KR101708024B1 - Plasma Sterilization Apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a plasma sterilization apparatus and a plasma sterilization method. A plasma sterilizer according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a packaging container composed of a vacuum pouch capable of vacuum sealing; A plasma source for generating a plasma to provide a sterilizing agent to the packaging container, the sterilizing agent including nitrogen and oxygen reactive species (RONS); And an exhaust pump for exhausting air from the packaging container.

Description

[0001] Plasma Sterilization Apparatus [0002]

The present invention relates to a plasma sterilization apparatus or a plasma sterilization and packaging apparatus comprising a sterilized plasma source for generating plasma and sterilizing species and a packaging container for sterilization.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2008-183025 discloses a plasma sterilization apparatus by generating a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) using an air permeable packaging material. (O ₃ ) or hydroxyl (O ₃ ) ions generated by excitation of the water vapor component in the air by an oxygen radical directly generated by dielectric barrier discharge inside or an ultraviolet ray (UV-ray) OH-), hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ), and the like. However, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-183025 is characterized in that electrodes of different polarities are formed on one dielectric surface, and the interval between the electrodes is limited to be minimized by dielectric characteristics, The plasma can not be generated. In addition, it is very difficult to form electrodes of different polarities on one surface, and mass production is not applicable. For example, if there is a small defect in the dielectric, a relatively high electric field is formed at the defect site rather than discharging the plasma at the surface, and the plasma discharge is started first, resulting in a small defect being larger due to the plasma discharge . In addition, the Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2008-183025 can not secure the electrical safety due to the release of the electromagnetic wave and the exposure of the high voltage, and it can not be applied as a device for sterilization.

Korean Patent No. 10-1012442 discloses a sterilizing apparatus using atmospheric pressure plasma. However, the packaging material of Korean Patent No. 10-1012442 is incapable of securing electrical safety due to exposure of high voltage and generation of electromagnetic wave, and is not applicable to sterilization apparatus as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-183025. In order to realize such a sterilizing packaging material, a multi-film laminating process is required, and a porous metal pattern layer for plasma discharge is required. In particular, it is difficult to commercialize a porous metal pattern laminate because it can not be produced by a general mass production process.

In medical sterilization packaging applications, existing packaging materials perform only basic functions to prevent and preserve secondary contamination of sterilized medical devices. In the sterilization of reusable medical devices in medical institutions, there are various medical packaging materials used for carrying out the sterilization process using a medical sterilizer and thereafter for storage. In order to prevent secondary contamination, packaging materials with selective permeability to the sterilizing agent defined in each sterilizer may be used to sterilize the medical device in a packaged state after packaging. For example, a packaging material made of woven, non-woven, paper, polypropylene or the like can be used for a high-pressure steam sterilizer. In the case of an ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilizer, a polymer-based packaging container made of polyethylene or Tyvek can be used.

Medical sterilizers are required to achieve a sterilization of a medical device that performs a proven process, i.e., sterilization, to provide a microorganism-free medical device. A typical medical sterilizer includes a high pressure steam sterilizer and sterilization is performed at a high temperature of about 134 degrees centigrade and a high pressure of about 2 bar. It has a limitation that sterilization can not be performed for medical devices whose use in high-temperature and high-pressure processes is limited, such as in food sterilization. Further, in order to perform the sterilization by the steam, the medical device is further restricted by water due to corrosion and the like. The dry heat sterilizer for eliminating the restriction by moisture is sterilized at a high temperature of about 180 degrees Celsius. However, it has a disadvantage that it can not be applied to a medical device including a material part such as plastic which is vulnerable to heat.

