Sterilization device and sterilization method using the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sterilization apparatus and a sterilization method using the same, which can configure a chamber for containing objects to be sterilized with a large capacity, shorten the time of the sterilization process, and improve the sterilization power. More specifically, the present invention includes a sterilization space in which objects to be sterilized are contained, a partition wall that separates the sterilization space from a fluid passage which is arranged at a predetermined distance inward from the wall surface and receives fluid from the outside, the partition wall includes a plurality of through holes, a chamber through which fluid flows between the fluid passage and the sterilization space, a sterilization module which is in communication with the fluid passage and supplies sterilization gas to the fluid passage, and a catalyst module which is in communication with the fluid passage and circulates the air inside the chamber, wherein the fluid passage is configured such that a sterilization gas passage which is in communication with the sterilization module and an internal circulation passage which is in communication with the catalyst module are separated from each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sterilization device capable of sterilizing and disinfecting an object to be sterilized with maximum sterilizing power, and a sterilization method using the same.

Background Art

[0002] Sterilization is to give physical and chemical stimuli to microorganisms to kill them. There are sterilization and disinfection in the sterilization method. Sterilization is to kill all microorganisms including pathogenic and non-pathogenic ones and make it completely aseptic. Disinfection can be distinguished as killing pathogenic organisms and reaching a nearly aseptic state.

[0003] Sterilization is used in various fields such as food, environment, architecture, transportation, etc. In particular, it plays an important role in the medical field where infectious microorganisms are handled. Currently, sterilization devices used in the medical field include devices applying various methods such as ultraviolet sterilization using wavelengths such as UV-C, steam sterilization using high-temperature and high-pressure steam, chemical sterilization such as ethylene oxide gas and chloroquine acid, and plasma sterilization.

[0004] However, ultraviolet sterilization has a limited sterilization range for objects with a complex structure because ultraviolet rays can only move in a straight line, and there are problems harmful to the human body depending on the exposure time and intensity. Also, steam sterilization fills a sealed container with saturated steam and pressurizes it, heating it at a high temperature of 100°C or more. Therefore, the object to be sterilized is exposed to high temperature and moisture, and there is a problem that product deformation may be caused. In addition, chemical sterilization has problems that it is difficult to manage due to problems such as the residue of the chemicals used, or there is a possibility that harmful side effects may occur to patients and medical staff.

[0005] In order to improve such problems, a sterilization device using hydrogen peroxide has been proposed. Hydrogen peroxide has a high sterilizing power, can be decomposed into water vapor and oxygen and discharged, and has the merit of being safe and environmentally friendly.

[0006] However, conventional hydrogen peroxide sterilization devices are designed to sterilize by creating a vacuum in the chamber containing the objects to be sterilized and diffusing hydrogen peroxide within it. Therefore, in order to improve the efficiency of hydrogen peroxide diffusion, the size of the chamber must be limited, resulting in capacity limitations and a time-consuming process. Furthermore, creating a vacuum environment in the chamber for hydrogen peroxide diffusion takes a considerable amount of time, and the combination of the vacuum equipment and its configuration makes maintenance of the device difficult and complex. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The present invention was derived to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a sterilization device and a sterilization method using the same, which are configured to accommodate a large amount of objects to be sterilized by being composed of a large-capacity chamber, shorten the sterilization process time by having a structure that allows the sterilization fluid used to be distributed uniformly throughout the inside of the chamber in a shorter time, and maximize the sterilization power by having a structure that allows the sterilization fluid to be distributed evenly to the objects to be sterilized contained therein. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The sterilization apparatus of the present invention includes a sterilization space in which an object to be sterilized is contained, a partition wall that separates the sterilization space from a fluid passage, which is arranged at a predetermined distance inward from the wall surface and receives fluid from the outside, the partition wall includes a plurality of through holes, a chamber through which fluid flows between the fluid passage and the sterilization space, a sterilization module communicating with the fluid passage and supplying sterilization gas to the fluid passage, and a catalyst module communicating with the fluid passage and circulating the air inside the chamber, wherein the fluid passage is configured such that a sterilization gas passage communicating with the sterilization module and an internal circulation passage communicating with the catalyst module are separated from each other.

[0009] Here, the sterilization module is positioned above or below the sterilization space, and the sterilization gas passage is in communication with the sterilization module at the upper or lower surface of the sterilization space.

[0010] Furthermore, the catalyst module is arranged on one side of the sterilization space, and the internal circulation passage communicates with the catalyst module in a predetermined area on the side of the sterilization space.

[0011] Furthermore, the fluid passages are formed on each surface by the partition walls arranged along the inner surface of the chamber, and the sterilization gas passages are formed over a larger area than the internal circulation passages.

[0012] Furthermore, the sterilization module is characterized by including a first fan having an inlet for drawing in fluid from inside the sterilization space, a first heater for heating the fluid passing through, and a vaporizer for vaporizing the fluid passing through.

[0013] Herein, the sterilization module further includes a hydrogen peroxide supply unit that supplies a hydrogen peroxide solution to the vaporizer, and the hydrogen peroxide supply unit is characterized in that it operates only when a supply of hydrogen peroxide is required.

[0014] Here, the vaporizer is characterized by converting the hydrogen peroxide solution into vapor and gaseous states and supplying them to the sterilization space via the sterilization gas passage.

[0015] Furthermore, the sterilization module is characterized in that one side is formed by branching between the first heater and the vaporizer, and the other side is connected to the outside, and includes an outlet that discharges the passing fluid to the outside and is filled with a catalyst that decomposes the fluid.

