Sterilization device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sterilization apparatus capable of sterilizing an object to be sterilized using hydrogen peroxide as a sterilant. The sterilization apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a sterilization housing having a sterilization chamber for accommodating the object to be sterilized, a vaporizer connected to the sterilization housing to supply hydrogen peroxide to the sterilization chamber, a supply device for supplying a hydrogen peroxide solution to the vaporizer, a vacuum pump providing a negative pressure to the vaporizer to reduce the internal pressure of the vaporizer to an evaporation pressure at which water can evaporate from the hydrogen peroxide solution, a connecting passage connecting the vaporizer and the vacuum pump and a connector assembly including a connector valve for opening and closing the connecting passage, and a controller for controlling the vacuum pump and the connector valve. The duration of providing the negative pressure to the vaporizer can be varied according to preset conditions, thereby varying the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide solution supplied to the vaporizer.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sterilization apparatus, and more particularly to a sterilization apparatus that can sterilize an object to be sterilized using hydrogen peroxide as a sterilizing agent. [Background technology]

[0002] Sterilizers are used to sterilize items such as medical instruments, etc. Sterilizers are designed to completely eliminate all types of living microorganisms through physical and chemical action.

[0003] Sterilization methods used in sterilizers include steam sterilization and chemical sterilization.

[0004] Sterilizers that use steam sterilization sterilize items using moist heat in a saturated steam state under pressure. Because these sterilizers sterilize items at high temperatures, they are not suitable for sterilizing items that are sensitive to heat.

[0005] Sterilization equipment that uses chemical sterilization sterilizes items using chemical sterilants, such as hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid.

[0006] Hydrogen peroxide, used in chemical sterilization, has a wide range of sterilizing power and a fast sterilization speed, and can ensure the safety of the sterilized items through low-temperature sterilization. Since the residue is water and oxygen, it is safe for users and environmentally friendly. Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing sterilant that can destroy the lipid membrane of cell membranes, DNA and other essential cellular components, and can even eliminate microbial spores that cannot be removed by general disinfectants.

[0007] For effective sterilization, it is preferable to use a highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide solution. However, for stability reasons, such as explosion risk, hydrogen peroxide solutions with a concentration above a certain level (e.g., 60 wt%) are subject to restrictions on transportation, storage, and other handling.

[0008] For this reason, sterilizers that use hydrogen peroxide receive a low concentration hydrogen peroxide solution and then concentrate it to the concentration required for sterilization.

[0009] Therefore, in order to improve sterilization devices that use hydrogen peroxide, a technology is needed that can concentrate low-concentration hydrogen peroxide solutions to the appropriate concentration required for effective sterilization. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The present invention has been devised in view of the above points, and aims to provide a sterilization apparatus that can effectively concentrate a low concentration hydrogen peroxide solution to the concentration required for sterilization, thereby improving sterilization efficiency.

[0011] The objects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other objects not mentioned will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a sterilization apparatus for solving the above-described problems includes a sterilization housing having a sterilization chamber for accommodating an object to be sterilized; a vaporizer connected to the sterilization housing to supply hydrogen peroxide to the sterilization chamber; a supply device for supplying a hydrogen peroxide solution to the vaporizer; a vacuum pump that applies negative pressure to the vaporizer to reduce the internal pressure of the vaporizer to an evaporation pressure at which water can evaporate from the hydrogen peroxide solution; a connector assembly including a connecting passage connecting the vaporizer and the vacuum pump and a connector valve that can open and close the connecting passage; and a controller for controlling the vacuum pump and the connector valve. The duration for applying negative pressure to the vaporizer can be varied according to preset conditions, thereby varying the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide solution supplied to the vaporizer.

[0013] The connector assembly may include a first end connector connecting the vaporizer and the connector valve and having a first end connector flow path; a connector tube disposed between the connector valve and the vacuum pump and having a connector tube flow path; a first middle connector connected to one end of the connector tube to connect the connector valve and the connector tube and having a first middle connector flow path; a second middle connector connected to the other end of the connector tube and having a second middle connector flow path; and a second end connector connecting the second middle connector and the vacuum pump and having a second end connector flow path.

[0014] The first end connector flow path, the valve flow path of the connector valve, the first middle connector flow path, the connector tube flow path, the second middle connector flow path, and the second end connector flow path form the connecting flow path, and the connecting flow path may have at least one expanded diameter section and at least one reduced diameter section.

[0015] The first end connector channel may have the smallest diameter of the connecting channels.

[0016] The diameter of the first middle connector flow channel and the diameter of the second middle connector flow channel may be the same, and the diameter of the connector pipe flow channel may be larger than the diameters of the first middle connector flow channel and the second middle connector flow channel.

[0017] The second end connector may include a first connection portion connected to the second middle connector, a second connection portion connected to the vacuum pump, and a third connection portion connected to the sterile housing.

[0018] The time for providing negative pressure to the carburetor can be varied as a multiple of a preset minimum reference time.

[0019] The output of the vacuum pump may be controlled so that the internal pressure of the vaporizer is linearly reduced at a reduction rate according to a preset reference gradient within a range not exceeding a preset first target pressure during the minimum reference time.

[0020] When the time for providing negative pressure to the vaporizer increases to n times the minimum reference time, the output of the vacuum pump may be controlled so that the internal pressure of the vaporizer decreases linearly at a decrease rate according to the reference gradient during the minimum reference time and reaches a predetermined first target pressure when the minimum reference time ends, and the internal pressure of the vaporizer decreases linearly at a decrease rate according to a predetermined gradient after the minimum reference time and reaches a predetermined second target pressure when the time n times the minimum reference time ends.