Recently, a chemical sterilizer has been developed for the sterilization of medical devices which are susceptible to high temperature, high pressure and humidity, and a typical example is an ethylene oxide sterilizer. However, due to the toxicity of ethylene oxide gas, proper management is required. After sterilization, it must be precisely 8 hours or more precisely. Due to the recent risk of ethylene oxide gas, some countries restrict the use of ethylene oxide . A plasma sterilizer has been developed and commercialized as an environmentally friendly chemical sterilizer that replaces this. However, chemical sterilizers can also have secondary contamination problems that can occur in the packaging process after sterilization.

In order to solve the secondary pollution problem, special packaging film such as Tyvek was developed. However, the sterilization process performed on the medical device in the packaged state is inevitably limited in the permeability of the sterilant, and a long sterilization time of about one hour is required to ensure sterilization reliability.

In addition, the primary contamination of the packaging material may affect the permeability of the sterilizing material, and the sterilizing reliability may be lowered. In addition, the existing chemical sterilizer is in the process of sterilization chamber, and the size of the sterilizer is too large to be introduced due to lack of space in the medical institution, and it is difficult to introduce the technology due to expensive equipment.

Therefore, secondary contamination can be prevented through plasma sterilization in the inside of the packaging container, and there is no restriction on the permeability of the packaging material, so that a high sterilizing power can be obtained. By commercialization of this technology, it can be performed inside the packaging material instead of the existing sterilizer chamber, which can increase the space utilization and can be applied as an economical and innovative sterilizer by simplifying the equipment.

Accordingly, the present inventors have completed the present invention with a sterilization system for a medical plasma container which enables economical and effective sterilization in a packaging material.

The object of the present invention is to provide a packaging sterilization system that enables a sterilization process in a disposable plastic packaging container. Specifically, for application to a medical sterilizer, a vacuum is formed inside the package to remove the contaminated air inside the package, and a sterilizing agent is supplied to the packaging container through a plasma source that generates plasma, To perform an efficient sterilization process by repeating the supply.

A plasma sterilizer according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a packaging container composed of a vacuum pouch capable of vacuum sealing; A plasma source for generating a plasma to provide a sterilizing agent to the packaging container, the sterilizing agent including nitrogen and oxygen reactive species (RONS); And an exhaust pump for exhausting air from the packaging container.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the packaging container may comprise a passage pipe providing the plasma source and at least one passage for air entry to be connected to the exhaust pump.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the passage pipe includes a supply passage pipe connected to the plasma source, for supplying the packaging container with nitrogen and oxygen-active species generated by the plasma source; And an exhaust passage pipe connected to the exhaust pump and discharging gas in the packaging container.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the passage pipe includes the same material as the packaging container, and the passage pipe can be thermally compressed with the packaging container.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a circulation pipe connecting the exhaust part of the exhaust pump and the intake part of the plasma source; And a circulation valve disposed in the circulation pipe.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an exhaust pump input valve disposed at a suction port of the exhaust pump; And a plasma source exhaust valve disposed at an outlet of the plasma source.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the plasma source includes: a ground electrode layer; An insulating layer disposed on the ground electrode layer; And a patterned power electrode disposed on the insulating layer, and a dielectric barrier discharge may be generated by a high voltage applied between the power electrode and the ground electrode.

The method of sterilizing plasma according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: inserting and sealing an object to be processed into a packaging container composed of a vacuum packaging paper; Venting the packaging container through a passage pipe extending outwardly from the inside of the packaging container; Providing a sterilant containing nitrogen and oxygen reactive species (RONS) generated from the plasma source to the packaging container roof through the passage pipe; And thermocompressing the sterilized packaging container.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a plasma sterilization method comprising the steps of: providing a packaging container having a passage pipe thermopressed at one end thereof and an open vacuum package; Inserting an object to be processed into the packaging container, thermally compressing and sealing the other end of the packaging container; And a sterilizing agent containing nitrogen and oxygen reactive species (RONS: Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen species) is generated and discharged into the inside of the packaging container through the passage pipe ; And thermally compressing and sealing one end of the packaging container at the front end of the passage pipe to seal the packaging container.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the step of evacuating the inside of the packaging container in a vacuum state and then providing a sterilizing agent to increase the pressure may be repeatedly performed.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a packaging container for storing a medical device and providing a sterilization space, a plasma source for generating a sterilizing agent, a vacuum pump for maintaining a vacuum, And a valve connecting the vacuum pump and the plasma source. With this configuration, sterilization and packaging can be performed simultaneously in a plastic packaging container.