[0016] Furthermore, the catalyst module is characterized by including a second fan for drawing in the fluid inside the sterilization space, a second heater for heating the fluid passing through, a catalyst cartridge for decomposing the fluid passing through, and a dehumidifier for removing moisture from the fluid passing through.

[0017] Here, the catalyst cartridge is characterized by its ability to decompose hydrogen peroxide gas into water and oxygen.

[0018] Furthermore, the catalyst module includes an inlet through which air from inside the sterilization space flows into the catalyst module, and an outlet for discharging fluid that has passed through the catalyst module into the sterilization space, and the inlet and the outlet are in communication with the internal circulation passage.

[0019] Here, the internal circulation passage consists of a pair of passages formed on one side of the outer surface of the chamber, each having a predetermined area and length in the height direction of the chamber, and each of the two passages communicates with the inlet and the other with the outlet.

[0020] Furthermore, the partition wall is characterized by having multiple protruding hooks arranged on the wall surface on the sterilization space side for hanging and stacking the objects to be sterilized.

[0021] Here, the partition wall is characterized in that at least one through hole is provided at the lower end of the protruding hanger.

[0022] A sterilization method using the sterilization apparatus, comprising: a pretreatment step in which the sterilization module is activated and the air inside the sterilization space is formed at a preset temperature and humidity; a gas treatment step in which, when the sterilization space reaches a preset temperature and humidity, a hydrogen peroxide supply unit supplies a hydrogen peroxide solution to a vaporizer housed in the sterilization module, the hydrogen peroxide solution is converted into vapor and gas by the vaporizer, and the hydrogen peroxide gas is supplied to the sterilization space via the sterilization gas passage; a sterilization step in which the object to be sterilized is sterilized by the hydrogen peroxide gas supplied to the sterilization space; and a ventilation step in which the catalyst module is activated and the air inside the sterilization space is drawn in via the internal circulation passage and decomposed into water and oxygen as it passes through the catalyst cartridge.

[0023] Here, in the gas treatment step, while the air inside the sterilization space is recirculated through the sterilization module for a preset period of time, the supply of the hydrogen peroxide gas to the sterilization space is repeated.

[0024] Further, in the ventilation step, the air that has passed through the catalyst cartridge circulates to the sterilization space through a dehumidifier housed in the sterilization module.

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] The sterilization device of the present invention and the sterilization method using the same with the above configuration can improve the efficiency of the sterilization operation because a large-capacity chamber can be configured. Due to the gas circulation structure inside the chamber, the solution of the sterilizing agent can diffuse more uniformly even in an appropriate environment that is not in a vacuum state, providing energy efficiency and work ease of the device, and having the effect of shortening the time of the sterilization operation process.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is an overall perspective view of the sterilization device. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the sterilization device with a part of the housing removed. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A' of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a configuration diagram of the sterilization device module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B' of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] It is a detailed configuration diagram of the sterilization module of the present invention and a diagram showing the flow of fluid. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C' of FIG. 2. [Figure 8] It is a circuit diagram of the sterilization module of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a detailed configuration diagram of the catalyst module of the present invention and a diagram showing the flow of fluid. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D' of FIG. 2. [Figure 11] This is a circuit diagram of the catalyst module of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is an internal diagram of a sterilization apparatus in which objects to be sterilized are loaded using a loading means according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart of the sterilization method of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] The technical concept of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Before that, however, the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted in a manner limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but rather should be interpreted in a manner consistent with the technical concept of the present invention, in accordance with the principle that inventors may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their invention.

[0028] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent any of the technical ideas of the present invention. It should be understood that there are various modifications that can substitute for them at the time of filing.

[0029] The technical concept of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The attached drawings are merely examples illustrated to illustrate the technical concept of the present invention in more detail, and therefore the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the form shown in the attached drawings.

[0030] The present invention relates to a sterilization apparatus 1000, and more particularly to an apparatus that sterilizes an object to be sterilized by loading the object to be sterilized into a chamber 100 and uniformly diffusing a disinfectant within the chamber 100. Herein, the present invention is an apparatus that improves sterilization power and improves the work efficiency of the sterilization process by configuring the chamber 100 for loading the object to be sterilized to be large capacity and configuring the fluid passage 10 and system so that the disinfectant is diffused more uniformly throughout the large-capacity chamber 100.

[0031] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the sterilization apparatus 1000 of the present invention includes a sterilization space 110 in which objects to be sterilized are contained, and a partition wall 120 that is arranged at a predetermined distance inward from the wall surface and separates the sterilization space 110 from a fluid passage 10 that receives fluid from the outside. The partition wall 120 includes a plurality of through holes 121, and includes a chamber 100 through which fluid flows between the fluid passage 10 and the sterilization space 110. As shown in Figure 4, the apparatus also includes a sterilization module 200 that communicates with the fluid passage 10 and supplies sterilization gas to the fluid passage 10, and a catalyst module 300 that communicates with the fluid passage 10 and circulates the air inside the chamber 100. Here, the fluid passage 10 is characterized in that a sterilization gas passage 11 communicating with the sterilization module 200 and an internal circulation passage 12 communicating with the catalyst module 300 are separated from each other.

[0032] The sterilization apparatus 1000 comprises a chamber 100 in which the sterilization process is carried out. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the chamber 100 includes a sterilization space 110 on its interior side in which the object to be sterilized is contained, and is characterized in that a fluid passage 10 for receiving fluid is formed between the partition wall 120 and the wall surface of the chamber 100, via a partition wall 120 positioned at a predetermined distance inward from the wall surface of the chamber 100. In other words, the chamber 100 of the present invention is characterized in that the partition wall 120 is arranged along the inner circumferential surface of the chamber 100 at a predetermined distance from the inner wall surface of the chamber 100, a sterilization space 110 for containing the object to be sterilized is formed inside the partition wall 120, and a fluid passage 10 through which fluid flows is formed between the partition wall 120 and the inner wall surface of the chamber 100.

