes a second air pressure switch, a second trigger component, and a second transmission component connected to the air valve unit; the air pressure in the sterilization environment cycles between low pressure and high pressure, so that the air pressure in the packaging box changes, and when the air pressure in the packaging box meets the third condition and reaches the second number of times in the cycle, the second air pressure switch drives the second trigger component to control the air valve unit to switch to the second connected state via the second transmission component.

[0014] Preferably, the second trigger member is a rack that can be driven by the second air pressure switch to gradually move unidirectionally toward the second transmission member.

[0015] Preferably, the trigger distance between the second trigger member and the second transmission member and the number of teeth of the second trigger member are set according to the number of air pressure cycles in the packaging box.

[0016] Preferably, the second trigger unit includes a second energy storage member connected to the second transmission member, and a second locking member for locking the second transmission member; in the process of switching from the first connection state to the second connection state, the second transmission member disengages from the second locking member and is unlocked, and the second energy storage member drives the valve core of the air valve unit to move via the second transmission member, so that the air valve unit switches to the second connection state.

[0017] Preferably, the second transmission member has a second transmission member extension portion that is engaged with the second locking member.

[0018] The present application also provides a sterilization device, comprising a packaging box, a catheter to be sterilized, and the aforementioned accelerated sterilization module, and the aforementioned accelerated residue removal module.

[0019] Preferably, when the first condition is met and the third condition is also met, the number of cycles of the air pressure in the packaging box is equal to the second number; when the first condition is met and the third condition is not met, the number of cycles of the air pressure in the packaging box is equal to the sum of the first number and the second number.

[0020] According to the aforementioned technical solution, the air pressure cycle in the packaging box and the surrounding sterilization environment can be utilized so that after the driving unit is triggered, the sterilization gas is driven to accelerate into the sterilization catheter. The air pressure cycle in a specific space is utilized to gradually advance the first trigger member to a predetermined position for triggering. The first trigger member can move unidirectionally toward the trigger position under the drive of the first air pressure switch. After the slender catheter is accelerated to be sterilized, the accelerated residue removal module can also be used to quickly remove the residue. The air pressure cycle in a specific space can be used to enable the second trigger unit to control the connection state of the switching valve unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the present application, the drawings of the specification of the present application will be described and illustrated below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description only illustrate certain aspects of some exemplary embodiments of the present application, and it is possible for a person of ordinary skill in the art to obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative work.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the exemplary sterilization device.

[0023] Figure 2 2 is a schematic structural diagram of an exemplary first energy storage member and a first trigger unit.

[0024] Figure 3 2 is a schematic structural diagram of an exemplary first energy storage member.

[0025] Figure 4 2 is a schematic structural diagram of an exemplary second trigger unit.

[0026] Caption of the attached figure:

[0027] 1 Driver

[0028] 10 Enabling Components

[0029] 11. First energy storage component

[0030] 110 Housing

[0031] 111 Clockwork

[0032] 112 Drive shaft

[0033] 113 Gear

[0034] 114 first locking member

[0035] 115 Locking limiter

[0036] 116 Picks

[0037] 2 First trigger unit

[0038] 21 First trigger

[0039] 211 First trigger tooth

[0040] 212 First one-way restriction

[0041] 213 First one-way shaft

[0042] 22 First air pressure switch

[0043] 221 first elastic member

[0044] 222 First extension

[0045] 223 First Propulsion Department

[0046] 224 First fixed axis

[0047] 3 Catheter to be sterilized

[0048] 31 Sterilization pipeline

[0049] 4 Second trigger unit

[0050] 41 Second trigger

[0051] 411 Second trigger tooth

[0052] 412 Second one-way restriction

[0053] 42 Second air pressure switch

[0054] 421 second elastic member

[0055] 422 Second extension

[0056] 423 Second Advancement Department

[0057] Second fixed shaft 424

[0058] 43 Second energy storage component

[0059] 44 Second transmission member

[0060] 441 Second transmission member extension

[0061] 45 Second locking member

[0062] 5 Gas storage unit

[0063] 6 Valve unit

[0064] 60 Valve core DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Various exemplary embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The description of the exemplary embodiments is merely illustrative and is by no means intended to limit the present application and its application or use. The present application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. These embodiments are provided to make the present application thorough and complete and to fully express the scope of the present application to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that unless otherwise stated, the relative arrangement of the components and steps, numerical expressions, and numerical values, etc., set forth in these embodiments should be interpreted as being merely exemplary, rather than as limitations.