The packaging container may be embodied using an inner film having a protrusion (embossing) to facilitate vacuum formation and fluid movement, and a laminated film of an outer film for printing and physical strength for explanation of the product. In particular, the inner film may be made of polyethylene (PE) in order to enable vacuum sealing, and the outer film may be made of a polyethylene-based film (PolyEthylene terphthalate (PET)). In addition, one or two passage pipes may be used for the supply of the sterilizing agent and the vacuum formation in the plasma source disposed outside the packaging container. The material of the tube may be polyethylene (PE) to minimize the leakage of sterilant and gas.

The plasma source can generate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) through an air plasma discharge, and it can supply a cartridge such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from the outside like a conventional plasma sterilizer, Sterilization can be performed by feeding the activated sterilant to the packaging container.

Pumps are designed for sterilization processes that require the penetration of sterilizing agents such as porous medical devices by varying the pressure inside the packaging container. A combination of valves forms a vacuum inside the packaging container and supplies a sterilizing agent supplied from a plasma source to increase the pressure around the medical device to form an actual fluid flow to increase the penetration of the sterilizing agent. This cycle of vacuum formation and pressure increase can be repeated to perform the sterilization process of the porous medical device.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a low-temperature sterilization process having high penetration ability can be performed using a plasma source and pressure regulating devices. Accordingly, a sterilized packaging container which is more economical and has high sterilization reliability than conventional plasma sterilizers can be provided. In addition, since sterilization is performed in a packaging material which is narrower than the sterilization chamber of the conventional plasma sterilizer, the loss of the sterilizing agent can be minimized, and the processing time can be greatly shortened. In addition, reliable sterilization can be performed without using an additional sterilant (hydrogen peroxide in the case of conventional plasma sterilizers). Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the maintenance cost and maximize the user's convenience in using the sterilizer.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, as the plasma sterilizing apparatus vacuum-seals the packaging container and performs sterilization, re-contamination of the object to be processed can be prevented and efficient sterilization can be performed. It can also be performed in vacuum sealed packaging and sterilized equipment, maximizing ease of use. In addition, a sterilization system can be realized only by the configuration of a small power supply unit and a packaging container. Plasma sterilization devices capable of providing miniaturization can increase portability and provide sterilization of medical devices in the external care of medical institutions. Accordingly, sterilization reliability and storage efficiency are excellent, and a sterilized packaging container and a power supply device which are economical and convenient can be provided.

FIG. 1A is a conceptual diagram illustrating a plasma sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
1B is a perspective view illustrating a passage pipe of the plasma sterilizing apparatus of FIG. 1A.
1C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA 'in FIG. 1A.
1D is a cross-sectional view illustrating a packaging container composed of a wrapping paper.
FIG. 1E is a view for explaining a step of packaging a packaging container using the plasma sterilizing apparatus of FIG. 1A;
FIG. 1F is a view showing a time-dependent pressure of the packaging container of the plasma sterilizing apparatus of FIG. 1A.
2A is a conceptual diagram illustrating a plasma sterilization apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2B is a diagram showing the pressure over time of the packaging container of FIG. 2A. FIG.
3A is a conceptual diagram illustrating a plasma sterilization apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3B is a diagram showing the pressure over time of the packaging container of FIG. 3A. FIG.
4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a plasma sterilization apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
5A is a conceptual diagram illustrating a plasma sterilization apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
5B is a plan view showing the plasma source of FIG. 5A.

