Sterilant storage device and sterilization device including same

Abstract

The present invention provides a sterilant storage device and a sterilization device including the same, the sterilant storage device including a first container for storing a sterilant therein and at least a portion of which is made of a breathable material; a second container formed to enclose the first container and having an empty space therein excluding the area where the first container is disposed; a sealing member coupled to the second container and pierceable by a sterilant extractor for extracting the sterilant; and one or more air filters coupled to the second container for allowing gas to enter and exit the second container.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sterilant storage device and a sterilization device including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Most sterilizers used in the medical industry use highly concentrated aqueous sterilant solutions, and in the sterilization process, the sterilant is vaporized using heat, and the objects to be treated are sterilized using the vaporized sterilant.

[0003] Sterilization performance is affected by various factors, but the amount and concentration of sterilant added during the sterilization process are particularly influential. To ensure reliability of the Sterility Assurance Level (SAL) during the sterilization cycle of a sterilizer, the amount and concentration of sterilant used in the sterilization process must be constantly controlled.

[0004] However, hydrogen peroxide, which is primarily used as a sterilant, is thermodynamically unstable at room temperature and pressure, and therefore decomposes naturally over time, generating gas as it decomposes.

[0005] That is, there coexist problems related to the control of the amount and concentration of the sterilant due to the chemical decomposition of the sterilant, and problems related to the control of the gases generated as the sterilant decomposes. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention aims to provide a sterilant storage device and a sterilizer that are configured with a double structure to regulate the internal pressure and include an air filter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned object, one aspect of the present invention provides a sterilant storage device including: a first container for storing a sterilant therein and at least a portion of which is made of a breathable material; a second container formed to enclose the first container and having an empty space therein excluding the area where the first container is disposed; a sealing member coupled to the second container and pierceable by a sterilant extractor for extracting the sterilant; and one or more air filters coupled to the second container to allow gas to enter and exit the second container. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The sterilant storage device according to the present invention has a double-container structure including an empty space, allowing for stable storage of the sterilant. It also includes one or more air filters to appropriately control the rate of natural decomposition of the sterilant and effectively exhaust gases generated during natural decomposition. This prevents damage to the container and leakage of the sterilant due to an increase in internal pressure.

[0009] The sterilant storage device according to the present invention has a double container structure and an asymmetrical structure, which ensures space for gas generated by natural decomposition to flow outside the container even if the container is tilted or inverted during the storage and transportation of the sterilant, thereby enabling stable storage of the sterilant.

[0010] The sterilant storage device according to the present invention can prevent the sterilant from leaking out of the sterilant storage device during the sterilant extraction process, thereby enabling accurate control of the amount of sterilant extracted. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram of a sterilization device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sterilant storage device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sterilant storage device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a combination of some components of the sterilant storage device of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the configuration of FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a sterilant storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the sterilant storage device in a tilted state. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a sterilant storage device according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing the sterilant storage device in an inverted state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] One aspect of the present invention provides a sterilant storage device including: a first container for storing a sterilant therein and at least a portion of which is made of a breathable material; a second container formed to enclose the first container and having an empty space therein excluding the area where the first container is disposed; a sealing member coupled to the second container and pierceable by a sterilant extractor for extracting the sterilant; and one or more air filters coupled to the second container to allow gas to enter and exit the second container.

[0013] The air conditioner may further include a sealing member disposed between the air filter and the second container.

[0014] The sealing member may be formed integrally with the sealing member.

[0015] The sealing member is also made of an elastic material, so that the passage through which the sterilant extractor penetrates can be restored.

[0016] In addition, in the second container, gas generated by spontaneous decomposition of the sterilant flows from the inside of the first container into the empty space, and the internal pressure can be adjusted by the air filter.

[0017] The first container may include a reservoir for storing the sterilant therein, and an injection tube connected to the reservoir so that the sterilant can be injected into the reservoir.

[0018] Furthermore, the injection tube may protrude outside the storage tank and be positioned in the empty space of the second container.

[0019] Furthermore, the injection tube may be made of a flexible material.

[0020] Furthermore, the storage tank may have a shape in which a region of the inner bottom surface is inclined toward the center.

[0021] Furthermore, the first container may be disposed offset to one side within the second container.

[0022] The second container may include a first body that houses the first container, and a second body that is coupled to the first body and defines an internal space of the second container.

[0023] The sealing member and the air filter may be disposed in the second body, and the second container may further include a cover that covers the sealing member and the air filter disposed in the second body.