[0066] The words “include” or “comprising” and the like used in this application mean that the elements preceding the words include the elements listed after the words, and do not exclude the possibility of also including other elements.

[0067] All terms (including technical terms or scientific terms) used in this application have the same meaning as those understood by ordinary technicians in the field to which this application belongs, unless otherwise specifically defined. It should also be understood that terms defined in general dictionaries should be understood to have meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or extremely formal sense, unless explicitly defined in this article.

[0068] Components not described in detail in this section, parameters such as specific models of components, relationships between components, and control circuits may be considered as technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant fields, but in appropriate circumstances, such technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered as part of the specification.

[0069] The following reference Figure 1-4 The structure of the sterilization device of the present application will be described. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the exemplary sterilization device. Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the first energy storage member 11 and the first trigger unit 2, Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the first energy storage member 11, Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the second trigger unit 4. It should be noted that the sterilization described in the present application also includes "disinfection", that is, it covers the disinfection and sterilization operations in the usual sense.

[0070] Accelerated sterilization module

[0071] See also Figure 1 The sterilization device of the present application uses a gas sterilization method to perform a sterilization operation on the sterilized catheter 3. The sterilization gas can be ozone, ethylene oxide, gaseous hydrogen peroxide, formaldehyde, etc., and is not specifically limited.

[0072] In this embodiment, the catheter to be sterilized 3 is a slender catheter. Due to the large air flow resistance in the catheter, when the sterilizing gas enters the catheter for sterilization, there are problems of poor flow and long time. If the air inlet and outlet of the catheter are narrow, the sterilization effect will be further affected and the sterilization time will be extended. In addition, in practical applications, gas sterilization, especially ethylene oxide sterilization, which accounts for more than half, usually adopts the method of first sealing packaging and then permeation sterilization. The catheter to be sterilized 3 is placed in a sealed packaging box, and one side of the packaging box is a permeable membrane. The sterilizing gas penetrates into the packaging box through the permeable membrane under the action of the pressure difference, and then enters the catheter for sterilization, which further limits the flow rate and exchange rate of the sterilizing gas, making the gas flow in the slender catheter slow, and the sterilization effect and time are affected.

[0073] For this purpose, the present application sets an accelerated sterilization module. During sterilization, the accelerated sterilization module and the catheter to be sterilized 3 are placed in a packaging box, and then the packaging box is placed in a sterilization cabinet, and then sterilization gas is filled into the sterilization cabinet, and the sterilization gas then penetrates into the packaging box for sterilization. The space in the packaging box is the specific space. As a preferred mode, the accelerated sterilization module includes a drive unit 1 and a first trigger unit 2 that are interconnected, and a sterilization pipeline 31 connected between the drive unit 1 and the catheter to be sterilized 3.

[0074] During the operation, the air pressure in the sterilization cabinet repeatedly cycles between low pressure and high pressure. For example, during the sterilization operation, first extract 50% of the air in the sterilization cabinet and then fill it with sterilizing gas, so that the concentration of the sterilizing gas in the cabinet reaches 50%. Then extract 50% of the mixed gas in the cabinet and then fill it with sterilizing gas, so that the concentration of the sterilizing gas in the cabinet reaches 75%. And so on, so that the concentration of the sterilizing gas in the sterilization cabinet continues to increase and the air pressure rises and falls. Similarly, during the residual removal operation, some of the gas in the cabinet is extracted and then filled with air or inert gas. The gas in the sterilization cabinet gradually penetrates into the packaging box, making the air pressure in the packaging box consistent with the air pressure in the sterilization cabinet, but because the penetration process takes a certain amount of time, the air pressure change in the packaging box lags behind the air pressure change in the sterilization cabinet.

[0075] See also Figure 2 The first trigger unit 2 includes a first trigger member 21 and a first air pressure switch 22. The first air pressure switch 22 includes a first elastic member 221, a first extension portion 222 connected to the first elastic member 221, and a first propulsion portion 223 connected to the first extension portion 222. The first propulsion portion 223 can be fixed to the first extension portion 222, but preferably, the first propulsion portion 223 is movably connected to the first extension portion 222 and can rotate relative to the first extension portion 222 around a first fixed axis 224, so that an end of the first propulsion portion 223 away from the first fixed axis 224 is lifted or dropped.

[0076] like Figure 2 As shown, the first trigger member 21 is a stepping mechanism such as a rack that can move toward the direction close to the drive unit 1, and has a plurality of first trigger teeth 211 arranged in sequence along its moving direction. The first trigger member 21 is also provided with a first one-way limiting member 212, and the first one-way limiting member 212 can only swing around the first one-way shaft 213 toward the side close to the drive unit 1.