In the conventional plasma sterilization apparatus, the object to be processed is placed in the fixed chamber, and a plasma is formed and sterilized.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein but may be embodied in other forms. Rather, the embodiments disclosed herein are being provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the components have been exaggerated for clarity. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the specification.

FIG. 1A is a conceptual diagram illustrating a plasma sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

1B is a perspective view illustrating a passage pipe of the plasma sterilizing apparatus of FIG. 1A.

1C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A 'in FIG. 1A.

1D is a cross-sectional view illustrating a packaging container composed of a wrapping paper.

FIG. 1E is a view for explaining a step of packaging a packaging container using the plasma sterilizing apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1F is a view showing a time-dependent pressure of the packaging container of the plasma sterilizing apparatus of FIG. 1A.

1A to 1F, a plasma sterilizing apparatus 100 includes a packaging container 110 composed of a vacuum pouch capable of vacuum sealing; A plasma source (122) for generating a plasma to provide a sterilizing agent to the packaging container, the sterilizing agent including nitrogen and oxygen reactive species (RONS); And an exhaust pump 121 for exhausting air from the packaging container.

The packaging container 110 may include a passage pipe 117a, 117b that provides the plasma source and at least one passage for air entry to be connected to the exhaust pump.

The packaging container 110 may be in the form of an envelope made of a vinyl material. The packaging container 110 is finally completely sealed, and the inside of the packaging container 110 can be kept vacuum. On the other hand, in order to sterilize the packaging container, the pressure of the packaging container is exhausted from the atmospheric pressure to a reference pressure below the atmospheric pressure. Then, plasma is discharged using air to produce a sterilizing agent containing nitrogen and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). As the sterilizing agent is provided inside the packaging container, the pressure of the packaging container is increased. Then, the packaging container is again exhausted to a reference pressure, and plasma discharge is performed using the exhausted air to produce a sterilizing agent containing nitrogen and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). The regenerated sterilizing agent is provided again inside the packaging container. This step of providing the vacuum evacuation and the sterilizing agent is carried out at least once. Finally, the packaging container 110 is completely sealed by thermocompression in an evacuated state.

The material to be treated may be a medical device. Specifically, the object to be treated may be a surgical instrument of a metallic material or a medical instrument of a plastic material.

The packaging container 110 may include a vacuum pouch. The vacuum pouch may include a polyethylene (PE) film including an embossing on one side and a protective film laminated on the polyethylene film. The protective film may be a nylon film or a poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) film. A label or a trademark of the product may be printed on the protective film.

The packaging container 110 may be manufactured using a pair of vacuum pouches so that the embossments face each other. The side surface of the packaging container may be sealed, and one end of the packaging container may be filled with the passage pipes 117a and 117b. The passage pipes 117a and 117b are made of a polyethylene (PE) film, and the passage pipe can be sealed by being inserted into the inner surface of the packaging container 110 by thermocompression bonding. On the other hand, when the exhaust pipes 121 are exhausted by the exhaust pipes 121, the passage pipes 117a and 117b may be deformed by a pressure difference. In this case, the passage pipe may be severely deformed and may not provide a space for the fluid to proceed. To prevent this, the inner surface of the passage pipe may include a protrusion 117c so as to provide a fluid passage even when the passage pipe is deformed by a pressure difference. Further, one end of the passage pipe may be inserted into the inside of the packaging container, and the other end of the passage pipe may be connected to an exhaust pump or a plasma source. A through hole (117d) is formed around one end of the passage pipe, and an efficient exhaust passage can be provided through the through hole.

The passage pipes 117a and 117b may include an exhaust passage pipe 117b connected to the exhaust pump 121 and a supply passage pipe 117a connected to the plasma source 122. [ One end of the exhaust passage pipe 117b may be inserted into the packaging container and the other end of the exhaust passage pipe may be connected to the exhaust pump. One end of the supply passage pipe 117a may be inserted into the inside of the packaging container, and the other end of the exhaust passage pie may be connected to the plasma source. For vacuum sealing, the exhaust passage pipe can be coupled to the connection of the exhaust pump through a sealing member. The supply passage pipe can be coupled to the connection of the plasma source through a sealing member. And the other end of the passage pipe may include a plurality of through holes 117d formed in a side surface thereof. The through-hole may provide a passage for fluid flow.