[0024] Another aspect of the present invention is a sterilant storage device that stores a sterilant, a sterilant extractor that extracts the sterilant from the sterilant storage device, and a vaporizer that vaporizes the extracted sterilant and supplies it to an area where an object to be treated is located, wherein the sterilant storage device includes: a first container that stores the sterilant therein and is at least partially made of a breathable material; a second container that is formed to enclose the first container and has an empty space therein excluding the area where the first container is located; a sealing member that is coupled to the second container and can be penetrated by the sterilant extractor; and one or more air filters that are coupled to the second container and allow gas to enter and exit the second container.

[0025] In addition, in the second container, gas generated by spontaneous decomposition of the sterilant flows from the inside of the first container into the empty space, and the internal pressure can be adjusted by the air filter.

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0027] The present invention can be modified in various ways and can have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as methods for achieving them, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be embodied in various forms.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, the same or corresponding components will be given the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0029] In the following embodiments, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0030] In the following embodiments, terms such as "include" or "have" mean that the features or components described in the specification are present, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0031] When an embodiment can be implemented in other ways, the order of certain steps may be performed out of the order described. For example, two steps described in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously or may be performed in the reverse order from that described.

[0032] In the drawings, the size of components may be exaggerated or reduced for the sake of convenience of explanation. For example, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for the sake of convenience of explanation, and the following embodiments are not necessarily limited to those shown.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a sterilization apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, a sterilizer 1 may include a sterilant storage device 10 , a sterilant extractor 20 , and a vaporizer 30 .

[0035] The sterilant storage device 10 can store therein a sterilant M. In this case, the sterilant M may be liquid hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), ethylene oxide (C2H4O), chlorine dioxide (ClO2), etc. Meanwhile, the specific configuration of the sterilant storage device 10 will be described below.

[0036] The sterilant extractor 20 can penetrate the sterilant storage device 10 to extract the sterilant M stored in the sterilant storage device 10. The sterilant extractor 20 can also transfer the extracted sterilant to the vaporizer 30.

[0037] The vaporizer 30 vaporizes the sterilant extracted through the sterilant extractor 20 and can transfer the vaporized sterilant to the object to be treated TR housed in the chamber 2.

[0038] The sterilizer 1 may further include an extraction valve 21 , a sterilant injector 25 , a plurality of exhaust valves 41 , 42 , 43 , a plurality of exhaust filters 51 , 52 , and a pump 53 .

[0039] The extraction valve 21 can control the flow of extracted sterilant.

[0040] In one embodiment, extraction valve 21 is disposed between sterilant extractor 20 and vaporizer 30 to control the flow of sterilant extracted by sterilant extractor 20. Extraction valve 21 can be opened during the sterilant extraction process and closed when the sterilant extraction process is completed.

[0041] Sterilant injector 25 can inject the sterilant vaporized by vaporizer 30 into the workpiece TR in chamber 2. According to the embodiment, air in chamber 2 can be exhausted via sterilant injector 25.

[0042] When the sterilization process of the object to be treated TR is completed, some of the exhaust valves 41, 42, 43 are closed and some are opened so that the air inside the chamber 2 containing the object to be treated can be exhausted.

[0043] The multiple filters 51, 52 can filter the air that is injected into or exhausted from the sterilization apparatus 1 via the exhaust valves 41, 42, 43. According to an embodiment, each filter 51, 52 can filter particulate matter, bacteria, etc.

[0044] The pump 53 can apply pressure to evacuate the sterilant or air in the chamber 2 .

[0045] In one embodiment, the pump 53 can evacuate the air inside the chamber 2 to create a vacuum inside the chamber 2 before a sterilization process, or can evacuate the air inside the chamber 2 to evacuate the sterilant remaining in the chamber 2 after a sterilization process.

[0046] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the sterilant storage apparatus 10 of Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sterilant storage apparatus 10 of Fig. 1. Also, Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a combination of some components of the sterilant storage apparatus 10 of Fig. 1, and Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the components of Fig. 4.

[0047] 2 to 5, a sterilant storage device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first container 100, a second container 200, a sealing member 400, and an air filter 300.

[0048] The first container 100 can store therein a sterilant M. Specifically, the first container 100 can store therein the sterilant M in a liquid state in a sealed state.

[0049] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first container 100 may be made of a breathable material, through which gas generated by spontaneous decomposition of the sterilant within the first container 100 can flow to the outside of the first container 100.