[0021] The sterilization apparatus according to the present invention includes a bypass pipe having a bypass pipe flow path connected to the connecting flow path, and a bypass valve controlled by the controller to open and close the bypass pipe flow path, wherein when the internal pressure of the vaporizer decreases at a rate of decrease with a gradient greater than the reference gradient during the minimum reference time, the bypass valve is controlled to allow fluid to flow into the connecting flow path through the bypass pipe, thereby regulating the rate of decrease of the internal pressure of the vaporizer, and when the internal pressure of the vaporizer decreases at a rate of decrease with a gradient greater than a preset gradient during a time period n times the minimum reference time, the bypass valve is controlled to allow fluid to flow into the connecting flow path through the bypass pipe, thereby regulating the rate of decrease of the internal pressure of the vaporizer.

[0022] The bypass conduit may connect the sterilization housing and the connector assembly to allow gas from the sterilization chamber to flow to the connecting flow path. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] The sterilization apparatus according to the present invention as described above evaporates water from the hydrogen peroxide solution supplied to the vaporizer to concentrate the hydrogen peroxide solution, and supplies the concentrated hydrogen peroxide to the sterilization chamber, thereby enhancing the sterilization power of the objects to be sterilized contained in the sterilization chamber.

[0024] Furthermore, the sterilization apparatus according to the present invention can receive and use low-concentration hydrogen peroxide solutions because it can concentrate the hydrogen peroxide solution using a vaporizer. Furthermore, since it can use low-concentration hydrogen peroxide solutions that require relatively low transportation and storage costs and are relatively easy to handle, operating costs are low.

[0025] Furthermore, the sterilization apparatus according to the present invention can sterilize objects by concentrating the hydrogen peroxide solution to various concentrations more precisely. For example, for objects with relatively good chemical resistance, the sterilization efficiency can be improved by sterilizing the hydrogen peroxide solution with a relatively high concentration. On the other hand, for objects with relatively poor chemical resistance, the sterilization efficiency can be improved by sterilizing the hydrogen peroxide solution with a relatively low concentration, thereby reducing damage to the objects and preventing the shortening of the lifespan of the objects.

[0026] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other effects not mentioned will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1-2] 1 is a perspective view showing a sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a side view showing a sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a front view showing a sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a partial configuration of a sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a sterilization housing of a sterilization device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vaporizer and connector assembly of a sterilizer according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a vaporizer and connector assembly of a sterilizer according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 4 is a graph showing an example of a change in the internal pressure of a vaporizer during the process of concentrating a hydrogen peroxide solution in a sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a sterilization apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a partial configuration of a sterilization apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a vaporizer and connector assembly of a sterilizer according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10 is a graph showing an example of a change in the internal pressure of a vaporizer during the process of concentrating a hydrogen peroxide solution in a sterilization apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] In describing the present invention, the size and shape of components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated or simplified for clarity and convenience of description.

[0030] Furthermore, terms specifically defined in consideration of the configuration and operation of the present invention may vary depending on the intention or practice of the user or operator. Such terms should be interpreted in a way that is consistent with the technical concept of the present invention based on the overall content of this specification.

[0031] In order to clearly explain the present invention, descriptions of parts that are not related to the technical concept of the present invention will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar components.

[0032] In addition, in some embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for components having the same configuration, and only the representative embodiment will be described, and in other embodiments, only the configuration different from the representative embodiment will be described.

[0033] Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only "directly connected" but also "indirectly connected" via another member. Furthermore, when a part is said to "comprise" a certain component, this does not mean excluding the other component, but can also mean including the other component, unless otherwise specified.

[0034] Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views showing a sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is a side view showing a sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 is a front view showing a sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a partial configuration of a sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] As shown in the drawings, a sterilization apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a sterilization housing 110 capable of housing an object to be sterilized, a supply device 130 for supplying a hydrogen peroxide solution, a vaporizer 140 for concentrating the hydrogen peroxide solution and supplying the hydrogen peroxide to the sterilization housing 110, a vacuum pump 150 for providing negative pressure to the vaporizer 140, a connector assembly 160 connecting the vaporizer 140 and the vacuum pump 150, and a controller 190 for controlling the vacuum pump 150. The sterilization apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention receives a low concentration hydrogen peroxide solution, concentrates it to a concentration suitable for sterilization, and flows the concentrated hydrogen peroxide into the sterilization housing 110 to sterilize the object to be sterilized in the sterilization housing 110.

[0036] 1 to 4 and 6, a sterilization chamber 111 for containing items to be sterilized is provided inside the sterilization housing 110. A tray 116 capable of supporting the items to be sterilized may be placed in the sterilization chamber 111. The sterilization housing 110 has an entrance / exit 112 through which the items to be sterilized can enter and exit, an inlet 113 for the inflow of hydrogen peroxide, and an outlet 114 for the discharge of fluids such as air and hydrogen peroxide from the sterilization chamber 111. A door (not shown) for opening and closing the entrance / exit 112 may be installed in the sterilization housing 110.