[0033] The chamber 100 can be formed in any shape, such as a polygon or a circle, without any restrictions on its external shape, as long as it can form a space inside. The sterilization device 1000 includes a door for loading objects to be sterilized into the sterilization space 110, and is configured so that the sterilization space 110, which is the interior of the chamber 100, is opened when the door is opened. In one embodiment of the present invention, the sterilization device 1000 of the present invention may have a door formed on any one of its sides, and it is preferable that the door has a structure that can seal the interior of the sterilization space 110 when closed.

[0034] The partition wall 120 is for dividing the internal space of the chamber 100 into a fluid passage 10 and a sterilization space 110. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the partition wall 120 is preferably formed to a length that can divide the space of the chamber 100, and the partition wall 120 can be selectively formed only in the portion of the chamber 100 where the fluid passage 10 is to be formed, or it can be arranged over the entire inner surface of the chamber 100. The partition wall 120 can also be provided on the top, bottom, and sides of the chamber 100, respectively. In one embodiment of the present invention, the partition wall 120 is characterized in that it is arranged along the side portion of the chamber 100. In this way, the partition wall 120 is formed to a length corresponding to the height of the chamber 100 and can be arranged to divide the space inside the chamber 100 in the longitudinal direction.

[0035] The fluid passage 10 is a passage through which fluid moves, and is intended to guide fluid supplied from the outside or internal air of the sterilization space 110 in a certain direction. The fluid passage 10 is formed by the partition wall 120 and is formed along the inner circumferential surface of the chamber 100. Here, the fluid passage 10 can be formed on the inner surface of the chamber 100, separated from each other by each surface. More specifically, the partition wall 120 is arranged such that fluid passages 10, separated from each other, are formed on each of the inner circumferential surfaces of the chamber 100. To give an example, if the outer surface of the chamber 100 of the present invention is rectangular, the inner wall surface of the chamber 100 can include four side surfaces, and the partition wall 120 can be arranged separated from each other so as to form independent fluid passages 10 for each surface.

[0036] Herein, the present invention is characterized in that a sterilization gas passage 11, which communicates with the sterilization module 200 and allows the sterilization gas formed by the sterilization module 200 to flow, and an internal circulation passage 12, which communicates with the catalyst module 300 and circulates the air inside the chamber 100, are formed separately. That is, the partition wall 120 is formed such that the sterilization gas passage 11 and the internal circulation passage 12 are not connected to each other and are separated, and different types of fluids are arranged so that they flow inside the fluid passage 10. Thus, in one embodiment, the partition wall 120 forms fluid passages 10 separated from each other on each of its four sides, but in the present invention, since it is important for the disinfectant to diffuse into the sterilization space 110, it is preferable that the sterilization gas passage 11 be formed with a larger area than the internal circulation passage 12. Herein, the internal circulation passage 12 can be formed with a predetermined area on one side, and the sterilization gas passage 11 can be arranged with a large area on each side of the chamber 100 to supply sterilization gas into the sterilization space 110. In other words, the sterilization gas passage 11 and the internal circulation passage 12 can be arranged simultaneously on any one of the surfaces, and the sterilization gas passage 11 and the internal circulation passage 12 are configured as passages separated by a partition wall 120 so that they do not flow to each other. In one embodiment of the present invention, the chamber 100 can be formed having four sides, one of which has a door for opening and closing, and partition walls 120 arranged along the remaining three sides to form a fluid passage 10. Here, at least one of the sterilization gas passages 11 can be arranged on each of the three surfaces, and the internal circulation passage 12 can be arranged together with the sterilization gas passage 11, separated from it, on any one of the surfaces.

[0037] The inner space of the partition wall 120 is a sterilization space 110, and the objects to be sterilized are loaded into the sterilization space 110. Here, it is preferable that the sterilization space 110 is equipped with a loading means on which the objects to be sterilized can be loaded. The loading means may be a shelf, or a protruding hook 122 for hanging and loading, and can be configured without limitation as long as it is a structure on which the objects to be sterilized can be loaded. It is preferable that the loading means be formed in a form that makes it easy to load the objects to be sterilized according to their shape. In one embodiment of the present invention, referring to Figures 2 and 3, the loading means of the present invention can be composed of a protruding hook 122, and the protruding hook 122 is composed of a plurality of units and can be freely arranged on the inner wall facing the sterilization space 110, which is the inner circumferential surface of the partition wall 120. Here, the number and spacing of the protruding hooks 122 can be freely configured and arranged according to the shape of the objects to be sterilized and the requirements of the sterilization device 1000. Furthermore, if the internal space of the sterilization space 110 is large, the protruding hanger 122 may have a structure in which one or more hanger-type protruding hangers, each having multiple branches formed on a rod of a certain length, are arranged. Also, in one embodiment of the present invention, the object to be sterilized can be any article whose surface can be sterilized and used, and in particular may be respiratory protective equipment such as military gas masks and fire-fighting gas masks, and special gas masks for tanks and aircraft, which are personal protective equipment.Therefore, in another embodiment, the loading means may be formed as a fixed hanger in the shape of a tube, and the object to be sterilized, such as respiratory protective equipment or an object to be sterilized including a container or hose structure, can be loaded into the chamber by inserting it into or hanging it on the fixed hanger. Also, referring to Figure 12, the loading means may have various shaped tools formed in a removable form on the bulkhead so that personal protective equipment such as water bottles, helmets and vests can be sterilized. For example, the loading means may be a tube-shaped hanger (123), in which the water bottle is loaded by being sandwiched between the tubes, and sterilization can be achieved by supplying sterilizing gas to the inside.Furthermore, gas masks used by tank crews and front-facing gas masks used by aircraft pilots can be configured to be attached to a tubular supply pipe that provides air that has passed through a positive pressure device, using a dedicated connecting hole, thereby sterilizing the inside of the tubular supply pipe.

