Device for performing air blower and scrubbing functions in space sterilization process using hydrogen peroxide

Abstract

Disclosed is a device for performing air blower and scrubbing functions in a space sterilization process using hydrogen peroxide. The present embodiment provides a device for performing air blower and scrubbing functions in a space sterilization process using hydrogen peroxide, wherein an air blower and a scrubber are integrated into a single device, the air blower and the scrubber being required for space sterilization when hydrogen peroxide is diffused into a target space or scrubbing is performed using a single fan according to the space sterilization process in conjunction with a space sterilization device during a process of performing space sterilization on the target space using hydrogen peroxide, thereby minimizing a space sterilization system and reducing the total volume of the equipment.

Description

A device that performs air blower and scrubbing functions in the space sterilization process using hydrogen peroxide.

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a device that performs air blower and scrubbing functions in a space sterilization process using hydrogen peroxide.

[0002] The content described below merely provides background information related to the present embodiment and does not constitute prior art.

[0003] Typically, laboratories, animal husbandry facilities, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Biological Safety Level-3 (BSL-3) facilities, and aseptic preparation and manufacturing facilities for food and pharmaceuticals require clean, sterile conditions within the internal laboratories and production rooms. Unlike sanitization or disinfection, sterilization refers to the complete elimination of all living microorganisms through physical and chemical processes. In other words, it theoretically reduces the initial microorganism population of one million to a level (10-6) very close to zero.

[0004] Sterilization techniques include ethylene oxide (EO) gas, steam, hydrogen peroxide, and plasma. Sterilization methods using EO gas inherently carry a high risk of explosion and have been reported to act as a genotoxic substance that causes mutations. Steam sterilizers are considered one of the safest methods while still achieving a certain level of sterilization. Steam sterilizers have the advantages of being non-toxic, relatively inexpensive, and capable of rapid sterilization. However, they have the disadvantage of being applicable only to medical devices that do not experience adverse effects when exposed to moisture and high temperatures. In addition, as a sterilization method using a combination of hydrogen peroxide, ozone, and a plasma generator, for example, a method of sterilizing by supplying hydrogen peroxide to a sterilization chamber and generating plasma within the sterilization chamber, a method of simultaneously supplying plasma and a sterilizing agent to the sterilization chamber, a method of sterilizing by generating plasma while supplying oxygen to the sterilization chamber and converting it to ozone, and a method of sterilizing an object to be sterilized within a sterilization chamber by supplying hydrogen peroxide and ozone together are known.

[0005] Conventional fogging devices sterilize by spraying hydrogen peroxide and air through a nozzle to create a hydrogen peroxide aerosol (HPA). In conventional HPAE, the spraying device that sprays the HPA receives pressurized air from an air pump to create a dry-fog hydrogen peroxide aerosol. To achieve this dry-fog hydrogen peroxide aerosol, the air pump must maintain an optimized air flow rate.

[0006] However, the diffusion speed of hydrogen peroxide aerosol (HPA) is inevitably dependent on the speed of the air flow supplied from the air pump. Since the air pump, which supplies pressurized air in the spray device, is intended to generate dry hydrogen peroxide aerosol (HPA) rather than to disperse it, it cannot effectively diffuse the hydrogen peroxide aerosol (HPA) within the target space. Therefore, there was a problem in that the hydrogen peroxide aerosol (HPA) could not be uniformly diffused within the sterilization space with the air pump alone, and the sterilization efficiency was reduced or partial sterilization was not achieved.

[0007] The purpose of this embodiment is to provide a device that performs air blower and scrubbing functions in a space sterilization process using hydrogen peroxide, which integrates an air blower and scrubber required for space sterilization into a single device when dispersing hydrogen peroxide into a target space using a single fan according to the space sterilization process in conjunction with a space sterilization device in the process of sterilizing a target space using hydrogen peroxide, thereby minimizing the space sterilization system and reducing the volume of the entire equipment.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, an air blower and scrubbing integrated device is provided, comprising: a housing; a hydrogen peroxide filter for drawing in air containing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from a target space and then filtering the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2); a transfer unit for mechanically moving the hydrogen peroxide filter mounted inside the housing in a preset unidirectional direction; a fan for operating in a forward direction to exhaust air into the target space or operating in a preset direction to draw in air from the target space; a transfer unit for mechanically moving the fan mounted inside the housing in a preset unidirectional direction; a communication unit for receiving space sterilization process information from a space sterilization device that sprays hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into the target space according to a preset space sterilization process to sterilize the target space; and a control unit for controlling the operations of the transfer unit, the transfer unit, and the fan according to the space sterilization process information.

