Sterilization pump assembly, sterilization chamber assembly, and sterilization system

Abstract

To provide a sterilization system comprising an independent pump module, and a sterilization method thereof.SOLUTION: The present disclosure provides a sterilization system and a sterilization method thereof, where an independent pump module is configured to be connected to multiple chamber modules according to a required sterilization capacity. Particularly disclosed are techniques with an advantage in which, by configuring a chamber module including a sterilization chamber without a vacuum pump and configuring the vacuum pump as an independent module, the area occupied by the entire facility is reduced when multiple chamber modules are connected to each other and used.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sterilization system having an independent pump module and a sterilization method thereof, and more particularly to a sterilization system and a sterilization method thereof, characterized in that the independent pump module is configured to be connected to multiple chamber modules depending on the required sterilization volume. [Background technology]

[0002] Reusable medical devices and treatment / surgical tools, such as various surgical mechanisms and endoscopes, must be sterilized before reuse because if they are reused in a contaminated state, they can lead to infection. For this reason, various sterilization techniques have been developed, such as steam, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, gas plasma, and gas-phase sterilization with or without ethylene oxide. In particular, chemical sterilizers are devices that perform the sterilization process at low temperatures using gases such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), ethylene oxide (C2H4O), and chlorine dioxide (ClO2) as sterilizing agents. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a technology that allows the exhaust required by each chamber module to be smoothly, integrated, and efficiently operated by connecting one pump module to multiple chamber modules composed of a sterilization chamber, a sterilant injection block, a vaporizer, etc. through a stand-alone pump module.

[0004] In addition, the present invention provides a sterilization system and a sterilization method thereof that solves problems such as low space efficiency when operating multiple sterilizers due to the large size (volume, area, etc.) of the sterilization equipment, and the need for separate space and facilities because each sterilizer is an independent finished product.

[0005] The present invention also provides a technology for improving performance or ensuring product usage efficiency when using a pump module composed of multiple pumps or multiple pump modules to use multiple chamber modules.

[0006] The present invention provides a technology that maximizes product usage efficiency when operating only some of the chamber modules or when operating multiple chamber modules simultaneously by configuring multiple pump modules or multiple pumps inside one pump module in order to effectively operate multiple chamber modules.

[0007] In addition, the present invention provides a technology in which the pump and the chamber are arranged independently, but are configured so that their arrangement can be changed, so that the effective pumping speed of the pump is adjusted as the distance between the pump and the chamber changes, thereby preventing the speed, reliability, etc. of the sterilization process from changing due to the change in arrangement.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sterilization apparatus and a sterilization system in which an additional chamber module constructed independently can be further connected to a structure in which a basic chamber module and a pump module are combined. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A sterilization system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a chamber module, and a stand-alone pump module that is exteriorly mounted in a form independent of the chamber module, is connected to the chamber module, and has a pump built-in. The chamber module comprises a chamber built into the chamber module and for storing an object to be treated, and a vaporizer built into the chamber module and connected to the chamber for supplying vaporized sterilant. The chamber built into the chamber module is evacuated by connecting it to the pump built into the stand-alone pump module.

[0010] In some embodiments, the chamber comprises an impermeable wrapper in which the object to be treated is contained, the vaporizer is coupled to the impermeable wrapper to supply air or sterilant, and the impermeable wrapper is coupled to the stand-alone pump module to evacuate air from the impermeable wrapper.

[0011] In some embodiments, the impermeable wrapper has a controlled volume as air in the chamber is evacuated by the stand-alone pump module.

[0012] In some embodiments, the exhaust port of the chamber module through which air is exhausted or the inlet port of the stand-alone pump module is connected to a plasma generating device or a catalyst.

[0013] In some embodiments, after the volume of the impermeable wrapper expands, the sterilant is vaporized through the vaporizer and injected into the impermeable wrapper, and the impermeable wrapper is evacuated through the stand-alone pump module, evacuating the sterilant and venting the chamber and the impermeable wrapper to atmospheric pressure.

[0014] In some embodiments, the stand-alone pump module is coupled to a second chamber module to evacuate air from the second chamber module.

[0015] In some embodiments, the stand-alone pump module is coupled to the chamber module and the second chamber module through bifurcated tubing.

[0016] In some embodiments, the branched tube or the exhaust line included in the chamber module may include a backflow prevention module.

[0017] In some embodiments, the stand-alone pump module includes a plurality of pumps, each pump coupled to a tube that includes a valve.

[0018] In some embodiments, the chamber module has a connecting structure on its top or side and is fixed to a connecting structure on the bottom or side of the second chamber module, or to a connecting structure on the bottom or side of the stand-alone pump module.

[0019] In some embodiments, the chamber module receives information regarding a sterilization process of the chamber module and information regarding a sterilization process of the second chamber module and controls exhaust through the stand-alone pump module to occur in at least one of the chamber module or the second chamber module.

[0020] In some embodiments, the chamber module ensures that exhaust by the independent pump module is only performed by the intended pump module by closing or opening a valve provided in at least one of the branched tube, the exhaust port of the chamber module, and the exhaust port of the second chamber module.

[0021] In some embodiments, the information relating to the sterilization process includes information regarding the size of the workpiece or the amount of residual moisture, and the chamber module derives the order and duration of the sterilization process of the chamber module and the order and duration of the sterilization process of the second chamber module.

[0022] In some embodiments, the chamber module delays one stage of the sterilization process of the chamber module or the second chamber module to synchronize the progress of the sterilization process of the chamber module with the progress of the sterilization process of the second chamber module.

[0023] In some embodiments, the chamber module further comprises a control module that receives information regarding a sterilization process of the chamber module and information regarding a sterilization process of the second chamber module and controls evacuation through the stand-alone pump module to occur in at least one of the chamber module or the second chamber module.

[0024] A sterilization pump assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a pump that exhausts the internal air of a chamber in which an object to be treated is stored and in which a sterilization process of the object is carried out, and a connection part that connects the pump to the chamber so that the pump can be independently repositioned, and through which the internal air flows.

[0025] In some embodiments, the sterilization pump assembly further comprises a housing surrounding an exterior of the pump, the housing comprising a coupling to which the coupling is coupled.

[0026] In some embodiments, the connection point between the connector and the chamber, the connection point between the pump and the connector, and the length of the connection point are fixed, and the position of the pump and the connector is changed by rotating the connector.

[0027] In some embodiments, the connection point between the connector and the chamber and the connection point between the pump and the connector are fixed, and the position of the pump and the connector is changed by rotating the connector or adjusting the length of the connector.

[0028] In some embodiments, the length of the link is up to 1.5m.

[0029] In some embodiments, the sterilization pump assembly further comprises a controller that uses information regarding the length of the connection to control operation of the pump.

[0030] In some embodiments, the sterilization pump assembly further includes a control unit that controls the operating intensity or time of the pump, and the control unit determines the suitability of the arrangement by the connection unit through a trial operation mode in which the pump is operated at a reference value, or adjusts a value that controls the pump in an operating mode other than the trial operation mode.

[0031] In some embodiments, the connection includes a backflow prevention module to prevent the interior air from flowing into the chamber.

[0032] In some embodiments, the connector is made of a flexible material and includes a fire-resistant material inside the interior air flow path to prevent damage from substances contained in the interior air.

[0033] In some embodiments, the coupling includes a rigid material exterior to the interior air flow path to prevent breakage or deformation due to external physical impact.

[0034] In some embodiments, the housing further comprises a fan that exhausts air inside the housing to the outside of the housing.

[0035] A sterilization chamber assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a chamber into which a sterilant is supplied to sterilize an object to be treated stored therein and into which internal air is evacuated by a pump, and a connecting portion that connects the chamber so that the position of the chamber can be changed independently and through which the internal air flows.

[0036] In some embodiments, the sterilization chamber assembly further comprises a filter disposed in a path for exhausting the interior air to the exterior of the chamber.

[0037] In some embodiments, the sterilization chamber assembly further comprises a sterilant container in which the sterilant is stored, and a vaporizer that supplies the sterilant from the sterilant container, heats and vaporizes the sterilant, and then supplies it to the chamber.

[0038] A sterilization system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a chamber to which a sterilant is supplied to sterilize objects stored therein, a pump to evacuate the air inside the chamber, and a connection section that connects the chamber and the pump so that their positions can be changed independently of each other and through which the air inside flows.

[0039] In some embodiments, the sterilization system further comprises a pump housing comprising a pump-connection coupling to which the coupling is coupled and surrounding the exterior of the pump, and a chamber housing comprising a chamber-connection coupling to which the coupling is coupled and surrounding the exterior of the chamber.

[0040] In some embodiments, the pump housing further comprises a fan that exhausts air from within the housing to the outside.

[0041] In some embodiments, the sterilization system further comprises a power unit that provides power to drive the pumping operation of the pump or the sterilization operation of the chamber, and power lines that couple the power unit to the pump and the chamber so that they can be independently repositioned.

[0042] A sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a basic chamber module, and a pump module which is connected to the basic chamber module and incorporates a pump, the pump module comprising a first connection part which connects the basic chamber module to the pump, and at least one additional chamber module which is configured in a form independent of the sterilization apparatus and connected to the pump module, and a second connection part which connects the pump to the additional chamber module.

[0043] In some embodiments, the pump module includes a first internal tube connected between the built-in pump and the first connection portion for flowing internal air, and a second internal tube connecting the pump and the second connection portion.

[0044] In some embodiments, the pump module includes a plurality of second couplings for coupling the pump to at least two or more additional chamber modules, respectively.

[0045] In some embodiments, the second inner tube is branched to correspond to the number of the second coupling parts so as to connect each of the second coupling parts to the pump.

[0046] In some embodiments, the first inner tube and the second inner tube converge into a third inner tube that is connected to the pump.

[0047] In some embodiments, the at least one additional chamber module is coupled to the second coupling through at least one external tube.

[0048] In some embodiments, the at least one additional chamber module includes a chamber for housing an object to be treated and a vaporizer coupled to the chamber for providing vaporized sterilant.