[0037] The sterilization housing 110 is connected to the vaporizer 140 via an inlet pipe 122. The inlet pipe 122 is coupled to the sterilization housing 110 such that its internal flow path is connected to the inlet 113. Hydrogen peroxide concentrated in the vaporizer 140 can flow in the form of vapor into the sterilization chamber 111 through the inlet pipe 122 and the inlet 113.

[0038] An inlet valve 126 is connected to the inlet pipe 122. The inlet valve 126 can interrupt the flow of hydrogen peroxide through the inlet pipe 122 by opening and closing the flow path inside the inlet pipe 122. The inlet valve 126 can be configured to block the flow of hydrogen peroxide through the inlet pipe 122 or to adjust the flow rate of hydrogen peroxide through the inlet pipe 122. The inlet valve 126 can also be configured in the form of an automatic control valve that is automatically controlled by the controller 190.

[0039] The sterilization housing 110 is connected to the vacuum pump 150 via the exhaust pipe 124. The exhaust pipe 124 is connected to the sterilization housing 110 such that its internal flow path is connected to the exhaust port 114. When the vacuum pump 150 operates, fluids such as air and hydrogen peroxide in the sterilization chamber 111 can be discharged through the exhaust port 114 and the exhaust pipe 124.

[0040] A discharge valve 128 is connected to the discharge pipe 124. The discharge valve 128 can interrupt the flow of fluid through the discharge pipe 124 by opening and closing a flow path inside the discharge pipe 124. The discharge valve 128 can be configured to block the flow of fluid through the discharge pipe 124 or to adjust the flow rate of fluid through the discharge pipe 124. Furthermore, the discharge valve 128 can be configured in the form of an automatic control valve that is automatically controlled by the controller 190.

[0041] The specific configuration of the sterilization housing 110 is not limited to that shown in the figure, and may be changed to various other configurations that can accommodate the items to be sterilized.

[0042] A blower 118 is installed in the sterilization housing 110. The blower 118 actively circulates air or hydrogen peroxide in the sterilization chamber 111, thereby improving the sterilization efficiency of objects to be sterilized with hydrogen peroxide. The blower 118 includes a fan 119 disposed in the sterilization chamber 111 and a motor 120 disposed outside the sterilization housing 110 to provide rotational force to the fan 119. Alternatively, the blower 118 can be modified to have various other configurations that can generate airflow within the sterilization chamber 111.

[0043] Furthermore, the sterilization housing 110 may be equipped with a heater (not shown) for heating the air and hydrogen peroxide in the sterilization chamber 111, a thermometer (not shown) for measuring the temperature of the sterilization chamber 111, a pressure gauge (not shown) for measuring the pressure of the sterilization chamber 111, etc.

[0044] The supply device 130 is for supplying the hydrogen peroxide solution to the vaporizer 140. The supply device 130 may be connected to the vaporizer 140 via a supply pipe 132. The supply device 130 may be controlled by a controller 190 and configured to automatically supply a preset amount of hydrogen peroxide solution to the vaporizer 140. The hydrogen peroxide solution diluted to an appropriate concentration by the supply device 130 may be supplied to the vaporizer 140.

[0045] For example, a hydrogen peroxide solution diluted to a concentration of less than 40 wt% for ease of transportation and handling may be supplied to vaporizer 140 via supply device 130. Hydrogen peroxide solutions with a concentration of less than 40 wt% are easy to store and handle, and there are fewer regulatory restrictions on the transportation of hazardous materials, which has the advantage of reducing transportation and storage costs.

[0046] 1 to 5, 7 and 8, the vaporizer 140 is connected to the sterilization housing 110 via the inlet pipe 122 so as to supply hydrogen peroxide to the sterilization chamber 111. The vaporizer 140 contains a hydrogen peroxide solution and has an interior space in which water or hydrogen peroxide can evaporate from the hydrogen peroxide solution. A preset amount of hydrogen peroxide solution can be supplied to the interior space of the vaporizer 140.

[0047] The volume of the interior space of the vaporizer 140 is larger than the volume of the hydrogen peroxide solution supplied to the vaporizer 140. When the hydrogen peroxide solution is supplied to the interior of the vaporizer 140, the level of the hydrogen peroxide solution in the interior space of the vaporizer 140 is lower than the height of the interior space of the vaporizer 140, and a space can be secured above the water level of the hydrogen peroxide solution to accommodate water or hydrogen peroxide evaporated from the hydrogen peroxide solution. The vaporizer 140 can concentrate the hydrogen peroxide solution supplied from the supply device 130 and supply the concentrated hydrogen peroxide in the form of vapor to the sterilization chamber 111.

[0048] Vaporizer 140 can concentrate the hydrogen peroxide solution by utilizing the vapor pressure difference between hydrogen peroxide and water. That is, when the internal pressure of vaporizer 140 is reduced by vacuum pump 150, water evaporates from the hydrogen peroxide solution supplied to vaporizer 140, thereby concentrating the hydrogen peroxide solution. Water has a higher vapor pressure than hydrogen peroxide and evaporates faster. Furthermore, because water has a smaller molecular weight, water can diffuse into the gas phase and be discharged from vaporizer 140 more quickly than hydrogen peroxide.

[0049] Vaporizer 140 may be provided with a pressure gauge 145 for measuring the internal pressure of vaporizer 140. A measurement signal from pressure gauge 145 may be sent to controller 190. The measurement signal from pressure gauge 145 can be used by controller 190 to control vacuum pump 150.