The passage pipe (117a, 117b) includes: a supply passage pipe (117a) connected to the plasma source to supply nitrogen and oxygen active species generated by the plasma source to the packaging container; And an exhaust passage pipe 117b connected to the exhaust pump and discharging gas in the packaging container. The passage pipe may be made of the same material as the packaging container. Accordingly, the passage pipe can be thermally compressed with the packaging container. The thermocompression passageway pipe can be thermocompressed without being strained to provide a passage for the fluid.

A passage pipe thermocompression bonding band 116 crossing one end of the packaging container 110 may be formed. The passage pipe thermocompression band 116 may be disposed to cross the passage pipe. The packaging container and the passage pipe are sealed with each other by thermocompression, but the passage pipe may not be deformed.

An upper thermocompression bonding band 111 may be formed at the other end of the packaging container. The upper thermocompression band may be formed after the object to be processed is inserted into the inside of the packaging container.

The passage pipes 117a and 117b can perform the process of discharging the packaging container and supplying the sterilizing agent. Accordingly, when sterilization of the object is completed, the color of the process indicator 112 may be discolored. Then, one end of the packaging container is thermocompression-bonded to form a lower thermocompression bonding band 114. The lower thermocompression bonding strip 114 may be formed so as not to directly pass through the passage pipe.

The exhaust pump 121 may exhaust the pressure of the packaging container to a level of several hundred milliTorr to several torr. The exhaust passage of the exhaust pump 121 is connected to the exhaust passage 121 through the exhaust passage 121 and the exhaust pipe 121. The exhaust passage of the exhaust pump 121 is connected to the exhaust passage pipe 117b, the exhaust pump input valve 123 disposed at the intake port of the exhaust pump, And an exhaust valve 126 disposed in the exhaust passage. Accordingly, the air inside the packaging container can be discharged to the outside through the exhaust valve.

The circulation pipe 125a may connect the exhaust part of the exhaust pump 121 and the intake part of the plasma source 122. [ A circulation valve 125 is disposed in the intake part of the plasma source, and a plasma source exhaust valve 124 is disposed in the exhaust part of the plasma source.

The exhaust port of the exhaust pump 121 and the inlet port of the plasma source 122 may be connected through the circulation valve 125. The exhaust port of the exhaust pump and the exhaust port of the plasma source are merged with each other and can be connected to the exhaust valve 126. The exhaust valve 126 may discharge the air in the packaging container to the outside when the circulation valve 125 is closed.

The plasma source 122 may perform a substantially atmospheric discharge or a high pressure discharge between a few hundred milliTorr and atmospheric pressure. The plasma source 122 may be discharged using air to produce a sterilizing agent. The sterilizing agent may include nitrogen and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). The plasma source 122 may be any one of a glow plasma using an electrode, an inductively coupled plasma discharge using an antenna, a microwave plasma discharge using a microwave, or a dielectric barrier discharge using an alternating current power.

In order to sterilize the inside of the packaging container, the packaging container 110 composed of a vacuum packaging paper may be prepared. The passage pipes 117a and 117b are thermally bonded to one end of the packaging container, and the other end of the packaging container can be opened. In order to thermocompression of one end of the packaging container, a first thermocompression bonding part 132 including a hemispherical depression may be prepared. The depressed portion is aligned with the passage pipe, and the first thermocompression portion 132 can compress the vacuum package and the passage pipe to weld them. Accordingly, the passage pipe thermocompression band 116 can provide a passage connected to the inside of the packaging container without deforming the passage pipe.