[0049] In some embodiments, the sterilization apparatus further comprises a processor that senses the number of the at least one additional chamber module connected through the second coupling and controls the pumping speed, pumping strength, or pumping time of the pump depending on the sensed number of the additional chamber modules.

[0050] In some embodiments, the processor is integrated into the pump module.

[0051] A sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a basic chamber module, a pump module that is connected to the basic chamber module and has a built-in pump, a first coupling part for coupling the pump module to the basic chamber module, an additional chamber module that is independent and detachable from the basic chamber module, a second coupling part for coupling the basic chamber module, and an internal tube that is connected between the first coupling part and the second coupling part and allows internal air to flow.

[0052] In some embodiments, the internal tube branches off to the chamber side on a path between the first connection and the second connection to allow internal air to flow between a chamber in the basic chamber module and the pump module.

[0053] In some embodiments, the basic chamber module further comprises a vaporizer between the chamber and the first coupling.

[0054] In some embodiments, the sterilization apparatus further comprises a processor that senses the number of the additional chamber modules connected and controls the pumping speed, pumping strength, or pumping time of the pump depending on the sensed number of the additional chamber modules.

[0055] In some embodiments, the additional chamber module is coupled to the base chamber module in a stacked configuration on top of the base chamber module.

[0056] A sterilization system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a sterilization apparatus having a basic chamber module and a pump module coupled to the basic chamber module and incorporating a pump, and at least one additional chamber module configured in a form independent of the sterilization apparatus and detachable to the pump module or the basic chamber module. Effect of the Invention

[0057] The method and apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention has the advantage that a chamber module having a sterilization chamber is configured without a vacuum pump and the vacuum pump is configured as a stand-alone module, thereby reducing the area occupied by the entire facility when multiple chamber modules are connected and used.

[0058] In addition, the independent pump module has a uniform operating schedule when exhausting air to multiple chamber modules, which has the advantage that each chamber module has the same level of operating time and performance as if it had a pump module configured inside it.

[0059] In addition, each chamber module supports selective operation of sterilization through the chamber and sterilization through the pouch, which has the advantages of eliminating restrictions on the size and type of objects to be sterilized, and preventing secondary contamination by being vacuum sealed after sterilization is completed as needed.

[0060] Furthermore, the independent pump module has the advantage that it can selectively and repeatedly inject and exhaust air into and from each chamber module, thereby allowing the volume and area of ​​the object to be treated to be calculated or the amount of residual moisture to be confirmed.

[0061] The stand-alone pump modules are also configured to operate during the process of pumping sterilant from each chamber module, providing the advantage of ensuring that any residual sterilant is removed and that the sterilant is free of contaminants that may be present in the waste stream through subsequent processing.

[0062] In addition to the medical industry, the sterilization system according to the present invention can be used in various industrial fields that use tools, including the beauty industry such as beauty and nail art.

[0063] Assemblies and systems according to embodiments of the present invention allow for repositioning of sterilizers within a space, which has the effect of increasing space efficiency.

[0064] In addition, the assembly and system according to the embodiment of the present invention has the effect of increasing sterilization efficiency by arranging the chamber and the pump in separate spaces.

[0065] Furthermore, the assemblies and systems according to the embodiments of the present invention have the advantage that the effective pumping speed of the pump is adjusted as the position is changed, so that the speed, reliability, etc. of the sterilization process are not affected by the change in position.

[0066] Furthermore, the apparatus and method according to the embodiment of the present invention has an advantage that an additional chamber module that is independently configured can be additionally connected to a structure in which a basic chamber module and a pump module are combined, as needed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0067] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the effect of reducing the size of a device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention compared to a conventional sterilization device having multiple devices. [Figure 2A] 1 is a diagram showing a chamber module as an example according to the present invention, showing a front view of the chamber module. [Figure 2B] 1 is a diagram showing a chamber module as an example according to the present invention, showing the rear surface of the chamber module. [Figure 3A] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a stand-alone pump module according to the present invention, showing the front of the stand-alone pump module. [Figure 3B] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a stand-alone pump module according to the present invention, showing the back of the stand-alone pump module. [Figure 4] 1 is a view showing a state in which a chamber module and an independent pump module are connected to each other, as an example according to the present invention; [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another example sterilization system according to the present invention. [Figure 6]6 is a flow chart showing an exemplary set of steps by which the sterilization system of FIG. 5 can perform a sterilization operation. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of yet another example sterilization system according to the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a sterilization system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9A] 1 is a diagram illustrating a change in the arrangement of a chamber and a pump in a sterilization system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9B] 1 is a diagram illustrating a change in the arrangement of a chamber and a pump in a sterilization system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9C] 1 is a diagram illustrating a change in the arrangement of a chamber and a pump in a sterilization system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a chamber module in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a pump module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 1 is a flow chart illustrating a sterilization method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 13 is a view showing a connection state between a sterilization apparatus and an additional chamber module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the pump module shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the pump module shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 16] 13 is a view showing a connection state between a sterilization apparatus and an additional chamber module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the sterilization apparatus shown in FIG. 16. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0068] The present invention aims to provide a sterilization system including an independent pump module connected to a plurality of chamber modules to exhaust air from each of the chamber modules, and in particular to provide a technology for allowing the exhaust of air required in each chamber module to be performed through an externally mounted independent pump module.

[0069] Each chamber module has an apparatus configuration in which objects requiring sterilization are stored and a sterilizing agent reacts with the objects to sterilize them. In this case, the objects may be stored in either a chamber or an impermeable sealed container.

[0070] The impermeable enclosure may be termed an "impermeable wrapper," which is used as a synonym for the term "pouch" used in the sterilizer art, to indicate the composition that sterilizes the items to be treated.

[0071] The present invention discloses the following embodiments as a technology applied to a sterilization device that employs various sterilization methods without being restricted by its shape or mechanism, and as a method applied to a medical low-temperature plasma sterilizer that uses hydrogen peroxide as a sterilizing agent to sterilize objects to be sterilized.

[0072] The present invention will be described in detail in accordance with the above object as follows.

[0073] The sterilization process generally involves chemical sterilization, in which hydrogen peroxide is vaporized and exposed to the target body to inactivate the cell walls and nuclei of microorganisms remaining in the target body through an oxidation reaction.

[0074] In addition, medical low-temperature plasma sterilizers use plasma to purify sterilants and ensure user safety. Plasma is a fourth-state substance whose electrical properties are defined as quasi-neutral gas, and is formed by applying electrical energy. In particular, a high-voltage power source is applied to a cracking plasma source (CPS) to generate plasma at atmospheric pressure, and the sterilant (hydrogen peroxide, H2O2) exhausted after the sterilization process is decomposed and purified into water (H2O) and oxygen (O2) through plasma processing.

[0075] A sterilization system according to one embodiment of the technical aspects of the present invention is an apparatus, or a plurality of apparatuses connected thereto, that supplies a sterilant to a chamber in which an object to be sterilized (a workpiece) is housed and performs a sterilization process on the workpiece in the chamber, and air inside the chamber is evacuated by a pump during, before, or after the sterilization process.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the sterilization system according to the technical subject matter of the present invention is a chemical sterilizer that performs the sterilization process at low temperatures using gases such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), ethylene oxide (C2H4O), and chlorine dioxide (ClO2) as sterilants.

[0077] In a sterilization system according to one embodiment of the technical aspects of the present invention, a chamber in which a sterilization process is performed and a pump for exhausting the air inside the chamber are independently arranged, and this arrangement can be freely configured to provide a variety of arrangements, thereby achieving high space efficiency. As the chamber and the pump are independently arranged at a distance from each other, the chamber in which the sterilization process is performed is less susceptible to the effects of contaminants (e.g., oil in the case of a hydraulic pump), noise, and vibrations caused by the pump, improving the reliability and efficiency of the sterilization process.

[0078] In some embodiments, the sterilization system has a configuration for vaporizing the sterilant required for the sterilization process, and in this case, the sterilization system includes a vaporizing configuration on the chamber side to reduce temperature drop caused by air exhausted through a pump or a configuration for exhausting this air to the outside of the apparatus (e.g., a fan).

[0079] In some embodiments, the sterilization system can adjust the distance of the connection between the chamber and the pump through which the exhaust air flows, and in this case, the sterilization system can adjust the effective pumping speed, which changes as the distance increases, by adjusting the operating time, strength, etc. of the pump based on information about the distance, without changing the speed and reliability of the sterilization process occurring in the chamber.

[0080] 1 is a diagram showing the effect of reducing the size of the device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention compared to having multiple existing sterilization devices. Referring to FIG 1, when multiple sterilization devices are used, as shown on the left side of the diagram, each device 110 and 120 must have a sterilization chamber 111 and 121 and a vacuum pump 112 and 122 built-in.

[0081] However, in one example according to the present invention, when configured to operate two sterilization chambers (as shown on the right side of the drawing), a first chamber module 130 having a first sterilization chamber 131 and a second chamber module 140 having a second sterilization chamber 141 are connected to an independent pump module 150, thereby reducing the area occupied by the entire system.

[0082] However, such an effect is more pronounced when a plurality of chamber modules are connected to one independent pump module among various embodiments of the present invention.

[0083] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a chamber module as an example according to the present invention, with Fig. 2A showing a front view of the chamber module and Fig. 2B showing a rear view of the chamber module. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an independent pump module as an example according to the present invention, with Fig. 3A showing a front view of the independent pump module and Fig. 3B showing a rear view of the independent pump module. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the chamber module and the independent pump module are connected as an example according to the present invention.

[0084] 2 to 4, the independent pump module 300 is connected to the chamber module 200 to evacuate air from the chamber module 200 .

[0085] The chamber module 200 is configured with a door cover 210 and a touch screen 220 on the front, and with a door hinge 230, ventilation holes 240, a pump connection portion 250, a power line connection portion 260, a filter 270, multiple USB ports 281 and 282, a LAN cable port 283, a power connection terminal 291, a fuse cap 292, and a power switch 293 on the back.

