KR102217278B1 - Chamber environmental control system for bio 3d printer and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling a chamber environment for a three-dimensional bioprinter, which has an inner space in which printing is performed by wall surfaces including side walls, and is applied to a printing chamber having an H_2O_2 inlet and an H_2O_2 outlet formed by penetrating the side walls. The apparatus may comprise: a temperature control unit having a heater for controlling the temperature of the printing chamber; a sterilization unit having an H_2O_2 tank for storing H_2O_2, and a plurality of pumps which include a first pump for introducing H_2O_2 from the H_2O_2 tank into the H_2O_2 inlet, and a second pump for discharging air inside the printing chamber to the outside of the printing chamber through the H_2O_2 outlet; and a control unit for controlling the operation of each of the pumps so that the internal pressure of the printing chamber is changed between a first pressure lower than the external pressure of the printing chamber and a second pressure higher than the first pressure. According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the viability and stability of biomaterials.

Description

Chamber environment control apparatus and method for bio 3D printers {CHAMBER ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SYSTEM FOR BIO 3D PRINTER AND METHOD THEREOF}

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling a chamber environment for a bio 3D printer, and more particularly, a chamber for a bio 3D printer for sterilizing a bio 3D printer chamber and controlling an environment such as internal temperature and humidity. It relates to an environmental control device and method.

3D bioprinting, the field of application and development of 3D printing technology, is based on 3D printing technology, and is based on an extracellular matrix such as collagen (hereinafter referred to as ECM), or bio-ink that imitates it. It is a technology that combines ink) with cells and other biomaterials to create a desired shape. Currently, various methods for 3D bioprinting are being developed according to the desired purpose and biological environment, and various bio-inks are also being studied.

Such 3D bioprinting constructs an ECM or bio-ink into a desired shape, and cultivates cells required for the ECM or bio-ink to produce a living organ or tissue having the same function as in reality. One of the most important issues in 3D bioprinting is to ensure that cells and biomaterials used as materials are stored and used as stably as possible so that cells can function continuously without dying.

Patent Document 1 (Korean Patent Registration No. 10-2065474) discloses a 3D bioprinter capable of outputting cells and ECM or bio-ink at different temperatures and pressures using a plurality of nozzles.

Patent Document 1 discloses a discharge temperature control unit that is included in a nozzle portion from which each biomaterial is discharged, and controls the temperature of the discharged biomaterial. Further, a temperature control member is disclosed that is included in the output and storage stage and controls the temperature of the biomaterial after discharge.

In addition, air purification means such as a HEPA filter and a fan are installed in the bio 3D printer chamber to prevent contamination inside the case when external air is introduced, thereby circulating air inside the chamber.

However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose a technique for efficiently performing sterilization in a printing chamber so as to enable output of living tissues in a sterilized environment. In a bio 3D printer, contaminants may be introduced into the interior due to external air provided to perform a process or opening/closing of a printing chamber, thereby contaminating biological tissues, and thus a need for a technology to prevent this is emerging.

On the other hand, in the conventional bio 3D printer as in Patent Document 1, since the biomaterial is inevitably affected by the air circulation inside the chamber, it is important to appropriately match the environment such as temperature and humidity inside the chamber.

However, it is difficult to control the environment such as temperature and humidity inside the chamber with only the configuration of controlling the temperature of the nozzle unit and the output and storage stage as in Patent Document 1, so there is a limit to improving the viability and stability of the biomaterial. .

Korean Patent Registration No. 10-2065474 (announced on January 14, 2020)

An object of the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling a chamber environment for a bio 3D printer capable of increasing the viability and stability of biomaterials by enabling the output of biological tissues in a sterilized environment.