[0038] Furthermore, the partition wall 120 is characterized by including a plurality of through holes 121. The through holes 121 are for allowing fluid to flow between the fluid passage 10 and the sterilization space 110, and it is preferable that a plurality of them be formed. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, even when the fluid passage 10 is separated from each other by the partition wall 120 in the present invention, the sterilization space 110 and the inside of the fluid passage 10 can be linked via the through holes 121. The size, number, and arrangement of the through holes 121 can be freely set, but in the present invention, in order to uniformly diffuse the disinfectant flowing along the fluid passage 10 formed by the partition wall 120 over the entire area of ​​the sterilization space 110, it is preferable that the through holes 121 be arranged to be uniformly distributed over the entire area of ​​the partition wall 120. In particular, when each of the protruding hooks 122 is arranged on the partition wall 120, since the object to be sterilized is hung and loaded on the protruding hook 122, it is preferable that a larger number of through holes 121 be arranged near the protruding hooks 122 compared to other locations. In particular, it is preferable that at least one or more through holes 121 be arranged on the lower side of the protruding hook 122.

[0039] The sterilization module 200 is a device that supplies sterilization gas to the inside of the sterilization space 110 via the fluid passage 10. That is, the sterilization module 200 generates sterilization gas and supplies it to the sterilization space 110, and it is preferable that the sterilization module 200 is formed in communication with at least one of the partitioned fluid passages 10. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the sterilization module 200 is in communication with the sterilization gas passage 11 and operates by sending air to the inside of the sterilization space 110 via the sterilization gas passage 11, or by receiving the transmission of air from inside. Here, the sterilization module 200 can be positioned above or below the sterilization space 110, and the fluid passage 10 is formed on the upper or lower surface of the sterilization space 110 in communication with the sterilization module 200, depending on the position of the sterilization module 200. In one embodiment of the present invention, referring with reference to Figures 6 and 7, the sterilization module 200 can be positioned above the sterilization space 110, and the sterilization module 200 can have another inlet 201 for drawing in air from the sterilization space 110. Furthermore, the air from inside the sterilization space 110 drawn in through the inlet 201 passes through the sterilization module 200 and then moves to the fluid passage 10. As a result, the sterilization gas passage 11, which is part of the fluid passage 10 formed by the partition wall 120 of the chamber 100, is formed on the upper surface of the sterilization space 110 and communicates with the sterilization module 200. More specifically, the sterilization space 110 has a plurality of fluid passages 10 formed on its side portion by the partition wall 120, and the fluid passages 10 are formed having passages in the height direction of the sterilization space 110. As a result, the sterilization gas passage 11 of the fluid passage 10 is formed with an open top surface, the sterilization module 200 is placed on the top surface, and the sterilization module 200 and the fluid passage 10 can be connected by the open top surface of the sterilization gas passage 11 communicating with the sterilization module 200.Accordingly, the present invention is characterized in that the gas that has passed through the sterilization module 200 flows in from above the fluid passage 10 via the sterilization gas passage 11, flows downward along the inner surface of the chamber 100, and diffuses into the sterilization space 110 through each through hole 121 of the partition wall 120, thereby causing the gas to flow.

[0040] Referring to Figures 4, 6, and 8, the sterilization module 200 of the present invention is characterized by having an inlet 201 formed therein and including at least a first fan 210 (Blower) for drawing in fluid from inside the sterilization space 110, a first heater 220 (PTC) for heating the fluid, and a vaporizer 230 (Vaporizer) for vaporizing the fluid. As a result, the sterilization module 200 can draw in air from the sterilization space 110 through the inlet 201 by the operation of the first fan 210, heat the fluid that has passed through the first fan 210 with the first heater 220, and vaporize the heated fluid with the vaporizer 230 to form a gas. Furthermore, by releasing this gas into the sterilization space 110 through the sterilization gas passage 11, the sterilization device 1000 can be preheated and prepared by forming an environment inside the sterilization space 110 that conforms to a predetermined standard. In other words, the sterilization module 200 can heat the inside of the sterilization space 110 to a set temperature while circulating the air inside the sterilization space 110.

[0041] Furthermore, the sterilization module 200 of the present invention may further include a hydrogen peroxide supply unit 250 for supplying a hydrogen peroxide solution to the vaporizer 230. As illustrated in Figure 2, the hydrogen peroxide supply unit 250 may be located outside the chamber 100 and may be configured to operate only when necessary. Referring to Figure 8, the hydrogen peroxide supply unit 250 may be configured without limitation as long as it contains a hydrogen peroxide solution used as a disinfectant, can store a predetermined hydrogen peroxide solution in a container, may include a pump structure, and can transmit the hydrogen peroxide solution to the vaporizer 230 according to a signal when necessary. The sterilization space 110 may be in a high-temperature environment when the hydrogen peroxide solution is needed, so that the hydrogen peroxide supply unit 250 can supply the hydrogen peroxide solution to the vaporizer 230. Thus, the hydrogen peroxide supply unit 250 can be configured so that the hydrogen peroxide solution is supplied to the vaporizer 230. The vaporizer 230 is characterized by vaporizing the hydrogen peroxide solution supplied from the hydrogen peroxide supply unit 250, converting it into vapor and gaseous states, and supplying them to the sterilization space 110 via the sterilization gas passage 11. The hydrogen peroxide gas converted into vapor and gaseous states is supplied inside the sterilization space 110.