[0086] The door cover 210 includes an upper cover of the chamber module 200 and can be opened and closed using a door hinge 230. According to an embodiment, a container (e.g., a chamber) is exposed to the outside of the apparatus through the door cover 210 so that an object to be sterilized can be stored through the chamber module 200.

[0087] The touch screen 220 is a touch panel that receives user input for operating the module and is capable of managing the product status and history. According to an embodiment, the touch screen 220 externally displays the stage of the sterilization process of the chamber module 200, the required time for the sterilization process, whether the sterilization process is successful, errors occurring during the sterilization process, etc.

[0088] The door hinge 230 is connected to the door cover 210 of the chamber module 200 so that the door cover 210 can be opened and closed.

[0089] The ventilation holes 240 are arranged in stripes so that the ventilation holes can be smoothly exhausted using a fan and the air can flow in.

[0090] The pump connector 250 is connected to the independent pump module 300 by a gong ab tube and is fitted so that the air flow operates accurately. The pump connector 250 has a branch point in the chamber module 200 where air is exhausted to the chamber and the impermeable wrapping paper, respectively, and the valve configuration is arranged so that the air is exhausted separately depending on the embodiment.

[0091] For example, exhaust may be provided by a stand-alone pump module 300, and pressure may be controlled by selectively exhausting to a chamber or impermeable wrapper through the closing or opening of a valve further configured in the pump connection 250.

[0092] The power line connector 260 is a connector to which a power line for supplying power to the independent pump module 300 is connected.

[0093] According to an embodiment, when a sterilization system includes a plurality of chamber modules, power is directly supplied to only one of the plurality of chamber modules. In this case, a power line is connected to one of the plurality of chamber modules, and power is supplied to the other chamber modules and the independent pump module through the one chamber module to which the power line is connected. For example, the chamber modules are designed to be divided into a main chamber module to which power is directly supplied and a sub-chamber module to which power is transmitted through the main chamber module.

[0094] The filter 270 is a replaceable filter for blocking dust and microorganisms in the air during the process of forming a vacuum and degassing. During the sterilization process, the exhaust by the independent pump module operates to exhaust the air inside the chamber and the impermeable wrapper, so when air needs to flow into the chamber and the impermeable wrapper, the exhaust connection valve is closed and the degassing connection valve is opened to allow outside air to flow in. At this time, since there is a risk that the sterilization effect or sterilization reliability may be reduced due to contaminants contained in the supplied air, the filter 270 may be provided on the passage side where the outside air flows in.

[0095] The USB ports 281 and 282 are configured as a first USB port 281 for software updates and a second USB port 282 for communicating with a printer or the like for outputting a sterilization logbook. Depending on the embodiment, the main chamber module has such a port configuration to support output of software updates or related information to other connected auxiliary chamber modules and independent pump modules.

[0096] The LAN cable port 283 is a port that connects to the Internet to transmit device status information to a server and to enable remote control of the product. According to an embodiment, the LAN cable port 283 performs a device function for data connection with an external control module (e.g., a computer device including a management program). According to an embodiment, the LAN cable port 283 can replace a wired connection through a LAN line with a device configuration through a wireless communication connection such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

[0097] The power supply connection terminal 291 is a connection terminal for supplying electricity to the chamber module 200 .

[0098] A fuse cap 292 is provided for easy replacement of the fuse connected to the product's main power source.

[0099] The power switch 293 is a switch for turning the power of the chamber module 200 on and off.

[0100] The independent pump module 300 includes a cover 310 on the front side, and includes a ventilation hole 320, a power connection part 330, a pump connection part 340, and a pump oil status display part 350 on the rear side.

[0101] The cover 310 has a shape designed to present a similar appearance to the chamber module 200 .

[0102] The ventilation holes 320 are arranged in stripes so that ventilation holes can be smoothly exhausted using a fan and air can flow in.

[0103] The power connector 330 is connected to the power connector 260 of one of the chamber modules 200 through a power line cable 410 to receive power.

[0104] The pump connection portion 340 is connected to a plurality of chamber modules 200 through an air tube 420 to allow air to flow and exhaust air to each chamber module 200, and is fitted so that the air flow is performed accurately.

[0105] The pump oil status indicator 350 is configured to ascertain the amount and status of oil in the oil rotary pump.

[0106] For example, the pump oil status display unit 350 is made of a translucent material and is configured to be in contact with the internal oil container of the independent pump module 300 so that the level of oil inside and the color of the oil can be confirmed from outside the pump module 300.

[0107] 5 is a schematic diagram showing a sterilization system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG 5, the sterilization system according to the another embodiment of the present invention includes a first chamber module 510, a second chamber module 520, and an independent pump module 530.

[0108] The independent pump module 530 is coupled to the multiple chamber modules 510 and 520 to evacuate air from each of the chamber modules 510 and 520 .

[0109] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first chamber module 510 includes a chamber 511 in which a wrapping paper 512 in which the first object to be treated is stored is housed, and the air inside the chamber 511 or the wrapping paper 512 is exhausted by an independent pump module 530.

[0110] The second chamber module 520 also includes a chamber 521 in which a wrapping paper 522 in which the second object to be treated is stored is housed, and the air inside the chamber 521 or the wrapping paper 522 is exhausted by the independent pump module 530 .

[0111] According to an embodiment, the wrappers 511 and 522 are embodied as impermeable materials that do not allow liquid or gas to pass through, that is, impermeable wrappers.

[0112] At this time, the independent pump module 530 includes a module 532 into which tubes 541 and 542 connected thereto are branched in order to assist in the evacuation of the first chamber module 510 and the second chamber module 520 .

[0113] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the independent pump module 530 is connected to the first chamber module 510 and the second chamber module 520 through air-flowing tubes 541 and 542 .

[0114] Sterilization using these wrapping papers 512 and 522 is favorable for the diffusion and reaction of the sterilant during the sterilization process, and has the advantage of being highly compatible with sterilization due to the high vaporization efficiency of the sterilant, as well as being able to package and store the sterilized object in a manner that maintains its sterility until it is used.

[0115] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first chamber module 510 or the second chamber module 520 evacuates the air inside the chambers 511 and 521 and the wrappers 512 and 522 through the exhaust by the independent pump module 530 during the sterilization process to reduce the internal pressure, stops the exhaust of the chambers 511 and 521, and repeats the exhaust and degassing of the wrappers 512 and 522, thereby heating the object to be treated stored in the wrappers 512 and 522. Also, according to an embodiment, during this process, the time taken during the exhaust and degassing process of the wrappers 512 and 522 or the time to reach a specific pressure level is measured to calculate the volume and capacity of the object to be treated.

[0116] According to yet another example of the present invention, after the internal treated object is heated by evacuating and degassing the wrapping papers 512 and 522, the wrapping papers 512 and 522 are thoroughly evacuated at a specified pressure level, and then the level of internal pressure increase as the wrapping papers are degassed again is measured to measure the amount of residual moisture inside the treated object or the wrapping papers 512 and 522.

[0117] After the volume measurement, heating and removal of residual moisture for the objects to be treated are completed, a sterilant is injected to sterilize the objects to be treated contained in the wrappers 512 and 522. During this process, the chambers 511 and 521 are evacuated through the independent pump module 530, or are evacuated to a specified pressure level and then sealed so that they cannot be evacuated.

[0118] According to an embodiment, the first chamber module 510 and the second chamber module 520 directly accommodate objects to be treated in the respective chambers 511 and 521 without wrappers 512 and 522, and the objects to be treated accommodated in the chambers 511 and 521 are sterilized through a process in which a sterilant is supplied and diffused through the sterilant injectors 513 and 514 and a process in which the supplied sterilant is exhausted. That is, the sterilization process using the wrappers 512 and 522 and the sterilization process using the chambers 511 and 521 are supported to be performed according to a user's selection in consideration of the size, type, and usage form of the objects to be treated after sterilization.

[0119] In such a case, the independent pump module 530 is configured to operate in accordance with predetermined or command from the control unit since the air exhaust time and exhaust time are different between the sterilization process using the wrappers 512 and 522 and the sterilization process using the chambers 511 and 521.

[0120] The sterilization process in chambers 511 and 521 is carried out using TYVEK® pouches that are commonly used in medical low-temperature plasma sterilizers. TYVEK® film is a method that allows a sterilant to pass through to sterilize the object inside, but does not allow microorganisms to pass through, ensuring sterility preservation. In such cases, a sterilant injection section that supplies a suitable sterilant is adopted and connected to operate.

[0121] The sterilization process using the wrappers 512 and 522 operates in such a way that a needle is connected to the silicone pad of the wrappers 512 and 522 to directly supply sterilant into the wrappers 512 and 522, and directly removes the sterilant remaining after the sterilization process. After the entire process is completed, the needle is removed and the container is completely sealed in a vacuum state to ensure sterility and preservation.

[0122] In some embodiments, the stand-alone pump module 530 receives operational instructions from the first chamber module 510, the second chamber module 520, and an external control module (e.g., a computing device containing a management program) and performs pumping operations.

[0123] According to an embodiment, the independent pump module 530 is continuously driven in an exhaust state during the sterilization process of the first chamber module 510 and / or the second chamber module 520. The first chamber module 510 and / or the second chamber module 520 in which the sterilization process is performed have a branched connection structure (e.g., valves, etc.) inside so that exhaust can be performed from the respective chambers 511 and 521 and wrappers 512 and 522. Exhaust or sealing is performed through the connection structure (e.g., valves, etc.).

[0124] In another embodiment, the stand-alone pump module 530 has a connection arrangement for the chamber 511 and wrapper 512 of the first chamber module 510 and the chamber 521 and wrapper 522 of the second chamber module 520. The connection arrangement includes a valve or the like to evacuate or seal the chambers 511 and 521 and the wrappers 512 and 522, respectively.

[0125] When the independent pump module 530 simultaneously exhausts the first chamber module 510 and the second chamber module 520, the pressure of the first chamber module 510 and the pressure of the second chamber module 520 are different from each other, and air flows from the chamber module with the higher pressure to the chamber module with the lower pressure. To prevent this, the independent pump module 530 includes a backflow prevention module such as a check valve on the side of the module 532 where the tube branches, which is connected to each chamber module.