[0009] As described above, according to this embodiment, in the process of sterilizing a target space using hydrogen peroxide, the air blower and scrubber required for space sterilization are integrated into one device to minimize the space sterilization system by integrating the air blower and scrubber into one device according to the space sterilization process of spreading hydrogen peroxide into the target space using one fan or performing scrubbing in conjunction with the space sterilization device, thereby reducing the volume of the entire equipment.

[0010] Figure 1 is a drawing showing a space sterilization system using hydrogen peroxide according to the present embodiment.

[0011] Figures 2a and 2b are drawings showing a space sterilization device and an air blower and scrubbing integrated device according to the present embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a space sterilization process according to the present embodiment.

[0013] Figures 4a and 4b are drawings showing the air blower and scrubbing process according to the space sterilization process according to the present embodiment.

[0014] Figures 5a and 5b are drawings showing the structure of an air blower and scrubbing integrated device according to the present embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the spraying process during the space sterilization process according to the present embodiment.

[0016] Figures 7a and b are drawings showing the operation of an air blower during a spraying process in a space sterilization process according to the present embodiment.

[0017] Fig. 8 is a drawing showing the operation of a space sterilization device, an air blower, and an integrated scrubbing device during a spraying process in a space sterilization process according to the present embodiment.

[0018] Figure 9 is a drawing showing a resting process during a space sterilization process according to the present embodiment.

[0019] Figures 10a and 10b are drawings showing the stoppage of the air blower operation during the resting process during the space sterilization process according to the present embodiment.

[0020] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing the operation of a space sterilization device and an air blower and scrubbing integrated device during a rest period during a space sterilization process according to the present embodiment.

[0021] Figure 12 is a drawing showing the abandonment process during the space sterilization process according to the present embodiment.

[0022] Figures 13a and 13b are drawings showing the scrubbing operation of the abandonment process during the space sterilization process according to the present embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 14 is a drawing showing the operation of a space sterilization device, an air blower, and an integrated scrubbing device during the abandonment process of a space sterilization process according to the present embodiment.

[0024] Fig. 15 is a drawing showing an embodiment of a stand-alone space sterilizer having air blowing and scrubbing functions according to the present embodiment.

[0025] Fig. 16 is a drawing showing an embodiment of a mobile space sterilization device having air blowing and scrubbing functions according to the present embodiment.

[0026] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an operation status table of a space sterilization device having air blowing and scrubbing functions according to the present embodiment.

[0027] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 is a drawing showing a space sterilization system using hydrogen peroxide according to the present embodiment.

[0029] The smart air conditioning intake / exhaust system according to the present embodiment includes a target space (102), a space sterilization device (104), an air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106), an intake module (110), an exhaust module (120), and an air conditioning device (130). The components included in the smart air conditioning intake / exhaust system are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0030] The target space (102) includes GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), biosafety facilities, special facilities, and medical facilities requiring infection control.

[0031] A space sterilization device (104) is placed within a target space (102) for space sterilization. The space sterilization device (104) sterilizes the target space (102) by spraying hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the form of an aerosol. In other words, the space sterilization device (104) vaporizes a hydrogen peroxide solution or converts it into droplets and sprays it into the target space (102). The space sterilization device (104) sprays hydrogen peroxide in the form of an aerosol to sterilize floating bacteria and surface bacteria within the target space (102) at a level of 6 Log (10-6).

[0032] When hydrogen peroxide is sprayed in the form of an aerosol from a space sterilization device (104), human access to the target space (102) must be controlled while space sterilization is in progress due to inhalation of the toxicity of hydrogen peroxide contained in the air. After space sterilization of floating and surface bacteria within the target space (102) is completed, it takes 24 hours for the toxicity of hydrogen peroxide contained in the air to naturally decompose.

[0033] The space sterilization device (104) goes through an injection process, a dwell process, and an aeration process to perform space sterilization on the target space (102).

[0034] The space sterilization device (104) sprays a hydrogen peroxide solution into the target space (102) by misting it through a spraying process.

[0035] In the target space (102), microorganisms (floating bacteria, surface bacteria) are eliminated due to reactive oxygen species generated by vaporization of hydrogen peroxide solution in the air during the sterilization process. Since hydrogen peroxide is toxic by inhalation during the space sterilization process, the target space (102) is sealed to prevent hydrogen peroxide contained in the air from being exposed outside the target space (102).

[0036] Hydrogen peroxide contained in the air naturally decomposes in the atmosphere within 24 hours. In most medical facilities requiring space sterilization, the time required for hydrogen peroxide contained in the air within the target space (102) to naturally decompose is so long that the target space must be quickly removed after sterilization.

[0037] The space sterilization device (104) sprays hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into the target space (102) according to a preset space sterilization process, thereby sterilizing the target space (102).

[0038] The space sterilization device (104) discharges plasma as a droplet solution and sprays hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the form of plasma-treated liquid particles (droplets) into the target space (102).