[0077] When the air pressure in the packaging box, that is, the air pressure of the sterilization gas in the sterilization cabinet, meets the first condition, the first elastic member 221 pushes the first propulsion portion 223 to move toward the direction close to the drive unit 1 via the first extension portion 222, and the first propulsion portion 223 abuts against the single first trigger tooth 211 and pushes the first trigger member 21 to move toward the direction close to the drive unit 1.

[0078] When the air pressure in the packaging box meets the second condition, the first elastic member 221 rebounds and drives the first propulsion part 223 to retreat in the direction away from the drive unit 1, and the end of the first propulsion part 223 is lifted and disconnected from the first trigger tooth 211. At this time, since the first trigger tooth 211 is limited by the first one-way limiting member 212, the first trigger member 21 cannot move to the side away from the drive unit 1. After the air pressure in the packaging box stabilizes, the first propulsion part 223 abuts against the next first trigger tooth 211, and gradually pushes the first trigger member 21 toward the drive unit 1 in the subsequent low-pressure-high-pressure cycle of the sterilization gas in the sterilization cabinet.

[0079] The first condition is that the air pressure in the packaging box is lower than the preset first low-pressure threshold, and the second condition is that the air pressure in the packaging box is higher than the preset first high-pressure threshold; or, the first condition is that the air pressure in the packaging box is higher than the preset first high-pressure threshold, and the second condition is that the air pressure in the packaging box is lower than the preset first low-pressure threshold. In other words, the first air pressure switch 22 can be set to push the first trigger member 21 forward when the pressure is low and to retract and reset when the pressure is high, or the first air pressure switch 22 can be set to push the first trigger member 21 forward when the pressure is high and to retract and reset when the pressure is low. For simplicity, here we only take the example that the first condition is that the air pressure in the packaging box is lower than the preset first low-pressure threshold, and the second condition is that the air pressure in the packaging box is higher than the preset first high-pressure threshold.

[0080] It can be understood that as the air pressure in the packaging box repeatedly cycles between decreasing and increasing, the first trigger member 21 can be driven by the first air pressure switch 22 to gradually move unidirectionally toward the direction close to the drive unit 1. To this end, the trigger distance between the first trigger member 21 and the drive unit 1, as well as the number of teeth of the first trigger member 21, can be set according to the number of times the air pressure in the packaging box cycles. Thus, when the air pressure in the packaging box meets the first condition in the cycle and reaches the preset first number of times, the first air pressure switch 22 can push the first trigger member 21 to move to a predetermined position to trigger the drive unit 1 to work. For example, if the air pressure in the packaging box can reach the required concentration requirement after three cycles, three first trigger teeth 211 can be set, and four first trigger teeth 211 can also be set for safety reasons to ensure that the drive unit 1 is triggered after the sterilizing gas reaches the concentration requirement.

[0081] See also Figure 1-3 The driving unit 1 comprises a first energy storage member 11, a first locking member 114 and an enabling member 10. For example, the first energy storage member 11 is a spring or a spring or an elastic paddle, or other elastic mechanism capable of storing energy, and only the spring mechanism shown in the figure is used as an example for description.

[0082] As an example, the first energy storage member 11 includes a housing 110, a spring 111, a transmission shaft 112 connected to the spring 111, and a gear 113 sleeved on the transmission shaft 112, and the end of the transmission shaft 112 away from the gear 113 is connected to the enabling member 10. The enabling member 10 can be a fan, an air pump head, etc., which is used to accelerate the flow of gas. During operation, the spring 111 is first tightened to make the first energy storage member 11 in an energy storage state. After it is triggered, the spring 111 releases energy in the counterclockwise direction in the figure and drives the transmission shaft 112 to rotate counterclockwise. The transmission shaft 112 drives the enabling member 10 to work, thereby driving the sterilization gas to flow, so that it accelerates along the sterilization pipeline 31 to reach the conduit 3 to be sterilized, which can improve the sterilization efficiency while shortening the sterilization time.

[0083] Exemplarily, the first locking member 114 is an elastic sheet such as an elastic metal sheet or plastic sheet. In the energy storage state, the first locking member 114 is inserted into the tooth groove of the gear 113, and a locking limiter 115 is abutted on one side of the first locking member 114 in the counterclockwise direction to limit the counterclockwise rotation of the gear 113. The gear 113 and the transmission shaft 112 are non-circularly matched, thereby limiting the counterclockwise rotation of the transmission shaft 112, so that the mainspring 111 is always in the energy storage state.