[0042] Referring to Figures 2, 4, and 5, the sterilization module 200 of the present invention may further include an outlet 220 on one side that branches off from between the first heater 220 and the vaporizer 230, and on the other side that is connected to the outside of the device and discharges the fluid passing through it to the outside. Here, the outlet 220 may be filled with a catalyst, and the catalyst may be a catalyst 240 (CAT) that decomposes the fluid passing through it. The catalyst section 240 is located inside the outlet 202 and is positioned between the first heater 220 and the vaporizer 230, so that air inside the sterilization space 110 is drawn in through the inlet 201, passes through the first heater 220, flows in along the branched portion, and passes through the catalyst section 240, thereby decomposing the air into water vapor and oxygen. Furthermore, the discharge port 202 is characterized in that one side is connected between the first heater and the vaporizer, and the other side is connected to the outside of the chamber 100, and the water vapor and oxygen decomposed after passing through the catalyst section 240 are discharged to the outside of the device through the discharge port 202. The discharge port 202 is formed separately from the inlet 201 and the portion connected to the sterilization gas passage 11. Here, when the first fan 210 (Blower) is in operation, a pressure lower than the inside of the chamber 100 is generated at the front end (inlet) of the first fan 210, and a pressure higher than the inside of the chamber 100 is generated at the rear end (discharge port) of the first fan 210. Here, the pressure difference generated by the operation of the first fan 210 is used to maintain the pressure inside the chamber 100 lower than the pressure outside the chamber 100. The exhaust port 202, which is connected to the outside of the chamber 100, is installed at the rear end of the first fan 210. This ensures that while the first fan 210 is operating, the pressure inside the chamber 100 remains lower than the pressure outside the chamber 100. This pressure difference prevents sterilization gas from flowing out of the chamber 100 into the sterilization space 110. Furthermore, the pressure difference within the chamber caused by the operation of the first fan 210 prevents sterilization gas from leaking out of gaps in the chamber 100.Furthermore, when the internal pressure of the chamber 100 becomes higher than the external pressure, the sterilizing gas and air inside the chamber 100 are decomposed into water and oxygen as they pass through the catalyst section 240 and discharged to the outside at the outlet 202 located at the rear end of the first fan 210, thereby maintaining the internal pressure of the chamber 100 below the external pressure.

[0043] The catalyst module 300 is a device that circulates the internal air of the chamber 100 via a fluid passage 10. The catalyst module 300 draws in the air inside the chamber 100, converts it, and supplies it to the chamber 100 as reusable air, and the fluid passing through the catalyst module 300 flows via an internal circulation passage 12. Referring to Figures 2 and 4, the catalyst module 300 communicates with an internal circulation passage 12, which is at least one of the partitioned fluid passages 10, and operates by sending air into the sterilization space 110 via the internal circulation passage 12 or by receiving air from inside. Here, the catalyst module 300 can be positioned along a partition wall 120 on any one side of the sterilization space 110, and the internal circulation passage 12 is formed in a predetermined area on the side of the sterilization space 110 that communicates with the catalyst module 300, depending on the position of the catalyst module 300. Referring to Figure 9, an embodiment of the present invention may be described as follows: the catalyst module 300 may be positioned on any one side of the sterilization space 110, and the catalyst module 300 may include an inlet 301 and an outlet 302 through which air flows to and from the sterilization space 110 via the internal circulation passage 12. More specifically, the catalyst module 300 may be positioned on the outer surface of the sterilization space 110, and each of the inlet 301 and outlet 302 may be formed in the portion of the catalyst module 300 that is attached to the sterilization space 110. The inlet 301 and outlet 302 are formed to communicate with each of the internal circulation passages 12.

[0044] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the internal circulation passage 12 of the present invention is formed on one of the sides of the chamber 100 and has a passage in the height direction of the chamber 100 with a predetermined cross-sectional area. Furthermore, the internal circulation passage 12 is characterized in that each of the inlet 301 and outlet 302 is formed in any part of the longitudinal direction of the internal circulation passage 12 so as to be connected to the catalyst module 300. As a result, air inside the sterilization space 110 flows into the internal circulation passage 12 from the through hole 121 of the partition wall 120 and is drawn into the catalyst module 300 via the inlet 301. The air that has passed through the catalyst module 300 then flows into the internal circulation passage 12 via the outlet 302 and is introduced into the interior of the sterilization space 110 via the through hole 121 of the partition wall 120. Herein, in one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 10, the internal circulation passage 12 can be formed as a pair of fluid passages 10 arranged in parallel with a predetermined area on both sides of a sterilization gas passage 11 formed on one side of the chamber 100. The pair of internal circulation passages 12 are formed with the fluid passages 10 separated from each other, and are also separated from the sterilization gas passage 11. One of the integrated internal circulation passages 12 can communicate with the inlet 301, and the other can communicate with the outlet 302. That is, the first internal circulation passage 12a of the pair of internal circulation passages 12 that communicates with the inlet 301 can be used as a passage for bringing air from inside the sterilization space 110 into the catalyst module 300 via the inlet 301. The other second internal circulation passage 12b that communicates with the outlet 302 can be used as a passage for discharging air that has passed through the catalyst module 300 into the sterilization space 110 via the outlet. Therefore, in the present invention, the air inside the sterilization space 110 flows into the first internal circulation passage 12a through the through holes 121 formed along the partition wall 120, and is then drawn into the catalyst module 300 through the inlet 301.The air filtered after passing through the catalyst module 300 flows through the outlet 302 into the second internal circulation passage 12b which is in communication with the outlet 302, and diffuses into the sterilization space 110 through through holes 121 formed along the partition wall 120 of the second internal circulation passage 12b, thereby circulating the gas.