[0050] For example, a portion P of the upper surface of the first container 100 may be made of a breathable material. However, the position and size of the region made of the breathable material in the first container 100 are not limited thereto, and at least a portion thereof may be configured in various ways so that gas inside the first container 100 can flow to the outside even if the sterilant storage device 10 is tilted or turned over during storage or transportation.

[0051] In one embodiment, the breathable material may be polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyolefin, or a combination thereof. However, the breathable material is not limited to these, and may be any of a variety of materials that are physically permeable to gas.

[0052] The remaining part of the first container 100, excluding at least a part thereof, can be made of a non-breathable material.

[0053] In one embodiment, the non-breathable material may be a polyamide resin such as nylon. Alternatively, the non-breathable material may be a styrene resin such as ABS resin (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Resin). However, the non-breathable material is not limited thereto and may be various materials that are physically impermeable to gas.

[0054] In one embodiment, the first container 100 may be disposed offset to one side within the second container 200. Referring to Fig. 3, the first container 100 has an asymmetric structure due to the injection pipe 120 described below, and therefore may be disposed offset to one side within the second container 200.

[0055] The first container 100 may include a reservoir 110 and an inlet tube 120 .

[0056] The reservoir 110 can store the sterilant M therein.

[0057] In one embodiment, the reservoir 110 may be cylindrical, but the shape of the reservoir 110 is not limited thereto and may be any shape that can store the sterilant M therein.

[0058] In one embodiment, a region of the inner bottom surface of the storage tank 110 may be formed in a shape that is inclined toward the center. Specifically, a region A of the inner bottom surface of the storage tank 110 may be formed in a concave shape to form a well.

[0059] In one embodiment, the region A may be located at a position corresponding to the sealing member 400 described below, thereby maximizing the amount of sterilant M extracted from the reservoir 110.

[0060] The injection tube 120 can be a passage for injecting the liquid sterilant M into the reservoir 110. Conversely, the liquid sterilant M can flow from the reservoir 110 to the injection tube 120.

[0061] In addition, the injection tube 120 may be a passage through which the gaseous sterilant naturally decomposed inside the storage tank 110 flows to the outside of the storage tank 110.

[0062] The inlet tube 120 can be connected to the reservoir 110. For example, the inlet tube 120 can be connected to the side of the reservoir 110, similar to FIG.

[0063] In one embodiment, the injection pipe 120 may be formed in a structure that protrudes outside the storage tank 110 and communicates with the storage tank 110. Specifically, the injection pipe 120 may protrude outside the storage tank 110 and be located in the empty space 230 of the second container 200.

[0064] In one embodiment, the injection tube 120 may be made of a flexible material. The injection tube 120 made of a flexible material may have a variable shape. As shown in Figure 3, depending on the material, the injection tube 120 may be arranged in a bent shape with one end facing upward within the second container 200.

[0065] The second container 200 can be formed to enclose the first container 100. The sterilant storage device 10 is formed with a double-container structure, which can prevent leakage of the sterilant in a liquid or gaseous state.

[0066] As an embodiment, similar to FIG. 2, the second container 200 has a certain internal space and can be configured to enclose the first container 100 disposed in the internal space.

[0067] In one embodiment, the second container 200 may be formed to correspond to the shape of the first container 100. For example, the second container 200 may be formed in a cylindrical shape to correspond to the cylindrical first container 100. However, the shape of the second container 200 is not limited thereto, and may be any shape that can enclose the first container 100.

[0068] The second container 200 may have an empty space 230 in the internal space excluding the area where the first container 100 is disposed.

[0069] Gas formed by the natural decomposition of the liquid sterilant M can flow into the empty space 230 from the inside of the first container 100. The pressure inside the second container 200 can be determined depending on the amount of gaseous sterilant that has flowed into the empty space 230. Pressure regulation inside the second container 200 will be described in detail below.

[0070] The second container 200 may include a first body 210 and a second body 220 .

[0071] The first body 210 can accommodate the first container 100. Specifically, the first container 100 can be disposed inside the first body 210. As described above, the first container 100 may be disposed biased to one side inside the first body 210.

[0072] The first body 210 may have one open side. For example, the first body 210 may have an open top side, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. However, the open side is not limited thereto, and may be any of various areas within the first body 210 in which the first container 100 can be placed.