[0126] According to yet another embodiment, a first chamber module 510 has a coupling structure 516 on a top, bottom, or side surface. The first chamber module 510 is coupled and secured to a second chamber module 520 having a mating coupling structure 526 on a top, bottom, or side surface that is coupled and secured to the coupling structure 516 of the first chamber module 510.

[0127] Depending on the embodiment, the independent pump module 530 may have a coupling structure (not shown) on the top, bottom, or side surface that mates with the coupling structure of the first chamber module 510 or the second chamber module 520. In this case, the independent pump module 530 and the first chamber module 510 and / or the second chamber module 520 are coupled and fixed to each other.

[0128] According to an embodiment, the independent pump module 530 is configured in a form embedded in a wall or a bottom, rather than being a separate device configuration, and only a connector such as a tube or a power connection line is present in the wall or the bottom.

[0129] According to an embodiment, the first chamber module 510 includes an operation control unit (not shown) through which the injection of the sterilant, the diffusion of the sterilant, the exhaust of the sterilant, and the purification of the sterilant are performed.

[0130] At this time, the operation control unit of the first chamber module 510 defines or controls an operation schedule regarding the exhaust operation of the independent pump module 530 and which tube is connected to the module 532 where the tube branches during exhaust.

[0131] In some embodiments, the module 532 into which the tube branches may be configured with a valve that may be closed or opened to ensure that exhaust through the tube is only directed to the intended chamber module.

[0132] According to an embodiment, the tube branching module 532 operates to perform exhaust through a plurality of tubes, and at this time, operates to extend the exhaust time or increase the exhaust intensity.

[0133] According to yet another embodiment, the operation control unit of the first chamber module 510 obtains required information of an integrated process of storing and sterilizing the workpiece from the second chamber module 520, and defines or controls an operation schedule based on this information.

[0134] In some embodiments, the required information for the sterilization process includes information regarding the volume, surface area size, or moisture content of the workpiece to be sterilized.

[0135] According to an embodiment, through an initial pumping process in which air is injected into the wrapping papers 512 and 522, the volume and surface area size of the object to be treated are derived from the relationship between the pressure value of the wrapping papers 512 and 522 and the time during which the air is injected.

[0136] According to yet another embodiment, the operation control unit of the first chamber module 510 calculates the point at which an exhaust step is required in the sterilization process of the first chamber module 510 and the second chamber module 520 where a sterilization process is required, adjusts the point at which the exhaust step is required in each module, and schedules the point at which the sterilization process is completed latest among the chamber modules 510 and 520 as the earliest.

[0137] According to an embodiment, the operation control unit newly defines the operation schedule every time a sterilization process is requested from a connected chamber module.

[0138] Depending on the embodiment, the operation controller may be included in the first chamber module 510, the second chamber module 520, or the stand-alone pump module 530, configured as a separate device, or functioning through a server or an external computer.

[0139] According to an embodiment, the operation control unit synchronizes the sterilization processes performed in the two chamber modules by delaying a specific process in an apparatus in which the sterilization processes are performed faster if the sterilization processes are performed at a certain time interval in the first chamber module 510 and the second chamber module 520. The faster the sterilization process is performed in each chamber module, the more important it is to have reliability in the sterilization process. However, when each chamber module is exhausted by a single independent pump module and a different stage of the sterilization process is performed, it may not be possible to adjust to a desired pressure level due to a backflow of air, which may cause malfunction.

[0140] According to yet another embodiment, the first chamber module 510 includes a sterilant injection section 513 that injects a sterilant into the impermeable wrapper 512 and a vaporizer 514 that heats and vaporizes the sterilant.

[0141] The second chamber module 520 also includes a sterilant injector 523 for injecting a sterilant into the impermeable wrapping paper 522, and a vaporizer 524 for heating and vaporizing the sterilant.

[0142] At this time, the independent pump module 530 evacuates the air from the chambers 511 and 521, increasing the volume of the impermeable wrappers 512 and 522, thereby increasing the efficiency with which the vaporized sterilant diffuses into the impermeable wrappers 512 and 522. This is because the impermeable wrappers 512 and 522 swell, providing space for the sterilant to diffuse.

[0143] In some embodiments, vaporizers 514 and 524 are directly coupled to wrappers 512 and 522 to provide air and sterilant, and vaporizers 514 and 524 are also coupled to chambers 511 and 521 to provide air and sterilant.

[0144] Additionally, the vaporizers 514 and 524 are connected to an independent pump module 530 for independent pressure control, whereby the pressure of the vaporizers 514 and 524 is controlled, thereby controlling the pressure of the impermeable wrappers 512 and 522.

[0145] According to an embodiment, the independent pump module 530 is connected to the chambers 511 and 521, the wrappers 512 and 522, or the vaporizers 514 and 524 to inject or evacuate air. Thus, the pressure of each of the chambers 511 and 521, the wrappers 512 and 522, and the vaporizers 514 and 524 is independently controlled.

[0146] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vaporizers 514 and 524 supply air to the wrappers 512 and 522 through vaporization to increase the internal heating efficiency.

[0147] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, an exhaust port (not shown) is provided for exhausting the sterilant supplied to the chambers 511 and 521 or the impermeable wrappers 512 and 522, and the exhaust port is connected to a plasma generator or catalyst.

[0148] In some embodiments, the stand-alone pump module 530 also includes an inlet that is coupled to the same or a separate plasma generating device or catalyst.

[0149] According to an embodiment, the first chamber module 510 and the second chamber module 520 are provided with a number of valves (not shown) that are opened or closed when evacuating the wrappers 512 and 522 and the chambers 511 and 521, through which the sterilant is injected and evacuated, and the impermeable wrappers 512 and 522 and the chambers 511 and 521 are degassed in a waiting state.

[0150] According to another embodiment, the second chamber module 520 is configured to be coupled to a second stand-alone pump module (not shown) which is coupled to a third chamber module (not shown).

[0151] In such a case, the second chamber module 520 is pumped by either the stand-alone pump module 530 or the second stand-alone pump module, or both.

[0152] According to an embodiment, as the sterilization process is performed in the first chamber module 510 and the third chamber module (not shown), the second chamber module 520 is evacuated by either one or both of the independent pump module 530 and the second independent pump module in consideration of the operational information of the independent pump module 530 and the second independent pump module.

[0153] According to an embodiment, the second chamber module 520 selects one of the independent pump module 530 and the second independent pump module that is not performing an evacuation operation, and connects to the selected independent pump module to perform evacuation.

[0154] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary set of steps by which the sterilization system of FIG. 5 can perform a sterilization operation.

[0155] Referring to FIG. 6, a sterilization method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a step (S610) of connecting a first chamber module, a second chamber module, and a stand-alone pump module, a step (S620) of requesting a sterilization process from the first chamber module, a step (S630) of the stand-alone pump module performing an exhaust operation for the first chamber module, a step (S640) of requesting a sterilization process from the second chamber module, and a step (S650) of the stand-alone pump module performing an exhaust operation for the second chamber module.

[0156] Depending on the embodiment, step S610 includes a step of connecting and fixing the upper surface or side of the first chamber module and the lower surface or side of the second chamber module by a connecting structure, or connecting and fixing the upper surface or side of the first chamber module and the lower surface or side of the stand-alone pump module by a connecting structure.

[0157] According to an embodiment, the method includes a step of connecting the independent pump module to the first chamber module via a power supply line to receive power, and connecting the independent pump module to the first chamber module and the second chamber module through a branched tube.

[0158] According to an embodiment, step S650 further includes a step of obtaining information regarding the sterilization process requirements of the second chamber module and defining an operation schedule in which the branch points of the tube are closed or opened to inject or exhaust air in the first chamber module and / or the second chamber module.

[0159] According to another embodiment, step S630 further includes evacuating the chamber of the first chamber module, extracting, vaporizing, and injecting a sterilant into the chamber of the first chamber module, evacuating the sterilant from the chamber of the first chamber module, and degassing the chamber of the first chamber module.

[0160] 7 is a schematic diagram showing a sterilization system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG 7, the sterilization system is configured such that four chamber modules 710, 720, 730, 740 are connected to a stand-alone pump module 750 having two pumps 751 and 752.

[0161] According to an embodiment, each of the chamber modules 710, 720, 730, 740 includes a backflow prevention module 741, such as a check valve, in an exhaust line connected to a stand-alone pump module 750 to perform exhaust.

[0162] Such a backflow prevention module is also provided in the tubes to which each of the pumps 751 and 752 of the stand-alone pump module 750 is connected.

[0163] Each of the chamber modules 710, 720, 730, and 740 includes a plasma generator 742 in an exhaust line connected to an independent pump module 750 for exhausting the gas.

[0164] In some embodiments, a stand-alone pump module 750 includes a plasma generator 754 in an intake line coupled to each of the chamber modules 710 , 720 , 730 , 740 .

[0165] In some embodiments, a stand-alone pump module 750 is coupled to a plasma generator 754 for neutralizing the sterilant or catalyst, and each chamber module 710, 720, 730, 740 is free of the plasma generator 742, allowing for a more integrated system configuration.

[0166] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first pump 751 of the independent pump module 750 is connected to the first chamber module 710 and the second chamber module 720, and a second pump 752 is connected to the third chamber module 730 and the fourth chamber module 740, and exhaust for each connected chamber is performed through each pump.

[0167] According to an embodiment, the first pump 751 and the second pump 752 are connected by a tube having a backflow prevention module 753, and exhaust through the first pump 751 is also performed in the third chamber module 730 or the fourth chamber module 740.

[0168] Through this, when evacuation is required in only some of the chamber modules 710, 720, 730, and 740, all or some of the pumps are controlled to be driven.

[0169] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a sterilization system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0170] For ease of explanation, FIG. 8 shows a chamber module 810 in which a sterilization process is performed through a sterilization system 800 according to an embodiment of the present invention, a pump module 820 that evacuates the chamber module 810, and a connection part 830 that connects the chamber module 810 and the pump module 820 to allow the exhausted air to flow.