[0039] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) can control the operation of the air blower function according to the space sterilization process. The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) can control the pressure ratio or discharge pressure of the air blower according to the space sterilization process.

[0040] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) is preferably positioned in front of the spray nozzle of the space sterilizer (104), but is not necessarily limited thereto. The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) is preferably implemented as a separate device independent from the space sterilizer (104). The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) can diffuse the hydrogen peroxide aerosol sprayed from the space sterilizer (104) into the target space (102) by using the air blower function at the point where the hydrogen peroxide aerosol falls.

[0041] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) can bring in separate air from the outside and spread the hydrogen peroxide aerosol sprayed from the space sterilization device (104) into the target space (102).

[0042] The compressed air supplied from the air supply unit (212) of the space sterilization device (104) to the spray unit (218) turns the solution supplied from the solution supply unit (214) to the spray unit (218) into dry fog, i.e., an aerosol having a size of 10 μm or less, and disperses the aerosol into the target space. In other words, the compressed air supplied to the spray unit (218) primarily functions to turn the solution into an aerosol and incidentally involves aerosol diffusion. Therefore, additional air blowing is performed to disperse the aerosol effectively for sterilizing the target space.

[0043] Therefore, the air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) induces aerosol diffusion by transferring air with its own blowing fan (232). This is unrelated to the pressurized air of the space sterilization device (104). Therefore, the air transfer direction of the FAN must be in the direction that diffuses the aerosol (hereinafter referred to as “forward direction”). When spraying, the FAN must be operated only in the forward direction, and when aeration, the direction is irrelevant.

[0044] The configuration of the air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) is preferably composed of a housing, a hydrogen peroxide filter (234), a fan (232), a conveying unit, a communication unit, and a control unit. The conveying unit conveys the fan and / or the filter so that the two devices (fan and filter) overlap in a straight line when blowing in the forward direction of the air flow and are misaligned when blowing. The order of the fan and filter is irrelevant.

[0045] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) can use the air blower function to spread the hydrogen peroxide aerosol sprayed from the space sterilization device (104) into the target space (102).

[0046] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) is equipped with a blower having a higher air inlet / outlet density ratio, i.e., a higher pressure ratio, than a general fan, or a high-power fan (232) capable of sending air further than a general fan. The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) can disperse the hydrogen peroxide aerosol within the target space (102) by using the air blower function to send the hydrogen peroxide aerosol further.

[0047] An air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) is placed in front or behind a space sterilizer (104) to blow hydrogen peroxide aerosol sprayed from the space sterilizer (104) in a preset direction, thereby allowing the hydrogen peroxide aerosol to spread within the target space (102).

[0048] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) can further pressurize the pressurized air to disperse the hydrogen peroxide aerosol within the target space (102), thereby forming an air flow velocity that is faster than the velocity of the air flow supplied by the air supply unit (212) to the injection unit (218).

[0049] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) rapidly removes residual hydrogen peroxide contained in the air of the target space (102) during the space sterilization process, thereby lowering the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the air to 0 ppm. The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) scrubs and removes air containing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from the target space (102).

[0050] The intake module (110) intakes air containing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from the target space (102) according to the concentration of hydrogen peroxide contained in the air within the target space (102) and delivers it to the outside.

[0051] The exhaust module (120) exhausts outside air from the outside of the target space (102) into the inside of the target space (102) according to the concentration of hydrogen peroxide contained in the air within the target space (102).

[0052] The air conditioning device (130) sprays hydrogen peroxide in the form of an aerosol from the space sterilization device (104) into the target space (102) and controls the intake module (110) and the exhaust module (120) to quickly remove hydrogen peroxide contained in the air after space sterilization of floating bacteria and surface bacteria inside the target space (102) is completed.

[0053] Figures 2a and 2b are drawings showing a space sterilization device and an air blower and scrubbing integrated device according to the present embodiment.

[0054] The space sterilization device (104) according to the present embodiment includes a smoke generating unit (210) and a plasma generating unit (220). The components included in the space sterilization device (104) are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0055] The smoke generating unit (210) includes an air supply unit (212), a solution supply unit (214), a solution supply tank (216), a spray unit (218), and a first communication unit (219). The components included in the smoke generating unit (210) are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0056] The air supply unit (212) can supply air in a pressurized state by introducing air. Here, the air may be external air. The air supply unit (212) can introduce external air, pressurize it, and supply the pressurized air to the injection unit (218).

[0057] The air supply unit (212) injects external air. The air supply unit (212) injects external air into the spray unit (218). The air supply unit (212) injects air when the water droplets are activated by the plasma supply unit (214) to increase the plasma area. The air supply unit (212) injects air so that the area of ​​plasma increases, and as the area of ​​plasma increases, the area of ​​contact between the plasma and the water droplets increases, resulting in increased activation.