[0050] Vaporizer 140 may also be provided with a heater (not shown) for heating the hydrogen peroxide solution supplied to vaporizer 140 and a thermometer (not shown) for measuring the internal temperature of vaporizer 140. The measurement signal of the thermometer can be used by controller 190 to control the heater.

[0051] Vacuum pump 150 provides a negative pressure to vaporizer 140 so that the internal pressure of vaporizer 140 can be reduced to an evaporation pressure at which water can evaporate from the hydrogen peroxide solution. Vacuum pump 150 is connected to vaporizer 140 via connector assembly 160. Vacuum pump 150 operates to remove water from the hydrogen peroxide solution supplied to vaporizer 140, thereby concentrating the hydrogen peroxide solution supplied to vaporizer 140.

[0052] In addition, the vacuum pump 150 is connected to the sterilization housing 110 via the exhaust pipe 124. The vacuum pump 150 provides negative pressure to the sterilization housing 110, thereby creating a vacuum atmosphere in the sterilization chamber 111.

[0053] The vacuum pump 150 can be controlled by the controller 190 to reduce the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 to a preset pressure or reduce the pressure of the sterilization chamber 111 to a preset pressure.

[0054] 1 to 4, 7, and 8, connector assembly 160 connects vaporizer 140 and vacuum pump 150 and can provide a passage for discharging fluids such as air and moisture from inside vaporizer 140. Connector assembly 160 includes connecting passage 161, which serves as a fluid discharge passage. Connector assembly 160 includes a first end connector 162 connected to vaporizer 140, a connector valve 165 that can open and close connecting passage 161, a connector tube 170 disposed between connector valve 165 and vacuum pump 150, a first middle connector 173 connected to one end of connector tube 170, a second middle connector 176 connected to the other end of connector tube 170, and a second end connector 179 connected to vacuum pump 150.

[0055] First end connector 162 connects vaporizer 140 and connector valve 165. Inside first end connector 162, first end connector channel 163, which constitutes connecting channel 161, is provided. First end connector channel 163 is the portion of connecting channel 161 with the smallest diameter. First end connector channel 163 is connected to the space above the water surface of the hydrogen peroxide solution supplied to vaporizer 140 within the interior space of vaporizer 140, and water evaporated from the hydrogen peroxide solution can be discharged through first end connector channel 163.

[0056] The connector valve 165 connects the first end connector 162 and the first middle connector 173. The connector valve 165 includes a valve body 166 having a valve flow path 167 formed therein and an opening / closing device 168 for opening and closing the valve flow path 167. The valve flow path 167 constitutes a connecting flow path 161. The connector valve 165 can open and close the connecting flow path 161. That is, the opening / closing device 168 opens and closes the valve flow path 167, thereby interrupting the flow of fluid through the connecting flow path 161. The connector valve 165 can be controlled by a controller 190.

[0057] The connector pipe 170 is disposed between the connector valve 165 and the second end connector 179. A first middle connector 173 is connected to one end of the connector pipe 170, and a second middle connector 176 is connected to the other end of the connector pipe 170. A connector pipe flow path 171 that constitutes the connecting flow path 161 is provided inside the connector pipe 170. The connector pipe 170 can have various shapes, such as a curved pipe shape or a straight pipe shape, depending on the arrangement of the connector valve 165 and the second end connector 179.

[0058] The first middle connector 173 connects the connector valve 165 and the connector pipe 170. The first middle connector 173 has a first middle connector passage 174 that constitutes the connecting passage 161. The diameter of the first middle connector passage 174 is larger than the diameter of the first end connector passage 163, but smaller than the diameter of the valve passage 167 and the diameter of the connector pipe passage 171.

[0059] The second middle connector 176 connects the connector tube 170 and the second end connector 179. The second middle connector 176 has a second middle connector flow path 177 therein, which constitutes the connecting flow path 161. The specific configuration of the second middle connector 176 is the same as that of the first middle connector 173, and the diameter of the second middle connector flow path 177 may be the same as the diameter of the first middle connector flow path 174.

[0060] The second end connector 179 connects the second middle connector 176 to the vacuum pump 150. The second end connector 179 also connects the exhaust pipe 124 to the vacuum pump 150. A second end connector flow path 180 constituting the connecting flow path 161 is provided inside the second end connector 179. The second end connector 179 includes a first connecting portion 181 connected to the second middle connector 176, a second connecting portion 182 connected to the vacuum pump 150, and a third connecting portion 183 connected to the sterilization housing 110 via the exhaust pipe 124.

[0061] The connecting passage 161 of the connector assembly 160 includes a first end connector passage 163, a valve passage 167, a first middle connector passage 174, a connector tube passage 171, a second middle connector passage 177, and a second end connector passage 180. Fluid flowing out of the vaporizer 140 can flow to the vacuum pump 150 by passing through the first end connector passage 163, the valve passage 167, the first middle connector passage 174, the connector tube passage 171, the second middle connector passage 177, and the second end connector passage 180 in order.