[0171] The sterilization system 800 according to one embodiment of the present invention is also referred to as a chemical sterilizer, a medical sterilizer, or a low temperature plasma sterilizer.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 8, sterilization system 800 includes a chamber module 810 having a chamber 811 in which objects to be sterilized are stored and a sterilant is supplied to sterilize the objects, a pump module 820 having a pump 821 that exhausts the internal air of the chamber module 810, and a connection unit 830 that connects the chamber module 810 and the pump module 820 to allow the internal air to flow.

[0173] According to an embodiment, in the sterilization system 800, the chamber module 810 and the pump module 820 are independently and separately arranged in an exterior form.

[0174] Depending on the embodiment, in the sterilization system 800, the arrangement of the chamber module 810 and the pump module 820 can be changed independently depending on the shape, adjustment, etc. of the connection part 830.

[0175] According to an embodiment, the chamber module 810 includes a chamber 811 in which the workpiece is stored, and a passage 812 that connects a connection part 830 connected outside the chamber module 810 to the inside of the chamber module 810 and connects to the chamber 811.

[0176] The chamber 811 has a space in which an object to be processed is housed and sealed.

[0177] The passage 812 connects the chamber 811 and the connecting portion 830 , and is a path through which the air inside the chamber 811 flows to the connecting portion 830 when the air inside the chamber 811 is exhausted by the pump module 820 .

[0178] According to an embodiment, the pump module 820 includes a pump 821 for intake, and a passage 822 that connects a connection part 830 connected on the outside of the pump module 820 to the inside of the pump module 820 and connects to the pump 821.

[0179] The pump 821 is connected to suck in the desired air, and may be a vacuum pump according to an embodiment.

[0180] The passage 822 connects the pump 821 and the connecting portion 830, and is a path through which air flows so that the air flowing within the connecting portion 830 moves to the pump 821 due to the operation of the pump 821.

[0181] In this specification, air does not mean only the atmosphere, but also means a gas in a specific space with a different composition ratio from the atmosphere. In addition, air in this specification may also include liquid or solid substances that can flow with the gas. For example, the air inside a chamber in this specification includes not only the gas inside the chamber, but also the sterilant or contaminants attached to the object to be treated.

[0182] According to an embodiment, the connection part 830 connects the chamber module 810 and the pump module 820 and is a path through which the air inside the chamber module 810 drawn by the pump module 820 flows.

[0183] 9A to 9C are diagrams illustrating different arrangements of the chamber and the pump in a sterilization system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0184] Referring to FIG. 9A, the connecting portion 830a connects the chamber module 810 and the pump module 820, and has a hollow tubular shape.

[0185] According to an embodiment, the position of a point 910a where the connector 830a is connected to the chamber module 810 is fixed but rotatable. Therefore, when the chamber module 810 is used as a reference, the position of the pump module 820 relative to the chamber module 810 changes as the connector 830a rotates around the connection point 910a.

[0186] Depending on the embodiment, the position of the point 910a connected to the chamber module 810 may be changed. For example, the point 910a may have a path for moving in the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, or the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion 830a of the chamber module 810, or may be made of an elastic material.

[0187] Also, according to an embodiment, the connecting portion 830a is made of a flexible material and its shape can be freely changed, so that the position of the pump module 820 based on the chamber module 810 can be changed more variably.

[0188] Further, depending on the embodiment, the connecting portion 830a may be elastic or have a structure that can be extended or contracted in the longitudinal direction, so that the position of the pump module 820 based on the chamber module 810 can be changed more freely.

[0189] In some embodiments, a link 830a made of a flexible material has a support frame 920a made of a stiff material.

[0190] The support frame 920a is spring-shaped and is positioned inside or outside the connecting portion 830a to prevent damage or change in shape of the connecting portion 830a due to air flowing inside the connecting portion 830a.

[0191] Depending on the embodiment, the support frame 920a may be a plurality of rings, which may be positioned continuously or at regular intervals along the length of the connecting portion 830a, or may be bands extending along the length of the connecting portion 830a, which may be positioned continuously or at regular intervals around the connecting portion 830a.

[0192] Referring to FIG. 9B, the connecting portion 830b connects the chamber module 810 and the pump module 820, has a hollow tubular shape, is made of a rigid material, and has a fixed shape.

[0193] According to an embodiment, the position of a point 910b where the connector 830b is connected to the chamber module 810 and the shape of the connector 830b are fixed, but the connector 830b is free to rotate. When the chamber module 810 is used as a reference, the connector 830b rotates about the point 910b where the pump module 820 is connected, thereby changing the position of the pump module 820.

[0194] Depending on the embodiment, the position of the connecting point 910b of the connecting portion 830b may be changed, and the length of the connecting portion 830b may be extended or shortened, similar to the embodiment of the connecting portion 830a.

[0195] Referring to FIG. 9C, the connecting portion 830c connects the chamber module 810 and the pump module 820, has a hollow tubular shape, is made of a rigid material, and is variable in shape.

[0196] Depending on the embodiment, the shape of the connecting part 830c is determined when the sterilization system 800 is deployed. For example, the connecting part 830c is a tube made of a rigid material with an empty interior, and is connected to a long tube 840c and a coupling part 850c that is coupled to the tube and allows the tube to rotate at a certain angle. At this time, the shape is determined by connecting the tubes 840c of various lengths to the coupling part 850c that allows the tubes to rotate at various angles. Depending on the embodiment, the number of the connecting parts, tubes, and coupling parts, the connecting structure, etc. may be variously modified.

[0197] Through this, the coupling portion 830c allows various arrangements of the chamber module 810 and the pump module 820.

[0198] In some embodiments, the connector 830c is fixed in shape by the combination of the tube 840c and the connector 850c, and then rotates, allowing the connected point 910c to be repositioned and lengthened or shortened.

[0199] In some embodiments, connector 830 is comprised of a combination of connectors made of a flexible material and connectors made of a rigid material.

[0200] In some embodiments, the coupling 830 is made of a rigid material inside the interior air flow path.

[0201] In some embodiments, the rigid material contained within the interior air flow path is fire resistant.

[0202] In some embodiments, the connection 830 may include a rigid or fire-resistant material inside the internal air flow path to prevent damage or deformation due to materials (e.g., residual sterilant, etc.) contained in the internal air flowing inside the path.

[0203] Through this, the connector 830 is not damaged or deformed even if sterilization is repeatedly performed, ensuring repeated reliability.

[0204] In some embodiments, the coupling 830 is made of a solid material outside of the interior air flow path.

[0205] As a result, the connector 830 is prevented from being damaged or broken due to external physical impact.

[0206] For example, if the path is damaged or deformed, the pumping speed will decrease, causing problems such as low sterilization reliability. Therefore, the connection portion 830 includes a hard material or a fire-resistant material on the inside or outside of the path through which the internal air flows to solve the problem of low sterilization reliability.

[0207] According to an embodiment, the length of the connecting part 830 is within 1.5 m. If the connecting part 830 is longer, the pumping by the pump module 820 cannot be effectively transmitted to the chamber module 810, so the maximum length should not exceed 1.5 m in order to meet the effective pumping speed required for the sterilization process. However, the maximum length of the connecting part 830 varies depending on the pumping speed, the capacity of the chamber, the volume of the effective sterilization target, etc.

[0208] In some embodiments, the connection 830 is an air flow tube cable.

[0209] According to an embodiment, the sterilization system 800 further includes a control unit (not shown) that derives information regarding the length of the connecting portion 830 using a user input or a value measured through the pumping operation (e.g., the time it takes to pump until a specific pressure level is reached, a pressure value measured inside the chamber 811, the pump 821 or the connecting portion 830, etc.), and controls at least one of the pumping speed, pumping time, pumping strength, and the driving time for each stage of the sterilization process or the waiting time for each stage of the sterilization process to be operated during the sterilization process using the information regarding the length.

[0210] In some embodiments, the connection portion 830 includes a backflow prevention module to prevent air from flowing in the opposite direction from the chamber module 810 to the pump module 820 , that is, from the pump module 820 back into the chamber module 810 .

[0211] In some embodiments, a controller (not shown) uses information regarding the length of coupling 830 to control operation of pump 821 .

[0212] In some embodiments, a controller (not shown) controls the intensity or duration of operation of the pump.

[0213] In some embodiments, a control unit (not shown) performs a trial operation mode in which the pump module 820 is operated at a preset reference value for operating intensity or time.

[0214] In some embodiments, the control unit (not shown) determines the suitability of the arrangement of the pump module 820 by the coupling unit 830 through a trial operation mode.

[0215] According to an embodiment, in determining suitability, the control unit (not shown) determines whether the operation of the pump module 820 is sufficient to exhaust the internal air of the chamber module 810 through the exhaust amount or exhaust time.

[0216] According to an embodiment, a control unit (not shown) determines the operation intensity or time of the pump module 820 in the operation modes other than the trial operation mode based on the exhaust volume or exhaust time measured through the trial operation mode.

[0217] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a chamber module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a pump module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0218] 10 and 11, a chamber module 1000 includes a chamber 1010, a cartridge 1020, a sterilant providing section 1030, a sterilant extracting section 1040, a connecting pipe section 1050, and a chamber housing 1060.

[0219] Depending on the embodiment, the chamber module 1000 selectively operates in a chamber mode in which the object to be sterilized (processed object) is stored in the chamber 1010 and sterilization is performed, and a pouch mode in which the object to be sterilized is stored in the wrapping paper 1023 of the cartridge 1020 and sterilization is performed.

[0220] In some embodiments, the chamber 1010 is a structure for housing an object to be sterilized (a processing target) therein, or for supporting or housing a cartridge 1020. In some embodiments, the chamber 1010 is sealed so that a vacuum is applied thereto.

[0221] The cartridge 1020 includes a sterilant container 1021, an injection portion 1022, and a wrapper 1023.

[0222] In some embodiments, the cartridge 1020 is secured to the chamber 1010 .