[0084] Among them, a seesaw-type paddle 116 is also provided on the shell 110, one end of the paddle 116 extends to the outside of the shell 110, and the other end is located inside the shell 110 at a position corresponding to the first locking member 114, and both ends can rotate around an axis set in the middle of the paddle 116.

[0085] As mentioned above, when the air pressure in the packaging box meets the first condition and reaches the first number, the first air pressure switch 22 pushes the first trigger member 21 to move to a predetermined position, and one end of the first trigger member 21 close to the first energy storage member 11 abuts against the part of the paddle 116 located outside the shell 110, and pushes the paddle 116 to rotate counterclockwise, and the other end of the paddle 116 pushes the first locking member 114, so that the end of the elastic first locking member 114 close to the gear 113 is disengaged from the tooth groove of the gear 113, thereby releasing the rotation restriction on the gear 113, so that the transmission shaft 112 can drive the enabling member 10 to work under the drive of the spring 111, and the enabling member 10 accelerates the sterilization gas with a certain concentration in the packaging box to flow through the slender conduit of the conduit 3 to be sterilized, thereby improving the sterilization efficiency and quality.

[0086] It is understandable that the locking of the transmission shaft 112 is not limited to the design of the gear 113, and can also be other mechanisms that cooperate with the first locking member 114, as long as locking and unlocking can be achieved. For example, a locking groove that cooperates with the first locking member 114 and extends along the axial direction of the transmission shaft 112 can be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the transmission shaft 112, and the transmission shaft 112 is locked after the first locking member 114 is inserted into the locking groove, and the transmission shaft 112 is unlocked after the first locking member 114 is separated from the locking groove.

[0087] Accelerated Removal Module

[0088] Next, combine Figure 1 and Figure 4 The accelerated residue removal module is described in detail.

[0089] After the sterilization catheter 3 is sterilized, the residual sterilization gas inside it needs to be discharged. However, the gas discharge time in the slender catheter is long, which affects the analysis time and occupies the warehouse. Even a special storage warehouse needs to be ventilated to remove the residual sterilization gas.

[0090] As a preferred embodiment, the sterilization device of the present application further comprises an accelerated residue removal module, which comprises an air storage unit 5 and an air valve unit 6 connected between the air storage unit 5 and the conduit 3 to be sterilized.

[0091] As an example, the gas storage unit 5 is a gas storage bottle, which stores inert gas such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide under pressure. Preferably, the gas valve unit 6 is a three-way valve, and the three ports are respectively connected to the sterilization pipeline 31, the conduit to be sterilized 3 and the gas storage unit 5, and the valve core 60 is connected to the second transmission member 4 of the second trigger unit 4, and can reciprocate under the drive of the second transmission member 4, so as to switch the connection state of the gas valve unit 6.

[0092] In this embodiment, the second trigger unit 4 further includes a second energy storage member 43 connected to the second transmission member 44, and a second locking member 45 for locking the second transmission member 44. The second energy storage member 43 is an elastic mechanism such as a spring that can be extended and retracted along the moving direction of the second transmission member 44, the second transmission member 44 has a second transmission member extension portion 441 extending perpendicular to its moving direction, and the second locking member 45 is a fixedly arranged mechanism for engaging with the second transmission member extension portion 441.

[0093] Before the residual cleaning operation, the second energy storage member 43 is in an energy storage state, that is, the spring is compressed, and the second transmission member extension 441 is engaged with the second locking member 45, thereby limiting the movement of the second transmission member 44 toward the air valve unit 6, that is, the second transmission member 44 is in a locked state. At this time, the valve core 60 of the air valve unit 6 is located Figure 1As shown, on the side close to the gas storage unit 5, the gas valve unit 6 is in the first connected state, the gas storage unit 5 is not connected to the sterilization pipeline 31 and the catheter to be sterilized 3, and the inert gas inside it cannot flow out. The sterilization pipeline 31 and the catheter to be sterilized 3 are connected to facilitate the sterilization operation on the catheter to be sterilized 3.