[0062] The connecting channel 161 includes at least one expanded section and at least one reduced section along the fluid flow direction. Fluid passing through the first end connector channel 163 flows into the valve channel 167. Because the diameter of the valve channel 167 is larger than the diameter of the first end connector channel 163, the valve channel 167 can form an expanded section. Fluid passing through the valve channel 167 flows into the first middle connector channel 174. Because the diameter of the first middle connector channel 174 is smaller than the diameter of the valve channel 167, the first middle connector channel 174 can form a reduced section. Fluid passing through the first middle connector channel 174 flows into the connector pipe channel 171. Because the diameter of the connector pipe channel 171 is larger than the diameter of the first middle connector channel 174, the connector pipe channel 171 can form an expanded section. Furthermore, the fluid passing through the connector pipe flow path 171 flows into the second middle connector flow path 177, and since the diameter of the second middle connector flow path 177 is smaller than the diameter of the connector pipe flow path 171, the second middle connector flow path 177 can form a narrowed diameter section. Furthermore, the fluid passing through the second middle connector flow path 177 flows into the second end connector flow path 180, and since the diameter of the second end connector flow path 180 is larger than the diameter of the second middle connector flow path 177, the second end connector flow path 180 can form an expanded diameter section.

[0063] As such, connecting channel 161, which has at least one expanding section and at least one contracting section along the fluid flow direction, can discharge fluid from vaporizer 140 at an appropriate speed. That is, when vacuum pump 150 is operating, fluid flowing from vaporizer 140 into connecting channel 161 flows slowly through the expanding section and quickly through the contracting section, allowing the fluid to pass through connecting channel 161 at a moderate or moderate speed. The flow rate of fluid discharged from vaporizer 140 through connecting channel 161 may represent the rate at which negative pressure is applied to vaporizer 140 or the rate at which the internal pressure of vaporizer 140 decreases. In addition, the rate at which negative pressure is applied to vaporizer 140 or the rate at which the internal pressure of vaporizer 140 decreases is related to the evaporation rate of the hydrogen peroxide solution within vaporizer 140. In view of this, the internal pressure of vaporizer 140 can be reduced to an evaporation pressure at which water can evaporate from the hydrogen peroxide solution, and the rate at which negative pressure is applied to vaporizer 140 can be appropriately adjusted to suppress the evaporation of hydrogen peroxide and more precisely adjust the rate at which water evaporates. Furthermore, by more precisely adjusting the rate at which water evaporates from the hydrogen peroxide solution, the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide solution can be varied more precisely and variably.

[0064] The connecting flow path 161 has the smallest diameter at the first end connector flow path 163 connected to the vaporizer 140. The first end connector flow path 163 is connected to the space above the water surface of the hydrogen peroxide solution supplied to the vaporizer 140 within the internal space of the vaporizer 140, so that water in the hydrogen peroxide solution that evaporates before the hydrogen peroxide and moves to a space relatively above the hydrogen peroxide can be more quickly discharged, thereby minimizing the discharge of hydrogen peroxide through the connecting flow path 161.

[0065] Controller 190 can control blower 118, inlet valve 126, outlet valve 128, supply device 130, vacuum pump 150, and connector valve 165. When concentrating the hydrogen peroxide solution supplied to vaporizer 140, controller 190 can control inlet valve 126 and outlet valve 128 to close, respectively, and open connector valve 165, so that the flow path of inlet pipe 122 and the flow path of outlet pipe 124 are both closed and connecting flow path 161 is opened. When the hydrogen peroxide concentrated in vaporizer 140 is flowed into sterilization chamber 111 to sterilize an object to be sterilized placed in sterilization chamber 111, controller 190 can control connector valve 165 to close and inlet valve 126 to open, so that the flow path of inlet pipe 122 is opened and connecting flow path 161 is closed. In addition, after sterilization of the objects to be sterilized in the sterilization chamber 111 is completed, when residual gas is discharged from the sterilization chamber 111, the controller 190 can control the inlet valve 126 to close and the outlet valve 128 to open, so as to close the flow path of the inlet pipe 122 and open the flow path of the outlet pipe 124.

[0066] The sterilization apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention can more precisely and variably vary the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide solution supplied to the vaporizer 140 by optimizing the water evaporation rate using the connector assembly 160 as described above and by varying the time for applying negative pressure to the vaporizer 140 according to preset conditions.

[0067] The time for which negative pressure is applied to the vaporizer 140 can be adjusted by operating the connector valve 165. That is, while the vacuum pump 150 is operating to apply negative pressure to the vaporizer 140, the time for which the controller 190 controls the connector valve 165 to close according to a preset process can be changed to vary the time for which negative pressure is applied to the vaporizer 140. The longer the time for which negative pressure is applied to the vaporizer 140, the longer the time for which water is expelled from the vaporizer 140, allowing the hydrogen peroxide solution to be concentrated to a higher concentration.

[0068] During the process of concentrating the hydrogen peroxide solution, the time for applying negative pressure to the vaporizer 140 may vary depending on preset conditions, but the output of the vacuum pump 150 may be maintained constant. In this case, the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 may decrease at a constant rate in proportion to time.

[0069] Table 1 below shows the results of an experiment in which the change in concentration of the hydrogen peroxide solution was measured while varying the time for which negative pressure was applied to the vaporizer.

[0070] JPEG2026503649000002.jpg35170

[0071] In the experimental example, a sterilization apparatus fabricated according to the features of the present invention was used. 10 ml of a 35 wt% hydrogen peroxide solution was supplied to the vaporizer, and the concentration of the concentrated hydrogen peroxide solution was measured while increasing the time for which negative pressure was applied to the vaporizer by a multiple of the minimum reference time (30 seconds).

[0072] From Table 1, it can be seen that as the time for applying negative pressure to the vaporizer increases, the volume of the hydrogen peroxide solution decreases and the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide solution increases.