[0223] According to an embodiment, the sterilant container 1021 has a certain internal space for storing or storing a sterilant used for sterilization, and stores a sterilant such as hydrogen peroxide solution inside. The sterilant container 1021 is sealed by a sealant to prevent the stored sterilant from flowing out. At this time, the sealant has elasticity so that a sterilant flow path (e.g., a hole created by a sharp object such as a needle) that is open on the outer surface of the sterilant container 1021 for extraction of the sterilant can be closed again.

[0224] In some embodiments, the sealant is made of a resilient silicone, rubber, synthetic resin, or the like, and is made of a material that is compatible with the sterilant and can be penetrated by a sharp object.

[0225] In another embodiment, the sterilant container 1021 further includes a film between the sealant and the sterilant storage space to prevent the sterilant from leaking out. In some embodiments, the film is made of a material that does not react chemically with the sterilant but can be penetrated by a sharp object.

[0226] The injection unit 1022 supplies a sterilant to the chamber 1010 or the wrapper 1023 through the cartridge 1020, or reduces pressure inside the wrapper 1023. To perform these functions, the injection unit 1022 includes a passage connected to the chamber 1010 or the wrapper 1023.

[0227] The injection portion 1022 has an elastic seal that can be pierced by a sharp object such as a needle, and after being pierced to deliver sterilant or evacuate to reduce pressure, the pierced portion closes again and the wrapper 1023 returns to a sealed state.

[0228] The wrapping paper 1023 is hermetically coupled to the main body of the cartridge 1020, and the object to be treated is housed therein. However, the chamber module 1000 operated only in the above-mentioned chamber mode is configured without the wrapping paper 1023.

[0229] According to an embodiment, the wrapping paper 1023 has one side open for storing the object before the object is stored, and the open side is sealed and bonded so that the object is sealed after the object is stored. For example, the wrapping paper 1023 is sealed by using a method of thermocompression bonding the open side.

[0230] According to an embodiment, the cartridge 1020 further includes a tag (not shown). The tag means a representation such as a barcode or a QR code that can identify information about the cartridge 1020, and is formed on one side of the cartridge 1020 so that the sterilization system can be identified.

[0231] The sterilant supply unit 1030 includes a pipe 1033 that receives the sterilant extracted from the sterilant extraction unit 1040, a vaporizer 1032 that heats and vaporizes the sterilant received through the pipe 1033, and a needle 1031 that penetrates the sealing material that seals the injection unit 1022.

[0232] The sterilant extraction unit 1040 includes a needle 1041 that pierces the sealing material that seals the sterilant container 1021, a first valve 1042 that controls the flow of the sterilant, and a drive unit 1043 that moves the needle 1041 up and down.

[0233] The chamber housing 1060 is a case of the chamber module. The chamber housing 1060 protects the internal components constituting the chamber module from external impacts and is a space that is separated from the outside to a certain extent, thereby preventing the sterilization process from being affected by the external environment. In particular, the chamber housing 1060 separates the chamber module 1000 from the pump module 1100 as an independent and separate device, and can be disposed independently with little effect from the pump module 1100.

[0234] According to an embodiment, the chamber housing 1060 further includes a coupling portion 1061 to which a coupling portion that couples the chamber module 1000 and the pump module 1100 is coupled.

[0235] Depending on the embodiment, the coupling portion 1061 may be configured to be fixed in position and move up and down, left and right, and / or in depth.

[0236] The pump module 1100 includes a pump 1110, a second valve 1120 for controlling the flow of gas, a filter 1130, and a pump housing 1140.

[0237] The filter 1130 is connected to the pump 1110 or is provided in a portion of the pump housing 1140 where the external and internal air flows, and removes harmful components contained in the gas when the gas is exhausted from the chamber module 1000 to the outside by the operation of the pump 1110. According to an embodiment, the filter 1130 is a deodorizing filter or an ozone (O3) filter for purifying sterilant components contained in the gas or contaminants separated from the object to be treated.

[0238] The pump housing 1140 is a case of the pump module. The pump housing 1140 protects the internal components of the pump module from external impacts and is a space that is partitioned off from the outside by a certain amount.

[0239] According to an embodiment, the pump housing 1140 further includes a fan for discharging air inside the pump module 1100 to the outside. According to an embodiment, the pump module 1100 includes a filter 1130 in a path through which the air inside the pump module 1100 is discharged to the outside.

[0240] FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a sterilization method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0241] Referring to FIG. 12, a sterilization method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a step of mounting a cartridge 1020 in a chamber module 1000 of a sterilization system (S1210), a step of acquiring information through a tag (not shown) displayed on the cartridge 1020 (S1220), a step of selecting chamber mode or pouch mode (S1230), a step of performing sterilization in pouch mode (S1240-1), and a step of performing sterilization in chamber mode (S1240-2).

[0242] In step S1210, the cartridge 1020 is mounted in the chamber module 1000 of the sterilization system. Depending on the embodiment, the wrapper 1023 of the cartridge 1020 or the chamber 1010 of the chamber module 1000 accommodates an object to be sterilized (an object to be processed).

[0243] Depending on the embodiment, in step S1210, the sterilization system receives information regarding where the object to be treated is placed, either in the wrapper 1023 of the cartridge 1020 or in the chamber 1010 of the chamber module 1000.

[0244] In step S1220, the sterilization system uses the information obtained through the tag (not shown) to determine whether the cartridge 1020 is normal or has been reused. In some embodiments, in step S1220, the sterilization system uses the information obtained through the tag (not shown) to extract information regarding whether the object to be treated is placed in the wrapper 1023 of the cartridge 1020 or in the chamber 1010 of the chamber module 1000.

[0245] In step S1230, the sterilization system selects whether the sterilization operation is in chamber mode or pouch mode using at least one of the user's input, information acquired from the cartridge, information regarding where the object is stored in the chamber or wrapper, and information regarding whether the cartridge has a wrapper. Depending on the embodiment, the sterilization system selects whether the sterilization operation is in chamber mode or pouch mode using the wrapper 1023 of the cartridge 1020 extracted in step S1220 and information regarding where the object is stored in the chamber 1010 of the chamber module 1000.

[0246] In the chamber mode, the chamber 1010 is used as a space in which a sterilizing agent is injected and a sterilization process is carried out, and in the pouch mode, the wrapping paper 1023 is used as a space in which a sterilizing agent is injected and a sterilization process is carried out.

[0247] If the chamber mode is selected through S1230, the sterilization system performs a step (S1240-1) of performing sterilization in pouch mode, and if the pouch mode is selected through S1230, the sterilization system performs a step (S1240-2) of performing sterilization in chamber mode.

[0248] The process for sterilization in pouch mode (S1240-1) includes a needle moving process (S1241-1), a process for evacuating the chamber and wrapper (S1242-1), a process for extracting the sterilant (S1243-1), a process for injecting the sterilant into the wrapper (S1244-1), a process for evacuating the sterilant from the wrapper (S1245-1), and a process for degassing the chamber and wrapper (S1246-1).

[0249] In step S1241-1, the driving unit 1043 of the sterilization system moves the needle 1041 of the sterilant extracting unit 1040 and the needle 1031 of the sterilant providing unit 1030 toward the cartridge 1020 to penetrate the sealant of the sterilant container 1021 and the sealant of the injection unit 1022. In some embodiments, the driving unit 1043 is configured to move the needle 1041 of the sterilant extracting unit 1040 and the needle 1031 of the sterilant providing unit 1030 independently and individually.

[0250] According to an embodiment, before performing step S1241-1, the sterilization system exhausts the air inside the chamber 1010 as in step S1241-2 to ensure the airtightness of the chamber 1010. For example, the chamber 1010 includes a chamber door (not shown), which is opened to accommodate the object to be treated, and then closed to seal the chamber door. At this time, when the chamber door in which the object to be treated is accommodated is closed, the sterilization system exhausts the air inside the chamber 1010 and closes the chamber door more airtightly to ensure the airtightness.

[0251] In step S1242-1, the sterilization system connects the sterilant provider 1030 to the pump 1110, and then operates the pump 1110, the first valve 1042 of the sterilant extractor 1040, and the second valve 1120 of the pump module 1100 (the first valve 1042 is closed and the second valve 1120 is open) to evacuate the gas inside the wrapper 1023 through the inner tube of the needle 1031 of the sterilant provider 1030 or the passage of the injection unit 1022 to reduce the pressure. According to an embodiment, in step S1242-1, the sterilization system connects the chamber 1010 to the pump 1110 to further evacuate the air inside the chamber 1010. According to an embodiment, the sterilization system simultaneously evacuates the air inside the wrapper 1023 and the chamber 1010.

[0252] In step S1243-1, the sterilization system connects the sterilant extraction section 1040 and the pump 1110, and then extracts the sterilant stored in the sterilant container 1021 using the pressure difference across the inner tube of the needle 1041 of the sterilant extraction section 1040 through the operation of the pump 1110, the first valve 1042 of the sterilant extraction section 1040, and the second valve 1120 of the pump module 1100 (the first valve 1042 opens and the second valve 1120 closes).

[0253] In step S1244-1, the sterilization system transfers the extracted sterilant to the vaporizer 1032 through the piping 1031 of the sterilant provider 1030 using a pressure difference or gravity, and injects the sterilant vaporized in the vaporizer 1032 into the wrapper 1023 using a pressure difference through the inner tube of the needle 1031 of the sterilant provider 1030 or the passage of the injection unit 1022 of the cartridge 1020. Through this, the sterilization system allows the vaporized sterilant to diffuse and move inside the wrapper 1023 to sterilize the object to be treated.

[0254] According to an embodiment, in step S1242-1, the connecting piping unit of the sterilization system connects the exhaust from the connected pump module 1100 to the chamber 1010 to reduce the pressure in the chamber 1010, and the wrapper 1023 expands, making it easier to inject or diffuse the sterilant. In step S1244-1, if a path for the sterilant to flow is formed through the inner tube of the needle 1031 of the sterilant providing unit 1030 or the passage of the injection unit 1022 of the cartridge 1020, the internal pressure of the wrapper 1023 is higher than the internal pressure of the chamber 1010, and the wrapper 1023 expands to secure a predetermined volume, and the sterilant diffuses into the wrapper 1023 due to this pressure difference.