[0058] The solution supply unit (214) supplies a solution in liquid form. The solution supply unit (214) injects the solution into the injection unit (218). The solution supply unit (214) artificially converts the liquid solution into water droplets. The solution supply unit (214) converts the liquid solution into water droplets, and when discharging plasma, the water droplets are plasma-activated with higher efficiency in space than when plasma is activated in a water stream.

[0059] The solution supply tank (216) stores the solution in liquid form. The solution supply tank (216) supplies the solution in liquid form to the solution supply unit (214).

[0060] The spray unit (218) is connected to the solution supply tank (216) and the air supply unit (212) to receive the hydrogen peroxide solution and pressurized air and spray the hydrogen peroxide solution in a dry-fog state, i.e., as hydrogen peroxide aerosol (HPA), through the spray nozzle (116).

[0061] Here, the size of the hydrogen peroxide particles may be 15㎛ or less, but it is preferable to have a size of 10㎛ or less.

[0062] The spray unit (218) uses a hydrogen peroxide solution and pressurized air to spray the hydrogen peroxide solution in a dry state, so that the hydrogen peroxide particles do not explode even when they collide with each other. This is because the larger the hydrogen peroxide particles being sprayed, the more they explode when they collide with each other, generating excessive residual moisture.

[0063] The injection unit (218) combines external air injected from the air supply unit (212) and liquid-type solution injected from the solution supply unit (214) to inject a solution in the form of droplets. The injection unit (218) converts the solution injected from the solution supply unit (214) into droplets using the air injected from the air supply unit (212) and injects it into the internal space of the plasma discharge unit (224).

[0064] The first communication unit (219) communicates with the second communication unit (236) of the air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106). The first communication unit (219) can communicate with the second communication unit (236) using wired or wireless communication. The first communication unit (219) transmits space sterilization process information according to the space sterilization process to the second communication unit (236) of the air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106).

[0065] The first communication unit (219) receives space sterilization process information from a space sterilization device (104) that sprays hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into the target space (102) according to a preset space sterilization process to sterilize the target space (102).

[0066] The plasma generation unit (220) includes a plasma power supply unit (222) and a plasma discharge unit (224). The components included in the plasma generation unit (220) are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0067] The plasma power supply unit (222) supplies power to the plasma discharge unit (224).

[0068] The plasma discharge unit (224) receives power from the plasma power supply unit (222) and discharges plasma into a droplet-shaped solution so that plasma-treated liquid particles are sprayed. The plasma discharge unit (224) applies alternating current (AC) power to an electrode provided therein so that plasma containing active species generated through an electron heating process and an ionization process is discharged into a droplet-shaped solution.

[0069] The plasma discharge unit (224) activates plasma when a solution is input, so that plasma treatment causes liquid particles to be sprayed.

[0070] When the plasma discharge unit (224) discharges plasma in a plasma jet manner, the contact area between the plasma and the water droplets increases due to the water droplets from the solution supply unit (214) and the air from the air supply unit (212), so that the plasma-treated liquid particles that are actively activated are sprayed.

[0071] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) according to the present embodiment includes a fan (232), a hydrogen peroxide filter (234), a second communication unit (236), and a control unit (238). The components included in the air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0072] The fan (232) operates in a forward direction according to a control command of the control unit (238) to exhaust (diffuse) air into the target space (102). The fan (232) operates in a preset direction according to a control command of the control unit (238) to suck air from the target space (102). The fan (232) has a higher air inlet / outlet density ratio (pressure ratio) than a general fan.

[0073] The hydrogen peroxide filter (234) filters air taken in from the target space (102). The hydrogen peroxide filter (234) decomposes hydrogen peroxide using manganese dioxide (MnO2), platinum (Pt), etc. The hydrogen peroxide filter (234) may be coated with manganese dioxide or platinum.

[0074] The second communication unit (236) communicates with the first communication unit (219) of the space sterilization device (104). The second communication unit (236) can communicate with the first communication unit (219) using wired or wireless methods. The second communication unit (236) receives space sterilization process information according to the space sterilization process from the first communication unit (219) of the space sterilization device (104).

[0075] The control unit (238) controls the overall function of the air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106). The control unit (238) may be configured to include a memory that stores a program for controlling the components of the air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) and a microprocessor that executes the program to control the components of the air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106).

[0076] The control unit (238) can control the air blower function. The control unit (238) can control the operation of the air blower for each of the spraying, resting, and aeration processes during the sterilization process. Since it is important for the fan (232) to operate in a forward direction during the spraying process to blow the hydrogen peroxide aerosol far away so that the hydrogen peroxide aerosol (HPA) can be uniformly spread within the target space (102), the control unit (238) can control the pressure ratio or discharge pressure of the fan (232) to be maximized during the spraying process. The control unit (238) can control the fan (232) to operate in a preset direction during the aeration process to remove the hydrogen peroxide concentration through a scrubbing function.