[0073] 2 and 3, the first body 210 may have a cylindrical shape with an open top surface. However, the shape of the first body 210 is not limited thereto and may have various shapes in which the first container 100 can be placed.

[0074] The second body 220 may be combined with the first body 210. Specifically, the second body 220 may be combined with the first body 210 to form an internal space of the second container 200.

[0075] 2 and 3, the second body 220 may be disk-shaped. In this case, the second body 220 may be coupled to the top of the cylindrical first body 210 with an open top surface. However, the shape of the second body 220 is not limited thereto and may be determined together with the shape of the first body 210.

[0076] Specifically, referring to FIG. 5, the second body 220 may include a first insertion hole 221 and a second insertion hole 222 .

[0077] An air filter 300 (described later) can be inserted into the first insertion hole 221 of the second body 220 .

[0078] In one embodiment, the second body 220 may be formed with a plurality of first insertion holes 221, specifically, the number of first insertion holes 221 may correspond to the number of air filters 300. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, if the sterilant storage device 10 includes three air filters 300, the second body 220 may have three first insertion holes 221.

[0079] A seal member 500 may be coupled and disposed in the first insertion hole 221. By coupling the seal member 500 to the first insertion hole 221, gas can be prevented from leaking to areas other than the air filter 300.

[0080] The first insertion hole 221 is configured with a step structure 2211 of different diameters, and is capable of supporting the air filter 300 inserted into the first insertion hole 221. Specifically, the air filter 300 is inserted into the first insertion hole 221 at the top of the second body 220, and is supported by the step structure 2211, allowing the air filter 300 to be stably placed.

[0081] The second body 220 may have a protrusion 2212 protruding from the inside of the first insertion hole 221 .

[0082] In one embodiment, the protrusion 22121 may engage with the seal member 500 coupled to the first insertion hole 221 to support the seal member 500. Specifically, as will be described later, the seal member 500 may be disposed between the air filter 300 and the first insertion hole 221, and may be supported by the protrusion 2212 at this time.

[0083] In one embodiment, the protrusion 2212 may be formed to protrude from the inner surface of the first insertion hole 221. However, the position of the protrusion 2212 is not limited thereto, and the protrusion 2212 may be formed at various positions that can support the sealing member 500.

[0084] In one embodiment, a plurality of protrusions 2212 may be arranged in one first insertion hole 221. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, three protrusions 2212 may be arranged spaced apart in one first insertion hole 221. The bonding strength and airtightness of the seal member 500 may be improved by adjusting the number of protrusions 2212.

[0085] The second insertion hole 222 is formed in a region of the second body 220 and serves to guide the inserted sterilant extractor 20 into the first container 100. For example, the second insertion hole 222 may be formed in the central region of the second body 220, but is not limited thereto and may be formed in any region that can guide the sterilant extractor 20 into the first container 100.

[0086] The second container 200 may further include a cover 240. The cover 240 may cover the sealing member 400 and the air filter 300 disposed in the second body 220.

[0087] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the cover 240 may be made of a breathable material. Gas that has passed through the air filter 300 may be discharged to the outside of the cover 240 through the region made of the breathable material.

[0088] 2, the cover 240 may include holes through which gas can pass in and out. However, the configuration of the cover 240 is not limited thereto, and various types of holes through which gas can pass in and out may be used.

[0089] The air filter 300 can provide a pathway through which gas can enter and exit the second container 200 .

[0090] The air filter 300 may be coupled to the second container 200. Specifically, the air filter 300 may be coupled to the second body 220 of the second container 200. At this time, gas inside the second container 200 may be discharged to the outside of the second container 200 through the air filter 300.

[0091] In one embodiment, a plurality of air filters 300 may be coupled to the second container 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, three air filters 300 may be coupled to the second body 220 of the second container 200.

[0092] Specifically, the air filter 300 provides a passage for gas to flow, but acts as a certain resistance during the gas passing process, thereby limiting the speed at which the gas passes. Therefore, the pressure inside the second container 200 can be adjusted by adjusting the number of air filters 300.

[0093] For example, if it is desired to relatively increase the internal pressure of the second container 200 in order to relatively slow down the natural decomposition of the sterilant M, only one air filter 300 can be installed. On the other hand, if it is desired to relatively decrease the internal pressure of the second container 200 in order to stably store the sterilant M, two or more air filters 300 can be installed.

[0094] In one embodiment, the plurality of air filters 300 may be spaced apart in the second container 200. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, three air filters 300 may be spaced apart in the second body 220. However, the arrangement of the plurality of air filters 300 is not limited thereto.