[0094] When it is necessary to perform the residue removal operation, the second transmission member extension 441 is disengaged from the second locking member 45, the second transmission member 44 is unlocked, and then moves toward the direction of the air valve unit 6 under the elastic force of the second energy storage member 43, and pushes the valve core 60 to move to one side of the sterilization pipeline 31, and the air valve unit 6 is in the second connection state, so that the sterilization pipeline 31 is cut off from the gas storage unit 5 and the conduit 3 to be sterilized, while the gas storage unit 5 is connected to the conduit 3 to be sterilized. At this time, the pressurized inert gas in the gas storage unit 5 can quickly reach the conduit 3 to be sterilized, accelerate the flow of the residual sterilization gas in the slender conduit, thereby shortening the residue removal time and improving the residue removal quality. The method of using the gas storage unit 5 to transport the inert gas for residue removal can prevent the residual sterilization gas in the sterilization cabinet and the packaging box from continuing to enter the conduit 3 to be sterilized during the residue removal operation and affecting the residue removal efficiency.

[0095] See also Figure 4 The second trigger unit 4 further includes a second trigger member 41 transmission-connected to the second transmission member 44 and a second air pressure switch 42 transmission-connected to the second trigger member 41. The second air pressure switch 42 includes a second elastic member 421, a second extension portion 422 connected to the second elastic member 421, and a second propulsion portion 423 connected to the second extension portion 422. The second propulsion portion 423 may be fixed to the second extension portion 422, but preferably, the second propulsion portion 423 is movably connected to the second extension portion 422 and may rotate relative to the second extension portion 422 around a second fixed axis 424, so that an end of the second propulsion portion 423 away from the second fixed axis 424 is lifted or dropped.

[0096] like Figure 4 As shown, the second trigger member 41 is configured as a stepping mechanism such as a rack that can move toward the direction close to the second transmission member 44, and has a plurality of second trigger teeth 411 arranged in sequence along its moving direction. The second trigger member 41 is also provided with a second one-way limiting member 412, and the working principle of the second one-way limiting member 412 is the same as that of the first one-way limiting member 212.

[0097] When the air pressure in the packaging box meets the preset third condition, the second elastic member 421 pushes the second propulsion member 423 to move toward the second transmission member 44 via the second extension member 422, and the second propulsion member 423 contacts the single second trigger tooth 411 and pushes the second trigger member 41 to move toward the second transmission member 44. When the air pressure in the packaging box meets the third condition for a predetermined second number of times in the low-pressure and high-pressure cycles, the second propulsion member 423 pushes the second trigger member 41 to reach a predetermined position, and the second transmission member 44 is unlocked, and then moves toward the direction of the air valve unit 6 under the elastic force of the second energy storage member 43, and pushes the valve core 60 to move to one side of the sterilization pipeline 31, and the air valve unit 6 is in the second connection state.

[0098] When the air pressure in the packaging box meets the preset fourth condition, the second elastic member 421 rebounds and drives the second propulsion part 423 to retreat in the direction away from the second transmission member 44, and the end of the second propulsion part 423 is lifted and disconnected from the second trigger tooth 411. At this time, since the second trigger tooth 411 is limited by the second one-way limiting member 412, the second trigger member 41 cannot move in the direction away from the second transmission member 44. After the air pressure in the packaging box stabilizes, the second propulsion part 423 abuts against the next second trigger tooth 411, and gradually pushes the second trigger member 41 to a predetermined position in the subsequent low-pressure-high-pressure cycle to trigger the second transmission member 44.

[0099] The third condition is that the air pressure in the packaging box is lower than the preset second low pressure threshold, and the fourth condition is that the air pressure in the packaging box is higher than the preset second high pressure threshold; or, the third condition is that the air pressure in the packaging box is higher than the preset second high pressure threshold, and the second condition is that the air pressure in the packaging box is lower than the preset second low pressure threshold. In other words, the second air pressure switch 42 can be set to push the second trigger member 41 forward when the pressure is low and to retract and reset when the pressure is high, or the second air pressure switch 42 can be set to push the second trigger member 41 forward when the pressure is high and to retract and reset when the pressure is low. For simplicity, here we only take the third condition that the air pressure in the packaging box is lower than the preset second low pressure threshold and the fourth condition that the air pressure in the packaging box is higher than the preset second high pressure threshold as an example for explanation.

[0100] During operation, the air pressure in the packaging box is in a low-pressure and high-pressure cycle. When the first condition is met and the first number is reached, the sterilization operation is performed. At this time, the air pressure in the sterilization cabinet and the packaging box no longer changes, the cycle is suspended, and the first trigger member 21 no longer moves. After the sterilization operation is completed, the low-pressure and high-pressure cycle is continued, and air or inert gas is filled in after part of the gas in the cabinet is extracted. When the air pressure in the packaging box meets the third condition in the cycle, the second trigger member 41 moves. When the air pressure in the packaging box meets the third condition and reaches the second number, the second trigger member 41 reaches the predetermined position to unlock the second transmission member 44 and start the residual removal operation.