[0077] The control unit (238) controls the operation of the fan (232) for each stage of the space sterilization process, thereby enabling diffusion and scrubbing with one fan (232).

[0078] The control unit (238) according to the present embodiment controls the operation of the transport unit (710, 1310) and the fan (232) according to the space sterilization process information.

[0079] The control unit (238) controls the transport unit (710) according to the space sterilization process so that the fan (232) moves in a preset direction according to a preset guide line to a preset first position, and then controls the fan (232) to operate in a forward direction so that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is exhausted and diffused.

[0080] The control unit (238) stops the operation of the fan (232) while maintaining the fan (232) in the state of moving to the first position according to the space sterilization process, thereby allowing sterilization to be performed in the target space by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

[0081] The control unit (238) controls the transport unit (710) to move the hydrogen peroxide filter (234) in a preset direction according to a preset guideline to a second position (in front of or behind the first position) corresponding to the first position while maintaining the state in which the fan (232) has moved to the first position according to the space sterilization process. The control unit (238) operates the fan (232) in the preset direction to perform scrubbing so that air including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contained in the target space (102) is filtered by the hydrogen peroxide filter (234).

[0082] The control unit (238) controls the transfer unit (710) during the injection process of the sterilization process so that the fan (232) moves in a preset direction according to a preset guideline and moves to a preset first position. The control unit (238) operates the fan (232) in a forward direction so that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is exhausted and diffused into the target space (102).

[0083] The control unit (238) maintains the fan (232) in a state of moving in a preset unidirectional direction during the dwell stage of the space sterilization process, and stops the fan (232) from operating, thereby allowing sterilization to be performed in the target space (102) by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

[0084] The control unit (238) controls the transport unit (710) during the aeration process of the space sterilization process so that the hydrogen peroxide filter (234) moves in a preset direction according to a preset guideline to a preset second position (in front of or behind the first position). The control unit (238) operates the fan (232) in a preset direction to perform scrubbing so that air containing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contained in the target space is filtered by the hydrogen peroxide filter (234).

[0085] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a space sterilization process according to the present embodiment.

[0086] The space sterilization device (104) sterilizes the target space (102) using hydrogen peroxide. Space sterilization is performed in the target space (102) through a spraying process, a resting process, and an aeration process. The aeration process accounts for more than 50% of the total time required for space sterilization. For example, when space sterilization including the spraying process, the resting process, and the aeration process was tested in a target space of 120㎥, 240 minutes out of the total time required of 360 minutes were spent on the aeration time.

[0087] The space sterilization device (104) can increase the spray amount to reduce the spray time when spraying the hydrogen peroxide solution by vaporizing it or converting it into droplets into the target space (102). However, the reduction in the spray time is not as great as the aeration time. The pause time is fixed at 20 to 30 minutes, making it impossible to reduce the time. Therefore, the aeration time must be reduced to significantly reduce the overall time required for space sterilization.

[0088] In the case where the target space (102) is a negative pressure ward (15㎡), the medical field requires that the total time required for sterilizing the space does not exceed 3 hours.

[0089] In order to shorten the space sterilization time by reflecting the needs of medical institutions, the air conditioning device (130) introduces outside air into the target space (102) to lower the humidity inside the target space (102), dilute the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the air, and promote the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.

[0090] Referring to the graph, when the concentration of hydrogen peroxide (ppm) contained in the air taken in from the target space (102) is high, the air conditioner (130) circulates the air using the intake module (110) and the exhaust module (120) so that the concentration quickly decreases at the abandonment time after the injection time and the rest time have elapsed.

[0091] The air conditioner (130) scrubs hydrogen peroxide within the target space (102) more quickly and is more effective when the concentration of hydrogen peroxide (ppm) contained in the air is low in the latter half of the abandonment time on the graph.

[0092] From the moment the air conditioner (130) starts operating in the idle state, the hydrogen peroxide concentration drops rapidly.

[0093] Figures 4a and 4b are drawings showing the air blower and scrubbing process according to the space sterilization process according to the present embodiment.

[0094] The space sterilization device (104) is classified into VHP (Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide), iHP (ionized Hydrogen Peroxide), spinning disk, ultrasonic, etc. according to the technology method of spraying hydrogen peroxide solution into the space.

[0095] The space sterilization device (104) can achieve a microbial contamination removal level of 6 Log or higher by essentially performing a space sterilization process (spraying, pausing, and aeration) regardless of the technology method in hydrogen peroxide space sterilization. The space sterilization process includes the spraying, pausing, and aeration processes, and the aeration time takes up the most time during the space sterilization process.