[0073] Furthermore, from Table 1, it can be seen that as the time for applying negative pressure to the vaporizer increases as a multiple of the minimum reference time, the amount of hydrogen peroxide solution decreases by approximately the same amount.

[0074] As described above, the sterilization apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention evaporates water from the hydrogen peroxide solution supplied to the vaporizer 140 to concentrate the hydrogen peroxide, and supplies the concentrated hydrogen peroxide to the sterilization chamber 111, thereby increasing the sterilization power of the objects to be sterilized contained in the sterilization chamber 111.

[0075] Furthermore, the sterilization apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can receive and use low-concentration hydrogen peroxide solution because it can concentrate the hydrogen peroxide solution using the vaporizer 140. Furthermore, because it can use low-concentration hydrogen peroxide solution, which requires relatively low transportation and storage costs and is relatively easy to handle, the operating costs are low.

[0076] Furthermore, the sterilization apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can sterilize objects by concentrating the hydrogen peroxide solution to various concentrations more precisely. For example, for objects with relatively high chemical resistance, sterilization efficiency can be improved by concentrating the hydrogen peroxide solution to a relatively high concentration. On the other hand, for objects with relatively low chemical resistance, sterilization can be performed by concentrating the hydrogen peroxide solution to a relatively low concentration, thereby reducing damage to the objects and preventing the shortening of their lifespan.

[0077] In the above, it has been described that the sterilization apparatus 100 according to the present invention varies the time for which negative pressure is applied to the vaporizer 140 by controlling the operation of the connector valve 165 during the concentration process of the hydrogen peroxide solution. However, the sterilization apparatus 100 according to the present invention can also vary the time for which negative pressure is applied to the vaporizer 140 by controlling the vacuum pump 150.

[0078] Furthermore, although the sterilization apparatus 100 according to the present invention has been described above as reducing the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 at a constant rate in proportion to time during the process of concentrating the hydrogen peroxide solution, the sterilization apparatus 100 according to the present invention can also be operated to vary the rate at which the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 decreases depending on the time that negative pressure is applied to the vaporizer 140 during the process of concentrating the hydrogen peroxide solution.

[0079] For example, the sterilization apparatus 100 according to the present invention may be operated such that the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 changes during the process of concentrating the hydrogen peroxide solution as shown in the graph of Figure 9. In Figure 9, the vertical axis represents the internal pressure P of the vaporizer 140, and the horizontal axis represents the time T during which negative pressure is applied to the vaporizer 140.

[0080] In this case, the sterilization apparatus 100 can perform a process of concentrating the hydrogen peroxide solution so that the time for which negative pressure is applied to the vaporizer 140 is changed to a multiple of the minimum reference time T1 according to preset conditions.

[0081] Furthermore, the sterilization apparatus 100 can control the output of the vacuum pump 150 so that the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 decreases linearly along a reference pressure change line L1 having a preset reference slope during the minimum reference time T1. During the process of decreasing the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 during the minimum reference time T1, the controller 190 receives a measurement signal measuring the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 from the pressure gauge 145, and can control the output of the vacuum pump 150 so that the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 does not exceed a preset first target pressure pa1.

[0082] In addition, the sterilization apparatus 100 can control the output of the vacuum pump 150 so that the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 decreases at a different rate for times exceeding the minimum reference time T1 when the time for providing negative pressure to the vaporizer 140 increases to times T2, T3, T4, ... that are n times the minimum reference time T1.

[0083] Specifically, the sterilization apparatus 100 controls the output of the vacuum pump 150 so that the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 decreases linearly along a reference pressure change line L1 having a reference slope during the minimum reference time T1 and reaches a preset first target pressure pa1 when the minimum reference time T1 ends. To linearly decrease the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 along the reference pressure change line L1, a method of maintaining the output of the vacuum pump 150 at a preset first output can be used. The first target pressure pa1 can be set to an appropriate pressure lower than the evaporation pressure Pv at which evaporation of water from the hydrogen peroxide solution begins.

[0084] Furthermore, the sterilization apparatus 100 may control the output of the vacuum pump 150 so that the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 decreases linearly along pressure change lines L2, L3, L4, ... having a predetermined gradient after the minimum reference time T1, and reaches a predetermined second target pressure pa2 when a time period n times the minimum reference time T1 has elapsed. To linearly decrease the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 along pressure change lines L2, L3, L4, ... having a predetermined gradient, a method of maintaining the output of the vacuum pump 150 at a predetermined output may be used. The second target pressure pa2 may be set to an appropriate pressure higher than the first target pressure pa1. For example, the second target pressure pa2 may be set to a pressure at which hydrogen peroxide begins to evaporate from the hydrogen peroxide solution or a pressure at which the amount of hydrogen peroxide evaporated from the hydrogen peroxide solution reaches a significant amount. The significant amount of hydrogen peroxide evaporation corresponds to A% of the amount of water evaporated, and A% may be set to various values, such as 10%, 20%, or 30%.

[0085] 9, if the time period for providing negative pressure to vaporizer 140 is time T2, which is twice the minimum reference time T1, controller 190 may control vacuum pump 150 to linearly decrease the internal pressure of vaporizer 140 along reference pressure change line L1 until the end of minimum reference time T1, and may control vacuum pump 150 to linearly decrease the internal pressure of vaporizer 140 along second pressure change line L2 until the end of time T2, which is twice the minimum reference time T1 after minimum reference time T1. To linearly decrease the internal pressure of vaporizer 140 along pressure change line L2, a method of maintaining the output of vacuum pump 150 at a preset second output may be used.