[0045] Referring to Figures 4, 9, and 11, the catalyst module 300 of the present invention is characterized by including at least a second fan 310 (Blower) for drawing in fluid from inside the sterilization space 110, a second heater 320 (PTC) for heating the fluid passing through, a catalyst cartridge 330 (CAT) for decomposing the fluid, and a dehumidifier 240 (Peltier) for removing moisture from the fluid passing through. Thus, the catalyst module 300 is characterized by drawing in air from the sterilization space 110 through the inlet by the operation of the second fan 310, heating the fluid that has passed through the second fan 310 with the second heater 320, the heated fluid passing through the catalyst cartridge 330 for decomposition into specific components, and filtering the air by removing some components from the decomposed fluid via the dehumidifier 240 which removes moisture. Here, the catalyst cartridge 330 is for decomposing sterilization gas remaining inside the sterilization space 110, and is characterized by decomposing hydrogen peroxide gas into water and oxygen. Furthermore, it is preferable that the dehumidifier 240 is heated to a predetermined standard temperature in order to remove moisture, so that the air that has passed through the dehumidifier 240 can be reheated and circulated inside the sterilization space 110.

[0046] The following describes a sterilization method using the sterilization device 1000 of the present invention, which has the above-described features.

[0047] Referring to Figure 13, the sterilization method of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a pretreatment step in which the sterilization module 200 and catalyst module 300 are operated so that the air inside the sterilization space 110 is formed at a preset temperature and humidity; a gas treatment step in which, once the sterilization space 110 reaches the preset temperature and humidity, the hydrogen peroxide supply unit 250 supplies a hydrogen peroxide solution to the vaporizer 230 housed in the sterilization module 200, the hydrogen peroxide solution is converted into vapor and gas by the vaporizer 230, and the hydrogen peroxide gas is supplied to the sterilization space 110 via the sterilization gas passage 11; a sterilization step in which the object to be sterilized is sterilized by the hydrogen peroxide gas supplied to the sterilization space 110; and a ventilation step in which the catalyst module 300 is operated so that the air inside the sterilization space 110 is drawn in via the internal circulation passage 12, passes through the catalyst cartridge 330, and the hydrogen peroxide gas is decomposed into water and oxygen.

[0048] The sterilization method of the present invention is characterized in that the sterilization device 1000 is capable of removing biological contamination of the object to be sterilized by supplying hydrogen peroxide gas, which is a disinfectant, to the inside of the sterilization device 1000, and uniformly diffusing and circulating it inside the device. First, when power is applied to the sterilization device 1000 and the system is started, the method includes a system preheating and preparation step in which the sterilization module 200 and catalyst module 300 are activated to create an environment inside the sterilization space 110 at a preset temperature and humidity.

[0049] The system preheating and preparation steps maintain a constant temperature and humidity inside the sterilization space 110, preparing it for the subsequent sterilization process. Here, the internal temperature of the sterilization space 110 may be 40-50 degrees Celsius, and the humidity may be 30% or less.

[0050] Furthermore, the sterilization method of the present invention allows the self-diagnosis step to be performed before the pretreatment step. The self-diagnosis step is a step to check for any abnormalities in the sterilization device 1000, and can be performed selectively by the operator. By performing the self-diagnosis step before the pretreatment step, it is possible to check for any abnormalities in the sterilization device 1000.

[0051] The sterilization method of the present invention is characterized in that, after the system preheating and preparation steps are completed, the object to be sterilized is loaded into the sterilization space 110 inside the chamber 100, and the sterilization module 200 is activated to preheat the inside of the sterilization space 110 and the object to be sterilized, and a pre-treatment step is performed to create an environment with a preset temperature and humidity. The pre-treatment step is a step to create (condition) the optimal sterilization environment for the sterilization space 110 and the object to be sterilized where the sterilization work will be performed. First, in the step of setting the temperature in the pre-treatment step, the sterilization module 200 is activated, and the air inside the sterilization space 110 flows into the sterilization module 200 through the upper inlet 201 of the sterilization space 110. Then, after the air that has flowed in after passing through each of the first heaters 220 and vaporizers 230 is heated, it flows into the sterilization gas passage 11 which is in communication with the sterilization device 1000. As a result, heated air flows downward along the sterilization gas passage 11 and is introduced into the sterilization space 110 through the through-hole 121 formed in the partition wall 120, and can be operated by circulating the air inside the sterilization space 110. In addition, the pretreatment step can simultaneously activate the catalyst module 300 to set the humidity inside the sterilization space 110 to a preset humidity. As a result, the air from the sterilization space 110 is drawn into the catalyst module 300, passes through the second heater 320, catalyst cartridge 330 and dehumidifier 240 in order, and then the dehumidified air can be circulated inside the sterilization space 110. Here, the humid air inside the sterilization space 110 flows into the inside of the fluid passage 10 through the through-hole 121 of the first internal circulation passage 12, and then flows into the inside of the catalyst module 300 through the inlet 301 of the catalyst module 300. The incoming air then passes through the second heater 320, the catalyst cartridge 330, and the dehumidifier 240, moves to the outlet 302 of the catalyst module 300, flows into the second internal circulation passage 12 which is in communication with the outlet 302, and then circulates the filtered air to the sterilization space 110 through the through-holes 121 of the second internal circulation passage 12. In this configuration, the second heater 320 does not operate.Therefore, the catalyst module 300 allows the dehumidified air that has passed through the dehumidifier 240 to be introduced into the sterilization space 110. By removing moisture from the sterilization space 110 with the dehumidifier 240, the humidity inside the sterilization space 110 can be adjusted. In other words, the pretreatment step is a step of circulating the air in the sterilization space 110 using the sterilization module 200 and the catalyst module 300 to bring the sterilization chamber and the object to be sterilized to a set temperature and humidity. Here, the pretreatment step can be repeated so that the sterilization space 110 reaches a temperature and humidity within a preset range. This step is characterized by the fact that the sterilization space 110 creates an internal environment for subsequent steps and maintains and adjusts the humidity and temperature that have been formed. If the gas treatment step is performed without the pretreatment step, the object to be sterilized is not preheated, and if the temperature difference between the object to be sterilized and the inside of the sterilization space 110 exceeds 10 degrees, the sterilization gas supplied in the gas treatment step will condense on the object to be sterilized, reducing the sterilization efficiency, and damage to the object to be sterilized may occur due to the condensation of the sterilization gas. Furthermore, if the humidity is high, the sterilizing gas supplied in the gas treatment step will easily condense with moisture inside the sterilization space 110, reducing the sterilization efficiency. The sterilization device 1000, which operates to prevent such condensation of sterilizing gas and moisture, is also heated and preheated in this step to stabilize the device. The pretreatment step is also interrupted when the humidity and temperature inside the sterilization space 110 are set to a preset range, and the next step is performed.