The other end of the packaging container is opened, and the object to be processed can be inserted through the opening of the opened packaging container.

Next, the other end of the packaging container 110 may be sealed by the second thermocompression bonding portion 134. The second thermocompression bonding portion 134 can heat and fuse two surfaces of the packaging container in a compressed state. Thus, the upper thermocompression bonding band 111 can be generated. The second thermocompression unit may be performed through a conventional thermocompression apparatus.

The exhaust passage pipe 117b may be connected to an input portion of the exhaust pump through a coupling means. The first coupling means can seal the exhaust passage pipe.

 The supply passage pipe 117a may be connected to the exhaust portion of the plasma source through a second coupling means. The second coupling means can seal the feed passage pipe.

The exhaust passage pipe exhausts air inside the packaging container, and the supply passage pipe can supply the sterilant generated by the plasma source into the inside of the packaging container. The evacuation process and the sterilizing agent supply process can be repeated alternately.

Specifically, the exhaust pump 121 and the plasma source 121 operate, and the exhaust pump input valve 123 and the exhaust valve 126 of the exhaust pump 121 are opened. In this case, the circulation valve 125 is closed, and the plasma source exhaust valve 124 is closed. When the vacuum state of the packaging container reaches the reference pressure, the exhaust pump input valve 123 and the exhaust valve 126 of the exhaust pump 121 are closed and the plasma source exhaust valve 124 and the circulation valve 125 are closed, Is opened. Thus, the air enclosed between the circulation valve and the plasma source valve produces a sterilizing agent by plasma discharge. The sterilizing agent is provided inside the packaging container.

Then, the plasma source exhaust valve 124 is closed and the exhaust pump input valve 123 is opened. Accordingly, the pressure of the packaging container drops to the reference pressure.

Then, the exhaust pump input valve 123 is closed and the plasma source exhaust valve 124 is opened. Thus, the sterilizing agent is provided inside the packaging container. This process can be repeated several times.

When the sterilization is completed, the color of the process indicator 112 is discolored, and the packaging container is evacuated to a vacuum state.

Next, in order to block the passage between the passage pipe and the packaging container, the third thermocompression unit 136 thermocompresses the packaging container while cutting the passage pipe at the front end of the passage pipe. Thus, the lower thermo-compression bonding band 116 is formed. If necessary, the passage pipe thermocompression bond can be cut and removed. When the sterilization process is completed, the exhaust pump input valve and the plasma source exhaust valve are closed.

According to a modified embodiment of the present invention, when the packaging container is first evacuated, the plasma source exhaust valve may be opened simultaneously with the exhaust pump inlet valve. In this case, the reference pressure of the packaging container is further reduced, and the plasma source can perform more efficient plasma discharge due to low pressure.

2A is a conceptual diagram illustrating a plasma sterilization apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a diagram showing the pressure over time of the packaging container of FIG. 2A. FIG.

The description overlapping with that described in Fig. 1 is omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the plasma sterilizing apparatus 100a includes a packaging container 110 composed of a vacuum pouch capable of vacuum sealing; A plasma source (122) for generating a plasma to provide a sterilizing agent to the packaging container, the sterilizing agent including nitrogen and oxygen reactive species (RONS); And an exhaust pump 121 for exhausting air from the packaging container.

The packaging container 110 may include a passage pipe 117a, 117b that provides the plasma source and at least one passage for air entry to be connected to the exhaust pump.

The circulation pipe can be divided into two types. One connected to the plasma source through the circulation valve and the other connected to the external sterilant supply via the external sterilant supply valve. The external sterilant supply may provide hydrogen peroxide or an external sterilant.