[0255] In step S1245-1, the sterilization system exhausts the gas and sterilant from inside the wrapper 1023 through the inner tube of the needle 1031 of the sterilant supply unit 1030 or the passage of the injection unit 1022 by operating the pump 1110, the first valve 1042 of the sterilant extraction unit 1040, and the second valve 1120 of the pump module 1100 (the first valve 1042 is closed and the second valve 1120 is open). According to an embodiment, the pump module 1100 places a filter 1130 in the path that discharges the exhausted gas and sterilant to the pump module, and purifies and discharges them. According to an embodiment, the chamber module 1000 places a plasma treatment unit (not shown) in the exhaust path to decompose the sterilant.

[0256] In step S1246-1, the sterilization system vents the chamber 1010 and degass the wrapper 1023 using needles 1031 and 1041. In some embodiments, a filter (not shown) is provided in the path of outside air to vent the chamber 1010 and wrapper 1023.

[0257] In some embodiments, in step S1246-1, the sterilization system vents the chamber 1010 but does not vent the wrapper 1023, thereby making the wrapper 1023 sterility certified.

[0258] In some embodiments, the sterility assurance is a vacuum seal.

[0259] Depending on the embodiment, in step S1246-1, the sterilization system returns needles 1031 and 1041 to their original positions.

[0260] The process for sterilization in chamber mode (S1240-2) includes the steps of evacuating the internal air of the chamber 1010 (S1241-2), extracting the sterilant (S1242-2), injecting the sterilant into the chamber (S1243-2), evacuating the sterilant from the chamber (S1244-2), and venting the chamber (S1245-2).

[0261] In step S1241-2, the sterilization system connects the chamber 1010 to the pump 1110, and exhausts the air inside the chamber 1010 by driving the pump 1110, thereby reducing the internal pressure of the chamber 1010.

[0262] In step S1242-2, the sterilization system connects the sterilant extraction section 1040 and the pump 1110, and then extracts the sterilant stored in the sterilant container 1021 using the pressure difference caused by the inner tube of the needle 1041 of the sterilant extraction section 1040 through the operation of the pump 1110, the first valve 1042 of the sterilant extraction section 1040, and the second valve 1120 of the pump module 1100 (the first valve 1042 opens and the second valve 1120 closes).

[0263] In some embodiments, the sterilization system defines steps S1243-1 and S1242-2 as the same action.

[0264] In step S1243-2, the sterilization system transfers the extracted sterilant to the vaporizer 1032 through the pipe 1031 of the sterilant provider 1030 using a pressure difference or gravity, and injects the sterilant vaporized in the vaporizer 1032 into the chamber 1010 through the inner tube of the needle 1031 of the sterilant provider 1030 or the passage of the injection unit 1022 of the cartridge 1020 using a pressure difference. Through this, the sterilization system sterilizes the object to be treated housed in the chamber 1010 by diffusing and moving the vaporized sterilant into the wrapper 1010. At this time, the sterilant flows into the chamber 1010 in a state of low internal pressure through step S1241-2, allowing it to diffuse more efficiently.

[0265] In some embodiments, the sterilization system defines steps S1244-1 and S1243-2 as the same action.

[0266] In step S1244-2, the sterilization system evacuates the gas and sterilant inside the chamber 1010 through the inner tube of the needle 1031 of the sterilant supply section 1030 or the passage of the injection section 1022 by operating the pump 1110, the first valve 1042 of the sterilant extraction section 1040, and the second valve 1120 of the pump module 1100 (the first valve 1042 is closed and the second valve 1120 is open).

[0267] In step S1245-2, the sterilization system vents the chamber 1010.

[0268] Depending on the embodiment, in step S1245-2, the sterilization system returns the needle 1041 of the sterilant extraction unit 1040 or the needle 1031 of the sterilant supply unit 1030 to its original position.

[0269] FIG. 13 is a view showing a connection state between a sterilization apparatus and an additional chamber module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0270] 13, a sterilization apparatus 1200 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a pump module 1300 and a basic chamber module 1400-1, and additional chamber modules 1400-2 and 1400-3 are selectively connected to the pump module 1300.

[0271] The sterilization apparatus 1200 and the additional chamber modules 1400-2 and 1400-3 are connected to each other to form a single sterilization system.

[0272] The pump module 1300 and the additional chamber modules 1400-2 and 1400-3 are divided into independent modules based on the outer housings of the pump module 1300 and the additional chamber modules 1400-2 and 1400-3, respectively.

[0273] The additional chamber modules 1400-2 and 1400-3 are configured in a form independent of the sterilization apparatus 1200 and are connected to the pump module 1300 via external tubes 1210-1 and 1210-2.

[0274] FIG. 13 illustrates an example in which two additional chamber modules 1400-2 and 1400-3 are connected to the pump module 1300, but the number of additional chamber modules 1400-2 and 1400-3 that can be connected is at least one.

[0275] Depending on the embodiment, each of the basic chamber module 1400-1 and the additional chamber modules 1400-2 and 1400-3 includes a chamber (not shown) for housing the object to be treated, and a vaporizer (not shown) connected to the chamber for supplying vaporized sterilant.

[0276] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the pump module shown in FIG.

[0277] Referring to Figures 13 and 14, the pump module 1300A includes a housing 1310, a pump 1320, a plurality of inner tubes 1331A and 1332A, a plurality of valves 1341 to 1343, a first coupling 1351, a plurality of second couplings 1352 and 1353, a filter 1360, and a processor 1315.

[0278] The housing 1310 is configured to surround each component (eg, 1320 to 1370) of the pump module 1300A, and protects each component (eg, 1320 to 1370) of the pump module 1300A from external impacts and the like.

[0279] The pump 1320 is built into the pump module 1300A, and draws in internal air from the basic chamber module 1400-1 and at least one of the additional chamber modules 1400-2 and 1400-3 connected to the pump module 1300A, and exhausts the air to the filter 1360 side.

[0280] In some embodiments, the pump 1320 is embodied as a vacuum pump.

[0281] The first inner tube 1331A connects between the pump 1320 and the first coupling portion 1351 to allow the flow of internal air.

[0282] A first valve 1341 is disposed in the first inner tube 1331A, and the first valve 1341 controls the flow of the internal air flowing through the first inner tube 1331A.

[0283] The first coupling portion 1351 couples the basic chamber module 1400-1 and the pump module 1300A.

[0284] According to an embodiment, the first coupling portion 1351 includes a structure for physically coupling and fixing the basic chamber module 1400-1 and the pump module 1300A.

[0285] According to an embodiment, the first coupling portion 1351 has a passage structure therein such that the internal air flows through a sealed path between the basic chamber module 1400-1 and the pump module 1300A.

[0286] According to an embodiment, the first coupling portion 1351 is connected to a chamber (not shown) through a tube inside the basic chamber module 1400-1.

[0287] A second internal tube 1332A connects between the pump 1320 and the second couplings 1352 and 1353 to provide internal air flow.

[0288] According to an embodiment, when at least two or more additional chamber modules 1400-2 and 1400-3 are connected to the pump module 1300A, the second coupling parts 1352 and 1353 are implemented in a plurality of parts as shown in Fig. 14. In this case, the second inner tube 1332A is branched according to the number of the second coupling parts 1352 and 1353 to connect the pump 1320 to each of the second coupling parts 1352 and 1353.

[0289] Second valves 1342 and 1343 are disposed in the respective paths branched off from the second inner tube 1332A, and the second valves 1342 and 1343 control the flow of the internal air flowing through the second inner tube 1331A.

[0290] The filter 1360 is connected to the pump 1320 or is provided at a portion where the external and internal air of the pump housing 1310 flows, and removes harmful components contained in the gas when the gas is exhausted from the chamber modules 1400-1 to 1400-3 to the outside by driving the pump 1320. For example, the filter 1360 is embodied as a deodorizing filter or an O3 filter for purifying sterilant components contained in the gas or contaminants separated from the object to be treated.

[0291] The processor 1370 controls the overall operation of the pump module 1300A.

[0292] In some embodiments, processor 1370 controls the open and closed states of a number of valves 1341-1343.

[0293] According to an embodiment, when one valve (e.g., 1341) among the plurality of valves 1341 to 1343 is controlled to an open state, the remaining valves (e.g., 1342 and 1343) are controlled to a closed state by the processor 1370. At this time, the processor 1370 sequentially opens the plurality of valves 1341 to 1343 according to a predetermined schedule to evacuate the corresponding chamber modules 1400-1 to 1400-3.

[0294] In another embodiment, the processor 1370 controls the first valve 1341 and one of the second valves 1342 and 1343 (e.g., 1342) to an open state, in which case both one of the multiple additional chamber modules 1400-2 and 1400-3 and the basic chamber module 1400-1 are evacuated.

[0295] According to an embodiment, the processor 1370 detects the number of at least one additional chamber module (e.g., 1400-2 and 1400-3) connected through the second coupling parts 1352 and 1353, and controls at least one of the pumping speed, pumping strength, and pumping time of the pump 1320 according to the detected number of additional chamber modules (e.g., 1400-2 and 1400-3). For example, as the detected number of additional chamber modules increases, the pumping speed is increased, the pumping strength is increased, or the pumping time is extended.

[0296] Depending on the embodiment, the pump module 1300A evacuates internal air from chambers within the chamber modules 1400-1 to 1400-3, or from pouches positioned to hold items to be sterilized within the chambers, or from cartridges to which the pouches are coupled.

[0297] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the pump module shown in FIG.

[0298] 13 to 15, according to another embodiment of a pump module 1300B, compared to the pump module 1300A of FIG. 14, there are differences in the structures of the inner tubes 1331B, 1332B-1, 1332B-2, and 1333B.

[0299] The first inner tube 1331B connects between the pump 1320 and the first coupling portion 1351 to allow the internal air to flow.

[0300] Second internal tubes 1332B-1 and 1332B-2 connect between the pump 1320 and second couplings 1352 and 1353 to provide internal air flow.