[0096] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) integrates the air blower function and scrubbing function required for space sterilization into one device to minimize the space sterilization system.

[0097] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) moves the fan (232) to the outside during the spraying process of the space sterilization process, and then operates the fan (232) in a forward direction so that air is diffused and circulated into the target space (102). The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) operates the fan (232) in a forward direction during the spraying process of the space sterilization process so that hydrogen peroxide is diffused and circulated into the target space (102) only with the air blower function.

[0098] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) stops the forward motion of the fan (232) during the pause period during the space sterilization process. The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) stops the forward motion of the fan (232) during the pause period, thereby stopping the air blower function, thereby allowing the target space (102) to be sterilized by the hydrogen peroxide sprayed into the air.

[0099] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) moves the hydrogen peroxide filter (234) to the outside by the transfer unit (710) during the aeration process during the space sterilization process, and then operates the fan (232) in a preset direction so that the air containing hydrogen peroxide passes through the hydrogen peroxide filter (234). The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) operates the air blower function in a preset direction during the aeration process so that the air passes through the hydrogen peroxide filter (234) and the scrubbing function operates.

[0100] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) controls the transport unit (710) to move the hydrogen peroxide filter (234) inside and the transport unit (710) to move the fan (232) inside after the abandonment process during the space sterilization process.

[0101] Figures 5a and 5b are drawings showing the structure of an air blower and scrubbing integrated device according to the present embodiment.

[0102] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) according to the present embodiment includes a housing (510), a hydrogen peroxide filter (234), a conveying unit (710), and a fan (232). The components included in the air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0103] The hydrogen peroxide filter (234) draws in air containing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from the target space (102) and then filters the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

[0104] The transfer unit (710) includes a connection unit for connecting the hydrogen peroxide filter (234), a guide line for moving the connection unit by engaging with the connection unit, and a motor for moving the connection unit. The transfer unit (710) mechanically moves at least one of the hydrogen peroxide filter (234) and the fan (232) mounted inside the housing (510) in a preset unidirectional direction.

[0105] The transfer unit (710) mechanically moves the hydrogen peroxide filter (234) mounted inside the housing (510) in a preset direction (horizontal or vertical). The transfer unit (710) mechanically moves the hydrogen peroxide filter (234) mounted inside the housing (510) in a horizontal or vertical direction according to preset guidelines in response to space sterilization process information based on a control command from the control unit (238).

[0106] The transfer unit (710) mechanically moves the hydrogen peroxide filter mounted inside the housing to a second position corresponding to the first position according to a preset guide line, and then adjusts the tilt of the hydrogen peroxide filter to control the direction in which hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is scrubbed.

[0107] The fan (232) operates in a forward direction under the control of the control unit (238) to exhaust air into the target space (102). The fan (232) operates in a preset direction under the control of the control unit (238) to suck air from the target space (102).

[0108] The transfer unit (710) includes a fastening unit that fastens the fan (232), a guide line that engages with the fastening unit to move the fastening unit, and a motor that moves the fastening unit. The transfer unit (710) mechanically moves the fan (232) mounted inside the housing (510) in a preset direction (horizontal or vertical).

[0109] The transfer unit (710) mechanically moves the fan (232) mounted inside the housing in a horizontal or vertical direction according to a preset guide line in response to the space sterilization process information based on the control command of the control unit (238).

[0110] The transfer unit (710) mechanically moves the fan (232) mounted inside the housing (510) to the first position according to a preset guide line, and then adjusts the tilt of the hydrogen peroxide to control the direction in which the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is exhausted and diffused into the target space (102).

[0111] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the spraying process during the space sterilization process according to the present embodiment.

[0112] The space sterilization device (104) performs a spraying process of vaporizing a hydrogen peroxide solution or converting it into droplets and spraying it into the target space (102), as shown in FIG. 6.

[0113] A space sterilization device (104) is placed within a target space (102) for space sterilization. The space sterilization device (104) sterilizes the target space (102) by spraying hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the form of an aerosol. In other words, the space sterilization device (104) vaporizes a hydrogen peroxide solution or converts it into droplets and sprays it into the target space (102). The space sterilization device (104) sprays hydrogen peroxide in the form of an aerosol to sterilize floating bacteria and surface bacteria within the target space (102) at a level of 6 Log (10-6).

[0114] Figures 7a and b are drawings showing the operation of an air blower during a spraying process in a space sterilization process according to the present embodiment.

[0115] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) controls the transfer unit (710) during the spraying process during the space sterilization process to move the fan (232) to the outside, and then operates the fan (232) in a forward direction to diffuse and circulate the hydrogen peroxide sprayed from the space sterilization device (104) into the target space (102).