[0052] Furthermore, in the sterilization method of the present invention, when the humidity and temperature inside the sterilization space 110 are within a predetermined range, the pretreatment step is interrupted, and a gas treatment step is performed in which a sterilization gas is generated and supplied (gassed) to the sterilization space 110. The gas treatment step is performed by the operation of the sterilization module 200. More specifically, the sterilization apparatus 1000 is characterized in that when the sterilization space 110 is created in a predetermined environment, the gas treatment step activates the hydrogen peroxide supply unit 250, and the hydrogen peroxide solution is supplied to the vaporizer 230. Here, the hydrogen peroxide supply unit 250 can be operated when the temperature of the second heater 320 or vaporizer 230 of the sterilizer is heated to a set temperature, the solution pump is activated, and the hydrogen peroxide solution is supplied to the inside of the vaporizer 230. The vaporizer 230, heated to a temperature above the predetermined temperature, converts the supplied hydrogen peroxide solution into vapor and gaseous states as it passes through. The hydrogen peroxide gas that has passed through the vaporizer 230 flows into the fluid passage 10 via the sterilization gas passage 11 which is connected to the sterilization module 200 above the sterilization space 110, and diffuses into the interior of the sterilization space 110. Here, the gas treatment step can be set to supply sterilization gas to the sterilization space 110 by repeating the step for a set process time or process conditions. By repeating the gas treatment step, the gas inside the sterilization space 110 is recirculated to the sterilization module 200 via the vaporizer 230, and sterilization gas can be repeatedly supplied.

[0053] Next, a sterilization step is performed in which the objects to be sterilized are sterilized and disinfected by the sterilizing gas supplied to the sterilization space 110. In this sterilization step, the hydrogen peroxide gas supplied to the inside of the sterilization space 110 by the gas treatment step flows into the sterilizing gas passage 11 through the upper open portion of the sterilizing gas passage 11, flows downward along the outer wall of the chamber 100 and the inside of the partition wall 120, and diffuses into the inside of the sterilization space 110 through the through holes 121 of the partition wall 120. Here, the hydrogen peroxide gas supplied to the inside of the sterilization space 110 is uniformly distributed and diffused through the through holes 121, reaching the stacked objects to be sterilized and sterilizing the contaminated objects. Here, in one embodiment of the present invention, the partition wall 120 is provided with a plurality of protruding hangers 122 for hanging and stacking objects to be sterilized, and the through holes 121 are clustered below the protruding hangers 122. In other words, the sterilization apparatus 1000 of the present invention is characterized in that the object to be sterilized, which is hung on the protruding hook 122 and loaded, is located in the area where the through holes 121 are clustered together, and the hydrogen peroxide gas discharged from the through holes 121 can come into direct contact with it. As the hydrogen peroxide gas supplied in sufficient quantities to the sterilization space 110 diffuses and is distributed uniformly, even if the shape of the object to be sterilized is complex, the gas can penetrate and sterilize various parts of the object, thereby increasing the sterilization power and shortening the time required for the sterilization process.

[0054] Furthermore, the sterilization method of the present invention is characterized in that, after the sterilization step is performed, the catalyst module 300 is activated to perform a ventilation step in which the air inside the sterilization space 110 is ventilated. The ventilation step involves drawing the air inside the sterilization space 110 into the catalyst module 300, passing it through the catalyst cartridge 330, thereby decomposing the air inside the sterilization space 110 into specific components, and, if necessary, recirculating it back into the sterilization space 110 to ventilate the inside of the sterilization space 110. More specifically, the ventilation step involves the catalyst module 300 being activated, drawing the sterilization gas inside the sterilization space 110 into the catalyst module 300, passing it sequentially through the second heater 320, the catalyst cartridge 330, and the dehumidifier 240, and then circulating the filtered air back into the sterilization space 110. Here, the sterilizing gas remaining inside the sterilization space 110 flows into the fluid passage 10 through the through hole 121 of the first internal circulation passage 12, and then flows into the inside of the catalyst module 300 through the inlet 301 of the catalyst module 300. The incoming air then passes through the second heater 320, the catalyst cartridge 330, and the dehumidifier 240, moves to the outlet 302 of the catalyst module 300, flows into the second internal circulation passage 12 which is in communication with the outlet 302, and then circulates the filtered air back into the sterilization space 110 through the through hole 121 of the second internal circulation passage 12. The catalyst cartridge 330 decomposes hydrogen peroxide gas into water and oxygen, and the filtered air can be reheated via the dehumidifier 240 and introduced into the sterilization space 110. The dehumidifier 240 also removes gaseous moisture from the sterilization space 110 and adjusts the humidity inside the sterilization space 110.