[0095] The sealing member 400 is disposed in the second insertion hole 222 of the second container 200 and can perform the function of sealing the second insertion hole 222. At this time, the sealing member 400 can be penetrated by the sterilant extractor 20.

[0096] In one embodiment, the sealing member 400 can be made of an elastic material that can restore the passage of the sterilant extractor 20. This allows the sterilant storage device 10 to prevent sterilant leakage and accurately control the amount of sterilant stored.

[0097] The sterilant storage device 10 may further include a sealing member 500. The sealing member 500 may prevent gas from leaking from areas other than the air filter 300 coupled to the second container 200.

[0098] The sealing member 500 may be disposed between the air filter 300 and the second container 200. Specifically, the sealing member 500 may be disposed between the air filter 300 and the first insertion hole 221 of the second body 220. The disposition and coupling method of the sealing member 500 will be described in detail below.

[0099] In one embodiment, the seal member 500 can be formed integrally with the seal member 400. Figure 5 shows an embodiment in which the seal member 500 is formed integrally with the seal member 400. In this case, the seal member 500 may be formed of an elastic material like the seal member 400.

[0100] The sterilant storage device 10 can simplify the structure of the device by integrally forming the sealing member 500 and the sealing member 400, and can more effectively prevent gas and sterilant from leaking to areas other than the air filter 300.

[0101] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a sterilant storage apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the sterilant storage apparatus 10 in a tilted state, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a sterilant storage apparatus 10A according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing the sterilant storage apparatus 10A in an inverted state.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 3, the sterilant stored in the first container 100 can naturally decompose and exist in a gaseous state within the sterilant storage device 10 .

[0103] In one embodiment, the first container 100 is at least partially formed of a breathable material, allowing the sterilant in a gaseous state that is naturally decomposed inside the first container 100 to flow to the outside of the first container 100.

[0104] If the injection tube 120 is made of a breathable material, the gas formed by the natural decomposition of the sterilant M inside the first container 100 can flow to the outside of the first container 100 through the injection tube 120.

[0105] The gas that has flowed out of the first container 100 may be temporarily located in the empty space 230 within the second container 200. The pressure inside the second container 200 is determined depending on the amount of gas located in the empty space 230. If the pressure inside the second container 200 increases, it becomes relatively difficult for the gas located inside the first container 100 to flow out, and the natural decomposition rate of the sterilant M may become relatively slow.

[0106] The gas present in the empty space 230 may be discharged to the outside of the sterilant storage apparatus 10 through the air filter 300 connected to the second container 200. That is, the pressure inside the sterilant storage apparatus 10 can be adjusted by discharging the gas through the air filter 300.

[0107] 6 and 7, even if the sterilant storage device 10 is tilted or turned upside down, the gas inside the sterilant storage device 10 can be discharged to the outside through the empty space 230 in the second container 200 and at least one air filter 300. This allows the internal pressure of the sterilant storage device 10 to be adjusted to prevent damage to the container and to stably store the sterilant M.

[0108] As described above, the sterilant storage device 10 can include a first container 100 and a surrounding second container 200. Due to the double-container structure, even if the sterilant storage device 10 is tilted as shown in Fig. 6 or the sterilant storage device 10A is inverted as shown in Fig. 7 during storage or transportation, the liquid sterilant M remains inside the first container 100 and does not block the air filter 300.

[0109] Therefore, even if the sterilant storage device 10 is tilted or turned upside down, the gas generated by the natural decomposition of the sterilant M is released to the outside of the sterilant storage device 10 through the empty space 230 and the air filter 300, thereby adjusting the internal pressure.

[0110] As described above, the first container 100 may be disposed offset to one side within the second container 200. This allows the gas within the first container 100 to flow into the empty space 230 even when the sterilant storage apparatus 10 is tilted or inverted, and the gas may be released to the outside of the sterilant storage apparatus 10 through at least one of the plurality of air filters 300.

[0111] As mentioned above, the first container 100 may have an asymmetric structure including a deformable injection tube 120 on one side. When the sterilant storage device 10 is tilted in the direction where the injection tube 120 is located, some of the liquid sterilant M may flow into the injection tube 120.

[0112] Due to this asymmetric structure, even when the sterilant storage device 10 is tilted or inverted, the gas inside the first container 100 can flow into the empty space 230, and the gas can be released to the outside of the sterilant storage device 10 through at least one of the multiple air filters 300.