[0116] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) operates only the air blower function by operating the fan (232) in the forward direction during the spraying process during the space sterilization process.

[0117] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) controls the transport unit (710) during the injection process of the space sterilization process so that the fan (232) moves in a preset unidirectional direction according to a preset guideline and moves to a preset first position.

[0118] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) operates the fan (232) in a forward direction to exhaust and diffuse hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into the target space (102).

[0119] Fig. 8 is a drawing showing the operation of a space sterilization device, an air blower, and an integrated scrubbing device during a spraying process in a space sterilization process according to the present embodiment.

[0120] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) is implemented independently from the space sterilization device (104) and is placed at the point where the hydrogen peroxide aerosol sprayed from the space sterilization device (104) falls.

[0121] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) can mechanically move the fan (232) mounted inside the housing (510) in a preset direction (horizontal or vertical) and then operate the fan (232) in a forward direction to disperse the hydrogen peroxide aerosol.

[0122] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) controls the fan (232) in a forward direction at the point where the hydrogen peroxide aerosol sprayed from the space sterilization device (104) falls by gravity, thereby blowing the hydrogen peroxide aerosol, thereby allowing the hydrogen peroxide aerosol to spread further within the target space (102).

[0123] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) is independent of the air supply unit (212) and can receive air by separately introducing air from the outside. The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) can be arranged in various configurations with the space sterilization device (104) depending on the structure of the target space (102).

[0124] Figure 9 is a drawing showing a resting process during a space sterilization process according to the present embodiment.

[0125] As shown in Fig. 9, the space sterilization device (104) sprays a hydrogen peroxide solution into the target space (102) by misting it through a spraying process, and then goes through a resting process of waiting for a preset time.

[0126] During the sterilization process, microorganisms (floating bacteria, surface bacteria) are eliminated in the target space (102) due to reactive oxygen species generated by the vaporization of the hydrogen peroxide solution in the air during the sterilization process. Since hydrogen peroxide is toxic by inhalation during the space sterilization process, the target space (102) is sealed to prevent hydrogen peroxide contained in the air from being exposed outside the target space (102).

[0127] Figures 10a and 10b are drawings showing the stoppage of the air blower operation during the resting process during the space sterilization process according to the present embodiment.

[0128] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) stops the forward motion of the fan (232) during the pause period during the space sterilization process. The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) stops the air blower function during the pause period.

[0129] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) stops the forward movement of the fan (232) while maintaining the fan (232) in a preset unidirectional state during the dwell phase of the space sterilization process, thereby allowing sterilization to be performed in the target space (102) by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

[0130] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing the operation of a space sterilization device and an air blower and scrubbing integrated device during a rest period during a space sterilization process according to the present embodiment.

[0131] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) stops the forward motion of the fan (232) so that sterilization is achieved by the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) diffused in the target space (102) after dispersing the hydrogen peroxide aerosol during the spraying process.

[0132] Figure 12 is a drawing showing the abandonment process during the space sterilization process according to the present embodiment.

[0133] Hydrogen peroxide contained in the air undergoes a natural decomposition process within 24 hours in the atmosphere. In most medical facilities requiring space sterilization, the time required for hydrogen peroxide contained in the air within the target space (102) to naturally decompose is so long that the target space must be quickly removed after sterilization.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 12, the air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) controls the fan (232) in a preset direction to quickly remove hydrogen peroxide within the target space (102) to shorten the abandonment process.

[0135] Figures 13a and 13b are drawings showing the scrubbing operation of the abandonment process during the space sterilization process according to the present embodiment.

[0136] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) moves the hydrogen peroxide filter (234) to the outside using the transfer unit (710) during the space sterilization process, and then operates the fan (232) in a preset direction so that the air containing hydrogen peroxide passes through the hydrogen peroxide filter (234).

[0137] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) operates the scrubbing function during the abandonment process.

[0138] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) controls the transport unit (710) during the aeration process of the space sterilization process so that the hydrogen peroxide filter (234) moves in a preset unidirectional direction according to a preset guide line to a second position (in front of or behind the first position) corresponding to the preset first position of the fan (232).

[0139] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) operates the fan (232) in a preset direction at the second position to perform scrubbing so that air containing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contained in the target space (102) is filtered by the hydrogen peroxide filter (234).

[0140] Fig. 14 is a drawing showing the operation of a space sterilization device, an air blower, and an integrated scrubbing device during the abandonment process of a space sterilization process according to the present embodiment.

[0141] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) is implemented independently from the space sterilization device (104) and absorbs hydrogen peroxide that remains in the air without being naturally decomposed after being sprayed from the space sterilization device (104).