[0086] In addition, if the time period for providing negative pressure to the vaporizer 140 is time T3, which is three times the minimum reference time T1, the controller 190 may control the vacuum pump 150 so that the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 decreases linearly along the reference pressure change line L1 until the end of the minimum reference time T1, and may control the vacuum pump 150 so that the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 decreases linearly along a third pressure change line L3 until the end of time T3, which is three times the minimum reference time T1 after the minimum reference time T1. In order to linearly decrease the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 along the third pressure change line L3, a method of maintaining the output of the vacuum pump 150 at a preset third output may be used.

[0087] In this way, by controlling the sterilization apparatus 100 so that the rate at which the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 decreases varies depending on the time that negative pressure is applied to the vaporizer 140 during the process of concentrating the hydrogen peroxide solution, moisture can be removed from the hydrogen peroxide solution more quickly, the amount of hydrogen peroxide emitted during moisture removal can be minimized, and waste of hydrogen peroxide can be reduced.

[0088] Meanwhile, Figure 10 is a front view showing a sterilization apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 11 is a block diagram showing a partial configuration of a sterilization apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a vaporizer and connector assembly of a sterilization apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] The sterilization apparatus 200 shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 further includes a bypass pipe 210 compared to the sterilization apparatus 100 described above.

[0090] The bypass tube 210 is configured to allow fluid to flow into the connecting channel 161 of the connector assembly 160. The bypass tube 210 connects the sterilization housing 110 and the connector assembly 160. Inside the bypass tube 210, a bypass tube channel 211 is provided that allows gas in the sterilization chamber 111 to flow to the connector tube channel 171.

[0091] A bypass valve 213 that can open and close a bypass pipe flow path 211 is connected to the bypass pipe 210. The bypass valve 213 is controlled by the controller 190.

[0092] Similar to the sterilization apparatus 100 described above, the sterilization apparatus 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention can concentrate hydrogen peroxide solution in the vaporizer 140, flow the concentrated hydrogen peroxide into the sterilization chamber 111, and sterilize the object to be sterilized in the sterilization chamber 111.

[0093] During the process of concentrating the hydrogen peroxide solution, the rate at which the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 decreases may change due to various causes, such as deformation of the connector assembly 160 .

[0094] In another embodiment of the present invention, the sterilization apparatus 200 can slow down the rate at which the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 decreases by flowing gas from the sterilization chamber 111 into the connecting passage 161 through the bypass pipe passage 211 if the rate at which the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 decreases is faster than a preset rate during the concentration process of the hydrogen peroxide solution.

[0095] Specifically, when the internal pressure of vaporizer 140 decreases at a rate greater than a preset reference rate during minimum reference time T1 during the concentration of hydrogen peroxide solution, sterilization apparatus 200 can control bypass valve 213 to allow fluid to flow into connecting passage 161 through bypass pipe 210. When vacuum pump 150 is operated to discharge gas from vaporizer 140 through connecting passage 161 and gas from sterilization chamber 111 flows into connecting passage 161, the intensity of the negative pressure acting on vaporizer 140 decreases, thereby slowing down the rate at which the internal pressure of vaporizer 140 decreases. Therefore, the rate at which the internal pressure of vaporizer 140 decreases can be quickly adjusted without precisely controlling the output of vacuum pump 150.

[0096] In addition, if the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 decreases at a rate greater than a preset gradient after the minimum reference time T1 during the concentration process of the hydrogen peroxide solution, the sterilization apparatus 200 can slow down the rate of decrease of the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 by controlling the bypass valve 213 so that fluid flows into the connecting flow path 161 through the bypass pipe 210.

[0097] For example, the sterilization apparatus 200 according to this embodiment can be operated so that the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 changes as shown in the graph of FIG. 13 during the process of concentrating the hydrogen peroxide solution.

[0098] If the time for providing negative pressure to the vaporizer 140 is a time T2 that is twice the minimum reference time T1, the controller 190 can control the vacuum pump 150 so that the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 decreases linearly along the reference pressure change line L1 until the end of the minimum reference time T1, and can control the vacuum pump 150 so that the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 decreases linearly along the second pressure change line L2 after the minimum reference time T1 until the end of a time T2 that is twice the minimum reference time T1.

[0099] Meanwhile, under the condition that the output of the vacuum pump 150 is controlled according to the above-described process, the rate at which the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 decreases may change due to various factors, such as changes in the flow resistance of the gas through the connecting passage 161 .

[0100] For example, if the internal pressure of vaporizer 140 decreases at a rate along abnormal pressure change line Le, which has a steeper gradient than second pressure change line L2, rather than along second pressure change line L2 during time T2, which is twice the minimum reference time T1, the internal pressure of vaporizer 140 may exceed the preset second target pressure pa2 when time T2, which is twice the minimum reference time T1, ends. In this case, a problem may occur in which a large amount of hydrogen peroxide is evaporated and discharged from the hydrogen peroxide solution.

[0101] To prevent this problem, sterilization apparatus 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention can slow the rate at which the internal pressure of vaporizer 140 decreases at a rate along abnormal pressure change line Le by controlling bypass valve 213 to allow fluid to flow into connecting flow path 161 through bypass pipe 210 when the internal pressure of vaporizer 140 decreases at a rate along abnormal pressure change line Le. By allowing fluid to flow into connecting flow path 161 through bypass pipe 210, the internal pressure of vaporizer 140 can be reduced at a rate along adjustment pressure change line Lr.