[0301] The first inner tube 1331B and the second inner tubes 1332B-1 and 1332B-2 are gathered into a third inner tube 1333B which is connected to the pump 1320.

[0302] According to an embodiment, the third inner tube 1333B further includes a backflow prevention module for preventing backflow of the internal gas.

[0303] 16 is a diagram showing a connection state between a sterilization apparatus and an additional chamber module according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG 17 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the sterilization apparatus shown in FIG 16.

[0304] 16 and 17, the sterilization apparatus 1500 includes a pump module 1600 and a basic chamber module 1700-1, and additional chamber modules 1700-2 and 1700-3 are selectively coupled to the sterilization apparatus 1500.

[0305] According to an embodiment, the additional chamber modules 1700-2 and 1700-3 are coupled to the top of the basic chamber module 1700-1 in a stacked manner.

[0306] The pump module 1600 and the basic chamber module 1700-1 of the sterilization apparatus 1500 are divided into mutually independent modules based on the additional chamber modules 1700-2 and 1700-3, respectively, and the external housing.

[0307] Although the case where two additional chamber modules 1700-2 and 1700-3 are connected is illustrated in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, the number of additional chamber modules 1700-2 and 1700-3 that can be connected is at least one.

[0308] The basic chamber module 1700-1 and the additional chamber modules 1700-2 and 1700-3 each include a chamber 1710-1 to 1710-3 for accommodating an object to be treated, and a vaporizer 1720-1 to 1720-3 connected to the chamber for supplying a vaporized sterilant.

[0309] The pump module 1600 includes a pump 1620 , an inner tube 1630 , a valve 1640 , a first coupling 1650 , a filter 1660 , and a processor 1670 .

[0310] Except for the fact that the inner tube 1630 and the corresponding valve 1650 are each constructed as one, and the couplings are constructed at one of the first couplings 1650, the remaining components 1620, 1660, 1670 of the pump module 1600 are substantially identical to the pump module 1300A of FIG. 2 or the pump module 1300B of FIG. 3.

[0311] An inner tube 1630 connects between the pump 1620 and the first coupling 1650 to provide internal air flow.

[0312] A valve 1640 is disposed in the inner tube 1630 , and the valve 1640 controls the flow of inner air through the inner tube 1630 .

[0313] A first coupling portion 1650 of the pump module 1600 couples to a first coupling portion 1751-1 of the basic chamber module 1700-1.

[0314] According to an embodiment, the first coupling portion 1650 of the pump module 1600 includes a structure for physically coupling and fixing to the first coupling portion 1751-1 of the basic chamber module 1700-1.

[0315] According to an embodiment, the first coupling portion 1650 of the pump module 1600 has a passage structure therein so that the internal air of the first coupling portion 1751-1 of the basic chamber module 1700-1 flows through a sealed path.

[0316] Since the additional chamber modules 1700-2 and 1700-3 have the same structure as the basic chamber module 1700-1, the detailed configuration will be described below, focusing on the structure of the basic chamber module 1700-1.

[0317] The basic chamber module 1700-1 includes a chamber 1710-1, a vaporizer 1720-1, inner tubes 1731-1 and 1732-1, a first coupling portion 1751-1, and a second coupling portion 1752-1.

[0318] A first coupling 1751-1 of the basic chamber module 1700-1 couples with a first coupling 1650 of the pump module 1600 to direct the interior air through a sealed path.

[0319] The second coupling 1752-1 of the basic chamber module 1700-1 couples with the first coupling 1751 of the additional chamber module 1700-2 to allow the interior air to flow through a sealed path.

[0320] A first inner tube 1731-1 is connected between the first connecting portion 1751-1 and the second connecting portion 1752-1, and allows internal air to flow therethrough.

[0321] The first internal tube 1731-1 is branched into a second internal tube 1732-1 and connected to the chamber 1710-1 side in order to allow internal air to flow between the chamber 1710-1 and the pump 1620.

[0322] A valve 1740-1 is disposed in the second inner tube 1732-1, and the valve 1740-1 controls the flow of interior air from the chamber 1710-1.

[0323] According to an embodiment, the basic chamber module 1700-1 and the additional chamber modules 1700-2 and 1700-3 are coupled to the pump module 1600 in a stacked form, and a communication path for transmitting and receiving data to and from the pump module 1600 is electrically connected through contacts. In this case, the processor 1670 of the pump module 1600 controls the opening and closing of the valves 1740-1 to 1740-3 of the chamber modules 1700-1 to 1700-3.

[0324] According to an embodiment, when one of the valves 1740-1 to 1740-3 (e.g., 1740-1) is controlled to an open state, the remaining valves (e.g., 1740-2, 1740-3) are controlled to a closed state by the processor 1670. In this case, the processor 1670 sequentially opens the valves 1740-1 to 1740-3 according to a predetermined schedule to exhaust the corresponding chamber modules 1700-1 to 1700-3.

[0325] According to an embodiment, the processor 1770 detects the number of at least one additional chamber module (e.g., 1700-2 and 1700-3) connected, and controls at least one of the pumping speed, pumping strength, and pumping time of the pump 1620 according to the detected number of additional chamber modules (e.g., 1700-2 and 1700-3). For example, as the detected number of additional chamber modules increases, the pumping speed is increased, the pumping strength is increased, or the pumping time is extended. For example, the processor 1770 may detect the number of at least one additional chamber module (e.g., 1700-2 and 1700-3) connected through a pressure change detected on the side of the pump 1620.

[0326] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto.

Claims

1. A pump module including a pump disposed inside a second housing for discharging air from a chamber contained inside a first housing of the chamber module in which an object to be treated is stored and a sterilization process of the object to be treated is performed; a coupling portion that couples the pump module to the chamber module in an independent and repositionable manner, the internal air flows between the chamber module and the pump module, and the outsides of the first housing and the second housing are coupled to each other, and information regarding the length of the coupling portion is used to control the operation of the pump; the pump module includes a passageway that connects the coupling portion connected on the outside of the second housing of the pump module to the inside of the second housing of the pump module and is coupled to the pump; The second housing separates the pump module from the chamber module as a separate and distinct unit.

2. 2. The sterilization pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion has a connection point with the chamber module, a connection point with the pump module, and a length of the connecting portion that are fixed, and the position can be changed by rotation.

3. The sterilization pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the connection portion is fixed at a connection point with the chamber module and a connection point with the pump module, and the position can be changed by adjusting the length of the connection portion and / or rotating the connection portion.

4. 4. The sterilization pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein the length of the connecting portion is 1.5 m or less.

5. A sterilization pump assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that information regarding the length of the connection is measured from user input or operation of the pump.

6. Further comprising a control unit for controlling the operation intensity or time of the pump; The sterilization pump assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control unit judges the suitability of the arrangement by the connection unit in a trial operation mode in which the pump is operated at a reference value, or adjusts a value that controls the pump in an operation mode other than the trial operation mode.

7. 7. The sterilization pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion is provided with a backflow prevention module to prevent the internal air from flowing into the chamber module.

8. The sterilization pump assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the connecting portion is made of a flexible material and contains a fire-resistant material inside the path through which the internal air flows, thereby preventing damage caused by substances contained in the internal air.

9. 9. The sterilization pump assembly according to claim 8, wherein the connecting portion includes a hard material on the outside of the path through which the internal air flows, thereby preventing damage or deformation due to external physical impact.

10. 10. The sterilization pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein the housing is provided with a fan for discharging air inside the housing to the outside of the housing.

11. a chamber module provided inside the first housing, into which a sterilant is supplied to sterilize an object to be treated housed therein, and into which air inside the chamber is exhausted by a pump included in a second housing of the pump module; a coupling portion that connects the chamber module to the pump module in an independent and repositionable manner, the internal air flows between the chamber module and the pump module, and the outsides of the first housing and the second housing are connected to each other, and information regarding the length of the coupling portion is used to control the operation of the pump; the chamber module includes a passageway that connects the coupling portion connected on the outside of the first housing of the chamber module to the inside of the first housing of the chamber module and is coupled to the chamber; The first housing separates the chamber module from the pump module as a separate and distinct unit, forming a sterilization chamber assembly.

12. 12. The sterilization chamber assembly according to claim 11, further comprising a filter disposed in a path for discharging the internal air to the outside of the chamber module.

13. a sterilant container in which the sterilant is stored; 13. The sterilization chamber assembly of claim 11 or 12, further comprising: a vaporizer for supplying the sterilant from the sterilant container, heating and vaporizing the sterilant, and then supplying the sterilant to the chamber.

14. a chamber module including a chamber inside a first housing, the chamber being supplied with a sterilant to sterilize an object to be treated housed therein; a pump module including a pump disposed inside a second housing for discharging internal air of the chamber in the chamber module; a coupling portion that connects the chamber module to the pump module in an independent and repositionable manner, the internal air flows between the chamber module and the pump module, and the outsides of the first housing and the second housing are connected to each other, and information regarding the length of the coupling portion is used to control the operation of the pump; the chamber module includes a passageway that connects the coupling portion connected on the outside of the first housing of the chamber module to the inside of the first housing of the chamber module and is coupled to the chamber; the pump module includes a passageway that connects the coupling portion connected on the outside of the second housing of the pump module to the inside of the second housing of the pump module and is coupled to the pump; A sterilization system, wherein the first housing and the second housing separate the chamber module and the pump module as independent, separate units.

15. the first housing includes a chamber-connection portion to which the connection portion is connected, and surrounds an exterior of the chamber; 15. The sterilization system of claim 14, wherein the second housing includes a pump-to-interface coupling to which the coupling is coupled and surrounds an exterior of the pump.

16. 16. The sterilization system according to claim 15, wherein the second housing is further provided with a fan for discharging air within the housing to the outside.

17. a power section for supplying power to drive the pumping operation of the pump or the sterilization operation of the chamber; 17. A sterilization system according to any one of claims 14 to 16, further comprising power lines independently and configurably coupling the power section to the pump module and the chamber module.

Images