[0101] In other words, as the air pressure in the packaging box repeatedly cycles between decreasing and increasing, the second trigger member 41 can be driven by the second air pressure switch 42 to gradually move unidirectionally toward the second transmission member 44. The trigger distance between the second trigger member 41 and the second transmission member 44, as well as the number of teeth of the second trigger member 41, can be set according to the number of times the air pressure in the packaging box cycles. The principle is the same as the design of the number of teeth of the first trigger member 21, and will not be repeated. Thus, when the air pressure in the packaging box cycles to meet the third condition for a predetermined second number of times, the second air pressure switch 42 can push the second trigger member 41 to move to a predetermined position, and the second trigger member 41 pushes the second transmission member extension 441 and causes it to disengage from the second locking member 45, thereby triggering the second transmission member 44 to work.

[0102] It should be noted that the second low-pressure threshold and the aforementioned first low-pressure threshold, and the second high-pressure threshold and the aforementioned first high-pressure threshold can be the same or different. When the third condition is met while the first condition is met, for example, the first low-pressure threshold is less than or equal to the second low-pressure threshold, or the first low-pressure threshold is higher than the second low-pressure threshold, but the air pressure in the packaging box drops below the second low-pressure threshold when the pressure is low, the first trigger 21 and the second trigger 41 move at the same time, and the number of cycles of the air pressure in the packaging box is equal to the second number; when the third condition is not met while the first condition is met, for example, the first low-pressure threshold is higher than the second low-pressure threshold, and the air pressure in the packaging box only drops between the first air pressure threshold and the second low-pressure threshold, the second trigger 41 does not move when the first trigger 21 moves, and the second trigger 41 moves only during the residual removal operation, and the number of cycles of the air pressure in the packaging box is equal to the superposition of the first number and the second number.

[0103] However, as a preferred solution, it is pre-set to satisfy the third condition while satisfying the first condition, for example, the first low-pressure threshold is less than or equal to the second low-pressure threshold, and the first condition is the same as the third condition. Thus, when the air pressure in the packaging box satisfies the first condition, the first air pressure switch 22 and the second air pressure switch 42 simultaneously push the first trigger member 21 and the second trigger member 41 to move. When the first condition is met and reaches the first number, the first trigger member 21 reaches the predetermined position to trigger the first energy storage member 11, and starts to accelerate the sterilization, but at this time the second trigger member 41 has not yet reached the predetermined position to trigger the second transmission member 44. After the sterilization operation is completed, the air pressure in the packaging box continues to cycle between low pressure and high pressure, and the second air pressure switch 42 continues to push the second trigger member 41 to move until the air pressure in the packaging box meets the third condition and reaches the second number, and the second trigger member 41 reaches the predetermined position to trigger the second transmission member 44, so that the air valve unit 6 switches to the second connected state and starts the residual removal operation.

[0104] It is understandable that the second number is greater than the first number. The number of teeth of the first trigger member 21 and the second trigger member 41 can be adjusted according to the trigger distance, thereby adjusting the first number and the second number.

[0105] It should be noted that the gas storage unit 5 may have its own switch or may use a three-way valve to seal the inert gas stored inside. The gas storage unit 5 and the three-way valve may also be made into an integrated unit, which is not specifically limited here.

[0106] With the sterilization device of the present application, in the actual sterilization and residue removal process, the accelerated sterilization module and / or the accelerated residue removal module can be connected to the catheter to be sterilized 3 and placed in a packaging box and then sealed with a permeable membrane. The accelerated sterilization module and the accelerated residue removal module are preferably placed in the packaging box together and connected to the catheter to be sterilized 3, but only one of the modules can be placed in order to achieve the accelerated sterilization / accelerated residue removal function.

[0107] After that, the packaging box is placed in the sterilization cabinet and the sterilization process is started. In the subsequent low-pressure-high-pressure cycle of the sterilizing gas, the first trigger member 21 and the second trigger member 41 are gradually pushed to the predetermined trigger position. When the first trigger member 21 triggers the first energy storage member 11, the first energy storage member 11 will drive the transmission shaft 12 to rotate and drive the enabling member 10 to work, and the enabling member 10 will accelerate the sterilizing gas in the packaging box to flow through the inside of the slender conduit of the conduit to be sterilized 3. When the second trigger member 41 triggers the second transmission member 44, the air valve unit 6 will switch the connection state, so that the conduit to be sterilized 3 is connected with the gas storage unit 5, and release the inert gas pre-pressurized and stored in the gas storage unit 5, so as to accelerate the blowing out of the sterilizing gas remaining in the slender conduit.