[0055] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific components and other details, as well as limited embodiments and drawings, these are provided to aid in a more general understanding of the invention. The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made from this description by those with ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains.

[0056] Therefore, the concept of the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments described above. Not only the claims described later, but also all variations that are equivalent or comparable to the claims described herein can be said to fall within the scope of the concept of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0057] 1000 Sterilizer 100 chambers 110 Sterilization space 120 Bulkhead 121 Through hole 122 Protruding Hanger 10 Fluid passage 11 Sterilization gas passage 12 Internal circulation passage 200 sterilization modules 210 First Fan 220 First Heater 230 Vaporizer 240 Catalyst section 250 Hydrogen peroxide supply unit 300 Catalyst Modules 310 Second Fan 320 Second heater 330 Catalytic Converter Cartridge 340 Dehumidifier

Claims

1. A sterilization space containing objects to be sterilized, a partition wall separating the sterilization space from a fluid passage which is arranged at a predetermined distance inward from the wall surface and receives fluid from the outside, the partition wall includes a plurality of through holes, and a chamber through which fluid flows between the fluid passage and the sterilization space, A sterilization module is in communication with the aforementioned fluid passage and supplies sterilization gas to the aforementioned fluid passage, It includes a catalyst module that communicates with the fluid passage and circulates the air inside the chamber, The sterilization apparatus is characterized in that the fluid passage is configured such that a sterilization gas passage communicating with the sterilization module and an internal circulation passage communicating with the catalyst module are separated from each other.

2. The sterilization module is positioned above or below the sterilization space. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the sterilization gas passage communicates with the sterilization module at the upper or lower surface of the sterilization space.

3. The catalyst module is positioned on one side of the sterilization space, The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the internal circulation passage communicates with the catalyst module in a predetermined region on the side of the sterilization space.

4. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the fluid passages are formed on each surface by the partition walls arranged along the inner surface of the chamber, and the sterilization gas passage is formed over a larger area than the internal circulation passage.

5. The aforementioned sterilization module is An inlet is formed, and a first fan is provided to draw in the fluid inside the sterilization space, A first heater that heats the fluid passing through it, The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a vaporizer that vaporizes the fluid passing through it.

6. The aforementioned sterilization module is The system further includes a hydrogen peroxide supply unit that supplies a hydrogen peroxide solution to the vaporizer, The sterilization apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the hydrogen peroxide supply unit operates only when hydrogen peroxide supply is required.

7. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the vaporizer converts the hydrogen peroxide solution into a vapor and gaseous state and supplies it to the sterilization space via the sterilization gas passage.

8. The aforementioned sterilization module is The sterilization apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that one side is formed by branching between the first heater and the vaporizer, and the other side is connected to the outside and includes an outlet that discharges the passing fluid to the outside and is filled with a catalyst that decomposes the fluid.

9. The catalyst module is A second fan that sucks in the fluid inside the sterilization space, A second heater that heats the fluid passing through, A catalyst cartridge that decomposes the fluid passing through it, The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a dehumidifier that removes moisture from the fluid through which it passes.

10. The catalyst cartridge is The sterilization apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that it decomposes hydrogen peroxide gas into water and oxygen.

11. The catalyst module is The sterilization space includes an inlet through which air from inside the sterilization space flows into the catalyst module, and an outlet for discharging the fluid that has passed through the catalyst module into the sterilization space. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the inlet and outlet are in communication with the internal circulation passage.

12. The aforementioned internal circulation passage is The sterilization apparatus according to claim 11, comprising a pair formed on any one side of the outer surface of the chamber, each having a predetermined area and length in the height direction of the chamber, and separated from each other, wherein one of the pair communicates with the inlet and the other communicates with the outlet.

13. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the partition wall has a plurality of protruding hooks arranged on the wall surface on the sterilization space side for hanging and stacking the objects to be sterilized.

14. The aforementioned partition wall is The sterilization device according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one through hole is provided at the lower end of the protruding hanger.

15. A sterilization method using the sterilization apparatus described in claim 1, The sterilization module is activated, and the air inside the sterilization space is formed according to a preset temperature and humidity in a pretreatment step, When the sterilization space reaches a preset temperature and humidity, a hydrogen peroxide supply unit supplies a hydrogen peroxide solution to a vaporizer housed in the sterilization module, the vaporizer converts the hydrogen peroxide solution into vapor and gas, and the hydrogen peroxide gas is supplied to the sterilization space via the sterilization gas passage in a gas treatment step. A sterilization step in which the object to be sterilized is sterilized by hydrogen peroxide gas supplied to the sterilization space, A sterilization method characterized by comprising a ventilation step in which the catalyst module is activated, causing the air inside the sterilization space to be drawn in through the internal circulation passage and decomposed into water and oxygen as it passes through the catalyst cartridge.

16. The aforementioned gas treatment step is The sterilization method according to claim 15, wherein the supply of hydrogen peroxide gas to the sterilization space is repeatedly performed for a predetermined period of time while the air inside the sterilization space is recirculated to the sterilization module.

17. The aforementioned ventilation step is, The sterilization method according to claim 15, characterized in that the air that has passed through the catalyst cartridge is circulated into the sterilization space via a dehumidifier housed in the sterilization module.

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