[0142] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) mechanically moves the fan (232) mounted inside the housing (510) to a preset first position, additionally moves the hydrogen peroxide filter (234) mounted inside the housing (510) to a preset second position, and then operates the fan (232) in a preset direction to suck in and scrub hydrogen peroxide remaining in the air.

[0143] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) can be arranged in various forms with the space sterilization device (104) depending on the structure of the target space (102).

[0144] Fig. 15 is a drawing showing an embodiment of a stand-alone space sterilizer having air blowing and scrubbing functions according to the present embodiment.

[0145] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) can be implemented as a fixed device (stand-type device) that controls the transfer unit (710) to vertically move the hydrogen peroxide filter (234) mounted inside the housing (510) to implement air blowing and scrubbing functions.

[0146] Fig. 16 is a drawing showing an embodiment of a mobile space sterilization device having air blowing and scrubbing functions according to the present embodiment.

[0147] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) can be implemented as a mobile device that controls the transfer unit (710) to vertically move the hydrogen peroxide filter (234) mounted inside the housing (510) in the left and right direction to implement air blowing and scrubbing functions.

[0148] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an operation status table of a space sterilization device having air blowing and scrubbing functions according to the present embodiment.

[0149] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) is configured such that when the fan (232) operates in a forward direction to spray hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into the target space during the injection start process of the space sterilization device (104) during the sterilization process, the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is spread into the target space by air blowing, thereby sterilizing the target space, and the transport unit (710) controls the hydrogen peroxide filter (234) not to move vertically or horizontally.

[0150] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) controls the space sterilization device (104) to stop the forward motion of the fan (232) during the injection termination process during the sterilization process, and the transport unit (710) to not move the hydrogen peroxide filter (234) in a vertical or horizontal direction.

[0151] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) controls the fan (232) of the space sterilizer (104) to not operate during the dwell phase of the sterilization process.

[0152] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) operates the fan (232) in a preset direction during the aeration process of the space sterilization device (104) during the sterilization process so that air containing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is sucked into the target space, and the transport unit (710) moves the hydrogen peroxide filter (234) in a vertical or horizontal direction in front of the fan (232) so that air containing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the target space is scrubbed by the hydrogen peroxide filter (234).

[0153] The air blower and scrubbing integrated device (106) stops the preset directional movement of the fan (232) during the aeration end process of the space sterilization device (104) during the sterilization process, and moves the transport unit (710) in a vertical or horizontal direction so that the hydrogen peroxide filter (234) does not block the front of the fan (232).

[0154] 106: Air blower and scrubbing unit

[0155] 232: Fan

[0156] 234: Hydrogen peroxide filter

[0157] 238: Control Unit

[0158] 510: Housing

[0159] 710: Transport Department

[0160] 1310: Transport Department

[0161]

[0162] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0163] This patent application claims priority under 35 USC § 119(a) of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0040414, filed in Korea on March 25, 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Furthermore, if this patent application claims priority in countries other than the United States for the same reasons, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. Housing; A hydrogen peroxide filter that draws in air containing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from a target space and then filters the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2); A fan that operates in a forward direction to exhaust air into the target space or operates in a preset direction to draw air from the target space; A transport unit that mechanically moves at least one of the hydrogen peroxide filter and the fan mounted inside the housing in a preset direction; A communication unit that receives space sterilization process information from a space sterilization device that sprays hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into the target space according to a preset space sterilization process so that the target space is sterilized; A control unit that controls the operation of the transport unit and the fan according to the above space sterilization process information; An air blower and scrubbing integrated device characterized by including:

2. In paragraph 1, The above transfer part An air blower and scrubbing integrated device characterized in that the hydrogen peroxide filter mounted inside the housing is mechanically moved according to preset guidelines in response to the space sterilization process information based on the control command of the control unit.

3. In paragraph 1, The above transport unit, An air blower and scrubbing integrated device characterized in that the fan mounted inside the housing is mechanically moved according to a preset guide line in response to the space sterilization process information based on a control command of the control unit.

4. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, An air blower and scrubbing integrated device characterized in that the transport unit is controlled according to the space sterilization process to move at least one of the fan or the hydrogen peroxide filter in a preset unidirectional direction according to a preset guideline to a preset first position, and then the fan is controlled to operate in a forward direction so that the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is exhausted and diffused.

5. In paragraph 4, The above control unit, An air blower and scrubbing integrated device characterized in that the operation of the fan is stopped according to the space sterilization process so that sterilization is performed in the target space by the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

6. In paragraph 4, The above control unit, An air blower and scrubbing integrated device characterized in that the transfer unit is controlled according to the space sterilization process to move at least one of the fan and the hydrogen peroxide filter in a preset direction according to a preset guideline to a second position corresponding to the first position, and the fan is operated in a preset direction to perform scrubbing so that air including the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contained in the target space is filtered by the hydrogen peroxide filter.

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