[0108] Preferably, the sterilization device of the present application can be recycled and reused after the catheter 3 to be sterilized is unpacked and used.

[0109] In summary, the sterilization device of the present application utilizes the cyclic changes in the air pressure in the existing sterilization cabinet and packaging box in the prior art. Without adding too many mechanisms, the trigger member is pushed to gradually step to the trigger position through the air pressure switch. The two trigger members can move separately or synchronously, thereby triggering the first energy storage member 11 and the second transmission member 44 to work respectively, thereby improving the efficiency and quality of sterilization and residue removal. It has a simple structure, is easy to operate, and also reduces sterilization and storage costs.

[0110] In addition, in combination with the above-mentioned sterilization device, the present application also provides an accelerated sterilization method.

[0111] The accelerated sterilization module is used to sterilize the catheter 3 to be sterilized; the accelerated sterilization module comprises a driving unit 1 and a first trigger unit 2 connected to each other; the accelerated sterilization method comprises the following steps:

[0112] S11: a preparatory sterilization step, connecting the accelerated sterilization module and the catheter to be sterilized 3 and placing them in a specific space;

[0113] S12: Sterilization cycle step, the specific space is filled with gas, and the concentration of the sterilization gas in the specific space is increased by repeated cycles of pumping out gas and then filling it with sterilization gas each time, and the gas pressure in the specific space is cycled between low pressure and high pressure;

[0114] S13: Accelerated sterilization step. When the air pressure in the specific space meets the preset first condition for a predetermined first number of times in the cycle, the first trigger unit 2 triggers the drive unit 1, and the drive unit 1 drives the sterilization gas to accelerate into the catheter to be sterilized 3 and perform a sterilization operation on it.

[0115] In addition, in combination with the above-mentioned sterilization device, the present application also provides a method for accelerating residue removal.

[0116] The aforementioned accelerated residue removal module is used to remove the residue of the sterilized gas in the sterilized conduit 3; the accelerated residue removal module includes a gas storage unit 5, and a gas valve unit 6 respectively connected between the driving unit 1 and the conduit 3 to be sterilized, and between the gas storage unit 5 and the conduit 3 to be sterilized; the accelerated residue removal method includes the following steps:

[0117] S21: Preparatory residue removal step, connecting the accelerated residue removal module and the catheter to be sterilized 3 and placing them in a specific space; the air valve unit 6 is in a first connected state, the drive unit 1 is connected to the catheter to be sterilized 3, and the air storage unit 5 is not connected to the catheter to be sterilized 3;

[0118] S22: a residual removal cycle step, wherein the concentration of the sterilizing gas in the specific space is reduced by repeatedly charging the residual removal gas after each extraction, and the gas pressure in the specific space is cycled between low pressure and high pressure;

[0119] S23: Accelerate the residual removal step. When the air pressure in the specific space meets the preset third condition and reaches a predetermined second number of times in the cycle, the air valve unit 6 switches to the second connection state, the air storage unit 5 is connected to the conduit to be sterilized 3, and the driving unit 1 is not connected to the conduit to be sterilized 3, and the pressurized gas in the air storage unit 5 enters the conduit to be sterilized 3 to remove the residual sterilization gas.

[0120] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described above are only used to explain the present application, and the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any technical personnel familiar with the technical field can make changes, substitutions, and combinations within the technical scope disclosed in the present application according to the technical solution and concept of the present application, which should be covered by the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An accelerated sterilization module, during sterilization, the accelerated sterilization module and the catheter to be sterilized are placed in a packaging box and placed in a sterilization environment to sterilize the catheter to be sterilized; characterized in that: The accelerated sterilization module comprises a driving unit and a first triggering unit which are connected to each other; the first triggering unit comprises a first air pressure switch and a first triggering member; the first triggering member is a stepping mechanism which can move toward the direction close to the driving unit; The packaging box comprises a permeable membrane, so that the sterilization gas in the sterilization environment enters the packaging box through the permeable membrane; When the concentration of the sterilizing gas in the packaging box reaches the required concentration requirement, the first air pressure switch drives the first trigger member to move to a predetermined position and triggers the driving unit, so that the driving unit drives the sterilizing gas in the packaging box to accelerate into the conduit to be sterilized.