The exhaust pump 121 and the plasma source 121 are operated and the exhaust pump input valve 123 and the exhaust valve 126 of the exhaust pump 121 are opened. In this case, the circulation valve 125 and the external sterilizing agent supply valve 127 are closed, and the plasma source exhaust valve 124 is closed. When the vacuum state of the packaging container reaches the reference pressure, the exhaust pump input valve 123 and the exhaust valve 126 of the exhaust pump 121 are closed and the plasma source exhaust valve 124, the external sterilizer supply valve The circulation valve 127, and the circulation valve 125 are opened. Thus, the air enclosed between the circulation valve and the plasma source valve produces a sterilizing agent by plasma discharge. The sterilizing agent is provided inside the packaging container.

Subsequently, the plasma source exhaust valve 124 and the external sterilizing agent supply valve 127 are closed, and the exhaust pump input valve 123 is opened. Accordingly, the pressure of the packaging container drops to the reference pressure.

Subsequently, the exhaust pump input valve 123 is closed, and the plasma source exhaust valve 124 and the external sterilizing agent supply valve 127 are opened. Accordingly, the sterilizing agent and the external sterilizing agent are provided inside the packaging container. This process can be repeated several times.

When the sterilization is completed, the color of the process indicator 112 is discolored, and the packaging container is evacuated to a vacuum state.

Next, in order to block the passage between the passage pipe and the packaging container, the third thermocompression unit 136 thermocompresses the packaging container while cutting the passage pipe at the front end of the passage pipe. Thus, the lower thermo-compression bonding band 116 is formed. If necessary, the passage pipe thermocompression bond can be cut and removed. When the sterilization process is completed, the exhaust pump input valve and the plasma source exhaust valve are closed.

3A is a conceptual diagram illustrating a plasma sterilization apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a diagram showing the pressure over time of the packaging container of FIG. 3A. FIG.

The description overlapping with that described in Fig. 1 is omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the plasma sterilizer 200 includes a packaging container 110 composed of a vacuum pouch capable of vacuum sealing; A plasma source (122) for generating a plasma to provide a sterilizing agent to the packaging container, the sterilizing agent including nitrogen and oxygen reactive species (RONS); And an exhaust pump 121 for exhausting air from the packaging container.

The packaging container 110 may include a passage pipe 217 that provides one passage for air in and out to be connected to the plasma source 122 and the exhaust pump 121. The passage pipe 117 may be connected to the exhaust pump input valve 123 of the exhaust pump and the plasma source exhaust valve 124 in parallel.

4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a plasma sterilization apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the plasma sterilizing apparatus 300 includes a packaging container 110 composed of a vacuum-sealed vacuum package; A plasma source (122) for generating a plasma to provide a sterilizing agent to the packaging container, the sterilizing agent including nitrogen and oxygen reactive species (RONS); And an exhaust pump 121 for exhausting air from the packaging container.

The packaging container 110 may include passage pipes 317a and 317b that provide the plasma source and at least one passage for air entry to be connected to the exhaust pump.

One end of the exhaust passage pipe is disposed between the passage pipe thermo-compression bonding band and the lower thermo-compression bonding band, and one end of the supply passage pipe is disposed inside the lower compression bonding band and can directly contact the object to be processed.

When the object to be processed has holes or long passages therein, the supply passage pipe can be connected to the long passage of the object to be processed through the connection portion 319 in order to sterilize the long passage. The object to be treated may be a porous medical device such as a handpiece.

The supply passage pipe can be compressed and sealed at the same time by the lower thermal compression bands. To this end, the supply passage pipe may be made of a PE material.

5A is a conceptual diagram illustrating a plasma sterilization apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

5B is a plan view showing the plasma source of FIG. 5A.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the plasma sterilizer 300 includes a packaging container 110 composed of a vacuum-sealed vacuum package; A plasma source (122) for generating a plasma to provide a sterilizing agent to the packaging container, the sterilizing agent including nitrogen and oxygen reactive species (RONS); And an exhaust pump 121 for exhausting air from the packaging container.

The packaging container 110 may include a passage pipe 117a, 117b that provides the plasma source and at least one passage for air entry to be connected to the exhaust pump.