[0102] In this manner, in the process of adjusting the rate at which the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 decreases, the controller 190 receives a measurement signal for the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 from the pressure gauge 145 and feedback-controls the bypass valve 213 to allow an appropriate flow rate of fluid to flow into the connecting passage 161 through the bypass pipe 210. By allowing an appropriate flow rate of fluid to flow into the connecting passage 161 through the bypass pipe 210, the rate at which the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 decreases can be quickly adjusted so that the internal pressure of the vaporizer 140 decreases at a rate along the preset second pressure change line L2.

[0103] Although the drawings show the bypass tube 210 as being configured to connect the sterilization housing 110 and the connector tube 170, the specific configuration of the bypass tube 210 can be varied in various ways. For example, the bypass tube 210 can be configured to allow fluid to flow into the connecting flow path 161 by connecting it to a part of the connector assembly 160 other than the connector tube 170. Furthermore, while flowing gas from the sterilization chamber 111 into the connecting flow path 161 through the bypass tube 210 is advantageous in preventing contamination of the connecting flow path 161, the bypass tube 210 can also be configured to allow air around the sterilization apparatus 100 to flow into the connecting flow path 161, or to allow other gases to flow into the connecting flow path 161.

[0104] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such embodiments and can be embodied in various modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments are intended to illustrate, rather than limit, the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be understood to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted in accordance with the following claims, and all technical concepts within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 100, 200 Sterilizer 110 Sterile Housing 111 Sterilization Chamber 118 Blower 122 Inflow pipe 124 Discharge pipe 126 Inlet valve 128 Exhaust valve 130 Feeding device 132 Supply pipe 140 Vaporizer 150 Vacuum Pump 160 Connector Assembly 161 Connecting Channel 162 First end connector 165 Connector Valve 170 Connector pipe 173 1st middle connector 176 Second middle connector 179 Second End Connector 190 Controller 210 Bypass pipe 213 Bypass valve

Claims

1. a sterilization housing having a sterilization chamber for containing an item to be sterilized; a vaporizer coupled to the sterilization housing for supplying hydrogen peroxide to the sterilization chamber; a supply device for supplying the hydrogen peroxide solution to the vaporizer; a vacuum pump that provides a negative pressure to the vaporizer to reduce the internal pressure of the vaporizer to an evaporation pressure at which water can evaporate from the hydrogen peroxide solution; a connector assembly including a connecting passage connecting the vaporizer and the vacuum pump, and a connector valve capable of opening and closing the connecting passage; a bypass pipe having a bypass pipe flow path connected from the sterilization chamber to the connecting flow path; a bypass valve for opening and closing the bypass pipe flow path; a controller for controlling the vacuum pump, the connector valve, and the bypass valve; If the time for providing negative pressure to the vaporizer is within a predetermined minimum reference time, the internal pressure of the vaporizer is linearly decreased at a decrease rate according to a predetermined reference gradient, and when the minimum reference time ends, the output of the vacuum pump is controlled so that the internal pressure of the vaporizer reaches a predetermined first target pressure; When a time for providing negative pressure to the vaporizer is n times a predetermined minimum reference time, after the minimum reference time, the internal pressure of the vaporizer is linearly decreased at a decreasing rate according to a predetermined gradient, and an output of the vacuum pump is controlled so that the internal pressure reaches a predetermined second target pressure when the time n times the minimum reference time ends; When the internal pressure of the carburetor decreases at a rate greater than the reference rate during the minimum reference time, the bypass valve is controlled to allow fluid to flow into the connecting passage through the bypass pipe, thereby adjusting the rate at which the internal pressure of the carburetor decreases; A sterilization apparatus, wherein if, after the minimum reference time, the internal pressure of the vaporizer decreases at a rate of decrease greater than a preset gradient, the bypass valve is controlled so that fluid flows into the connecting flow path through the bypass pipe, thereby adjusting the rate of decrease of the internal pressure of the vaporizer.

2. The connector assembly includes: a first end connector connecting the vaporizer and the connector valve and having a first end connector flow path; a connector tube disposed between the connector valve and the vacuum pump, the connector tube having a connector tube flow path; a first middle connector connected to one end of the connector tube to connect the connector valve and the connector tube, the first middle connector having a first middle connector flow path; a second middle connector connected to the other end of the connector pipe and having a second middle connector flow path; 10. The sterilization apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a second end connector connecting the second middle connector to the vacuum pump, the second end connector having a second end connector flow path.

3. the first end connector passage, the valve passage of the connector valve, the first middle connector passage, the connector tube passage, the second middle connector passage, and the second end connector passage form the connecting passage; 3. The sterilization apparatus of claim 2, wherein the connecting flow path comprises at least one diverging section and at least one converging section.

4. 4. The sterilization apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first end connector flow path has the smallest diameter of the connecting flow paths.

5. The diameter of the first middle connector flow path is the same as the diameter of the second middle connector flow path, 5. The sterilization apparatus of claim 4, wherein the diameter of the connector tube flow passage is greater than the diameter of the first middle connector flow passage and the diameter of the second middle connector flow passage.

6. The second end connector is a first connecting portion connected to the second middle connector; a second connection portion connected to the vacuum pump; and a third connection connected to the sterilization housing.

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