[0113] As described above, the region P formed of the breathable material in the first container 100 can be set in various ways. Figure 7 shows a sterilant storage device 10A in which a portion of the bottom surface of the first container 100A is formed of a breathable material. With this configuration, even if the sterilant storage device 10A is inverted, the gas inside the first container 100A can flow into the empty space 230.

[0114] Therefore, by forming the multiple regions of the first container 100 with breathable materials, gas can always flow to the outside of the first container 100 regardless of the direction in which the sterilant storage apparatus 10 is tilted or turned upside down. At this time, gas generated inside the first container 100 may be released to the outside of the sterilant storage apparatus 10 through the empty space 230 and the air filter 300.

[0115] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the illustrated embodiments, these are merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true technical scope of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

[0116] The specific implementations described in the embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the embodiments in any way. Furthermore, unless specifically referred to as "essential," "critical," or the like, a component may not necessarily be required to apply the present invention.

[0117] The use of the term "said" and similar indicators in the description of the embodiments (especially the claims) may refer to both the singular and the plural. When a range is described in the embodiments, it encompasses the invention to which each individual value within that range applies (unless otherwise specified), and is equivalent to describing each individual value comprising that range in the detailed description. Finally, unless otherwise specified, steps constituting a method according to an embodiment may be performed in any suitable order. The order in which the steps are described does not necessarily limit the embodiments. The use of all examples or exemplary terms (e.g., "for example," "etc.") in the embodiments is merely intended to describe the embodiments in detail, and does not limit the scope of the embodiments unless otherwise limited by the claims. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, combinations, and variations may be made depending on design conditions and factors within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents. [Industrial Applicability]

[0118] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a sterilant storage device and a sterilization device including the same are provided. The embodiment of the present invention can be applied to technologies for storing and using sterilants.

Claims

1. a first container having a sterilant stored therein and at least a portion of which is made of a breathable material; a second container formed to enclose the first container and having an empty space therein excluding the area in which the first container is disposed; a sealing member coupled to the second container and pierceable by a sterilant extractor to extract the sterilant; one or more air filters coupled to the second container to allow gas to enter and exit the second container.

2. The sterilant storage device of claim 1 , further comprising a seal member disposed between the air filter and the second container.

3. The sterilant storage device of claim 2 , wherein the sealing member is integrally formed with the sealing member.

4. 2. The sterilant storage device of claim 1, wherein the sealing member is made of an elastic material and can restore a path penetrated by the sterilant extractor.

5. The second container is 2. The sterilant storage device according to claim 1, wherein the gas generated by natural decomposition of the sterilant flows from the inside of the first container into the empty space, and the internal pressure is regulated by the air filter.

6. The first container comprises: a reservoir for storing the sterilant therein; 2. The sterilant storage device of claim 1, further comprising an injection tube connected to the reservoir so that the sterilant can be injected into the reservoir.

7. The sterilant storage device according to claim 6 , wherein the injection tube protrudes outside the storage tank and is positioned in the empty space of the second container.

8. 7. The sterilant storage device of claim 6, wherein the inlet tube is made of a flexible material.

9. The storage tank comprises: The sterilant storage device according to claim 6, wherein a region of the inner bottom surface is formed in a shape that slopes toward the center.

10. The sterilant storage device of claim 1 , wherein the first container is disposed offset to one side within the second container.

11. The second container is a first body that accommodates the first container; 2. The sterilant storage device of claim 1, further comprising a second body coupled to the first body to define an interior space of the second container.

12. the sealing member and the air filter are disposed in the second body; The sterilant storage device of claim 11 , wherein the second container further comprises a cover disposed on the second body and covering the sealing member and the air filter.

13. a sterilant storage device for storing a sterilant; a sterilant extractor for extracting the sterilant from the sterilant storage device; a vaporizer that vaporizes the extracted sterilant and supplies it to an area where the object to be treated is located; The sterilant storage device includes: a first container for storing the sterilant therein and at least a portion of which is made of a breathable material; a second container formed to enclose the first container and having an empty space therein excluding the area in which the first container is disposed; a sealing member coupled to the second container and pierceable by the sterilant extractor; and one or more air filters coupled to the second container to allow gas to enter and exit the second container.

14. The second container is 14. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the gas resulting from the natural decomposition of the sterilant flows from the inside of the first container into the empty space, and the internal pressure is regulated by the air filter.

Images