The plasma source 422 may include a vacuum chamber 21, a dielectric barrier discharge module 23 disposed within the vacuum chamber, and an AC power source 24 for supplying AC power to the dielectric barrier discharge module . The vacuum chamber provides an enclosed space and may include an upper plane. The upper plane may be opened and sealed by a transparent plate 22 which transmits ultraviolet region. The transparent plate 22 may be a quartz plate. The transparent plate may irradiate ultraviolet rays generated by the dielectric barrier discharge to the packaging container. Accordingly, plasma sterilization and ultraviolet sterilization can be performed simultaneously.

The dielectric barrier discharge module 23 includes a ground electrode layer 23a; An insulating layer (23b) disposed on the ground electrode layer; And a patterned power electrode 23c disposed on the insulating layer. A dielectric barrier discharge may be generated by a high voltage applied between the power electrode and the ground electrode. The power electrode 23c may be a mesh-shaped porous pattern.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, And all of the various forms of embodiments that can be practiced without departing from the technical spirit.

110: Packaging container
121: Exhaust pump
122: plasma source
117a: supply passage pipe
117b: exhaust passage pipe

Claims (10)

A packaging container made of a vacuum pouch capable of vacuum sealing;
A plasma source for generating a plasma to provide a sterilizing agent to the packaging container, the sterilizing agent including nitrogen and oxygen reactive species (RONS); And
And an exhaust pump for exhausting air from the packaging container and exhausting the sterilizing agent injected into the packaging container by the plasma source,
Wherein the packaging container includes a plasma source and a passageway pipe providing at least one passageway for air entry to be connected to the exhaust pump,
Wherein the passage pipe comprises the same material as the packaging container,
Wherein the passage pipe is thermocompression-bonded to the packaging container. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein one side of the packaging container is embossed. The method according to claim 1,
Said passage pipe comprising:
A supply passage pipe connected to the plasma source to supply nitrogen and oxygen active species generated by the plasma source to the packaging container; And
And an exhaust passage pipe connected to the exhaust pump for discharging gas in the packaging container. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the inner surface of the passage pipe comprises a protrusion. The method of claim 3,
A circulation pipe connecting an exhaust part of the exhaust pump and an intake part of the plasma source;
Further comprising a circulation valve disposed in the circulation pipe. The method of claim 3,
An exhaust pump input valve disposed at an intake port of the exhaust pump; And
Further comprising a plasma source exhaust valve disposed at an outlet of the plasma source. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the plasma source comprises:
A ground electrode layer;
An insulating layer disposed on the ground electrode layer; And
And a patterned power electrode disposed on the insulating layer,
And a dielectric barrier discharge is generated by a high voltage applied between the power electrode and the ground electrode. Inserting and sealing the object to be packaged in a vacuum packaging package;
Venting the packaging container through a passage pipe extending outwardly from the inside of the packaging container;
Providing a sterilant containing nitrogen and oxygen reactive species (RONS) generated from a plasma source into the inside of the packaging container through the passage pipe; And
And thermally compressing the sterilized packaging container,
Wherein the passage pipe comprises the same material as the packaging container,
Wherein the passage pipe is thermocompression-bonded to the packaging container. Providing a packaging container comprising a vacuum pipe at one end thereof thermocompression-bonded and an open end at the other end;
Inserting an object to be processed into the packaging container, thermally compressing and sealing the other end of the packaging container;
And a sterilizing agent containing nitrogen and oxygen reactive species (RONS: Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen species) is generated and discharged into the inside of the packaging container through the passage pipe ; And
And thermally compressing and sealing one end of the packaging container at the front end of the passage pipe to seal the packaging container,
Wherein the passage pipe comprises the same material as the packaging container. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the step of evacuating the inside of the packaging container in a vacuum state is followed by the step of increasing the pressure by providing a sterilizing agent.

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