2. The accelerated sterilization module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air pressure in the sterilization environment cycles between low pressure and high pressure, so that the air pressure in the packaging box changes. When the air pressure in the packaging box meets a preset first condition, the first air pressure switch drives the first trigger member to move toward the direction close to the drive unit; and when the air pressure in the packaging box meets the first condition for a predetermined first number of times, the first trigger member moves to the predetermined position and triggers the drive unit to operate.

3. The accelerated sterilization module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first triggering member is a rack that can be driven by the first air pressure switch to gradually move unidirectionally toward the driving unit.

4. The accelerated sterilization module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The trigger distance between the first trigger member and the driving unit and the number of teeth of the first trigger member are set according to the number of air pressure cycles in the packaging box.

5. The accelerated sterilization module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The driving unit comprises a first energy storage member, a first locking member and an enabling member; In an initial state, the first energy storage member stores energy and is locked by the first locking member; When the first air pressure switch drives the first trigger member to move to a predetermined position and triggers the driving unit, the first energy storage member is unlocked and drives the enabling member to operate, so that the enabling member drives the sterilization gas to accelerate into the conduit to be sterilized.

6. The accelerated sterilization module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first energy storage member comprises a paddle, an elastic member, a transmission shaft connected to the elastic member, and a gear / locking groove provided on the transmission shaft. The paddle cooperates with the first trigger member; The elastic member is a spring or a spring or an elastic pick.

7. The accelerated sterilization module according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the first locking member is inserted into the tooth groove of the gear or the locking groove, the first energy storage member is in a locked state; When the paddle pushes the first locking member to move out of the tooth groove of the gear or the locking groove, the first energy storage member is unlocked.

8. An accelerated residue removal module, during sterilization, the accelerated residue removal module and the catheter to be sterilized are placed in a packaging box and placed in a sterilization environment for sterilization, and the accelerated residue removal module is used to accelerate the discharge of residual gas in the catheter to be sterilized at the end of sterilization; characterized in that: The accelerated residue removal module comprises an air storage unit, a sterilization pipeline and an air valve unit, wherein the air valve unit connects the air storage unit, the sterilization pipeline and the conduit to be sterilized; The air valve unit has a first connection state in which the sterilization pipeline is connected to the conduit to be sterilized, but the air storage unit is not connected to the conduit to be sterilized; and a second connection state in which the air storage unit is connected to the conduit to be sterilized, but the sterilization pipeline is not connected to the conduit to be sterilized: When the air pressure in the packaging box meets a preset third condition and reaches a predetermined second number of times, the air valve unit switches from the first connection state to the second connection state, allowing the pressurized gas stored in the air storage unit to enter the conduit to be sterilized.

9. The accelerated residue removal module according to claim 8, characterized in that: The accelerated residue removal module further comprises a second trigger unit, wherein the second trigger unit comprises a second air pressure switch, a second trigger member, and a second transmission member connected to the air valve unit; The air pressure in the sterilization environment cycles between low pressure and high pressure, causing the air pressure in the packaging box to change. When the air pressure in the packaging box meets the third condition and reaches the second number of times during the cycle, the second air pressure switch drives the second trigger member to control the air valve unit to switch to the second connection state via the second transmission member.

10. The accelerated residue removal module according to claim 9, characterized in that: The second triggering member is a rack that can be driven by the second air pressure switch to gradually move unidirectionally toward the second transmission member.

11. The accelerated residue removal module according to claim 10, characterized in that: The trigger distance between the second trigger member and the second transmission member and the number of teeth of the second trigger member are set according to the number of air pressure cycles in the packaging box.

12. The accelerated residue removal module according to claim 11, characterized in that: The second trigger unit comprises a second energy storage member connected to the second transmission member, and a second locking member for locking the second transmission member; During the process of switching from the first connection state to the second connection state, the second transmission member is disengaged from the second locking member and unlocked, and the second energy storage member drives the valve core of the air valve unit to move via the second transmission member, so that the air valve unit switches to the second connection state.

13. The accelerated residue removal module according to claim 12, characterized in that: The second transmission member has a second transmission member extension portion that is engaged with the second locking member.

14. A sterilization device, characterized in that: The invention comprises a packaging box, a catheter to be sterilized, and an accelerated sterilization module as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7, and an accelerated residue removal module as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13.

15. The sterilization device according to claim 14, characterized in that: When the first condition and the third condition are satisfied, the number of cycles of the air pressure in the packaging box is equal to the second number; When the first condition is met and the third condition is not met, the number of cycles of the air pressure in the packaging box is equal to the sum of the first number and the second number.

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