In the first aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems, an internal space in which printing is performed is defined by wall surfaces including side walls, and an H ₂ O ₂ inlet and an H ₂ O ₂ exhaust port formed through the side walls It relates to a chamber environment control apparatus for a bio 3D printer applied to the printing chamber having a. The apparatus may include a temperature controller including a heater for controlling a temperature of the printing chamber; A H ₂ O ₂ tank in which H ₂ O ₂ is stored, a first pump for introducing H ₂ O ₂ from the H ₂ O ₂ tank to the H ₂ O ₂ inlet, and the air inside the printing chamber is H ₂ O ₂ a sterilization unit having a plurality of pumps including a second pump for exhausting to the outside of the printing chamber through an exhaust port; And a control unit for controlling the operation of each of the pumps so that the internal pressure of the printing chamber varies between a first pressure lower than an external pressure of the printing chamber and a second pressure higher than the first pressure.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first pressure may be formed at a vacuum pressure having a vacuum degree of 75 to 80 mmHg, and the second pressure may be formed at a vacuum pressure having a vacuum degree of 30 to 40 mmHg.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may allow the internal pressure of the printing chamber to be alternately formed a number of times set as the first pressure and the second pressure.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the set number may be 20 to 30 times.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the H ₂ O ₂ and H ₂ O ₂ that is stored in the tank is an aqueous solution, the sterilization unit is disposed between the printing chamber and the H ₂ O ₂ tank, the H ₂ O ₂ It may include a vaporizer for vaporizing the H ₂ O ₂ aqueous solution introduced from the tank.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sterilization unit may further include a catalytic reactor for decomposing H ₂ O ₂ exhausted from the printing chamber using a purification catalyst.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the second being the flow path for the H ₂ O ₂ to be discharged outside the printing chamber is a first path, and H ₂ O ₂ is H ₂ O ₂ returns to the printing chamber to the atmosphere Including a path, and the control unit controls the valve to circulate and remove H ₂ O ₂ between the catalytic reactor and the printing chamber through the first path, or the H ₂ O ₂ through the second path. Can be released into the atmosphere.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sterilization unit may include a plasma generator for generating O ₃ and introducing it into the printing chamber.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a CO ₂ tank in which CO ₂ is stored, CO ₂ formed in each of the printing chambers in order to inject CO ₂ from the CO ₂ tank and exhaust internal air containing CO ₂ from the printing chamber. _{2 The} inlet and the CO ₂ balance control unit, and a CO ₂ control unit having a regulator disposed on the inlet path of the CO ₂ further includes, the control unit may control the operation of the regulator to control the inflow of CO ₂ .

The first aspect of the present invention is applied to a printing chamber in which an inner space in which printing is performed is defined by wall surfaces including sidewalls, and a bio 3D printer performed by a chamber environment control device including a temperature control unit and a sterilization unit It relates to a chamber environment control method. The method includes the steps of: (a) adjusting the temperature inside the printing chamber; (b) forming the internal pressure of the printing chamber to a first pressure lower than the external pressure of the printing chamber; (c) changing the internal pressure of the printing chamber to a second pressure higher than the first pressure; And (d) removing H ₂ O ₂ remaining in the printing chamber.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, step (b) and step (c) may be alternately performed a preset number of times.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the step (d) exhausts H ₂ O ₂ inside the printing chamber and circulates H ₂ O ₂ to return to the printing chamber, and purifies the exhausted H ₂ O ₂ as a catalyst. Removing by using; And generating O ₃ through a plasma generator, and removing H ₂ O ₂ remaining in the printing chamber by using the generated O ₃ .

According to the present invention, by performing sterilization using H ₂ O ₂ vaporized gas inside the printing chamber before printing the biological tissue in the bio 3D printer, stability of the printed biological tissue can be ensured.

In addition, according to the present invention, since it is possible to incubate by optimally controlling temperature, humidity, and CO ₂ in a non-stop method after printing the biological tissue in the bio 3D printer chamber, it is possible to culture cells immediately after bio-printing. .

1 is an external perspective view of a bio 3D printer to which an apparatus for controlling a chamber environment for a bio 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
2 is a view showing each configuration of a chamber environment control apparatus for a bio 3D printer applied to a printing chamber according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is an inner cutaway view of the printing chamber of FIG. 2.
4 is an inner cross-sectional view of the printing chamber of FIG. 2.
5 is a bottom cut-away view of the printing chamber of FIG. 2.
6 is a cut-away view showing a space under the bottom surface of the printing chamber of FIG. 2.
7 is a flow chart showing each step of the chamber environment control method for a bio 3D printer for performing sterilization according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail for the implementation of the present invention. In the description of the present invention, when it is determined that the subject matter of the present invention may be unnecessarily obscured as matters apparent to those skilled in the art with respect to known functions related to the present invention, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

1 is an external perspective view of a bio 3D printer to which an apparatus for controlling a chamber environment for a bio 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

Referring to FIG. 1, the bio 3D printer includes a case 10 surrounding the outside, and a printing chamber 100 is disposed inside the case 10. A case door 12 is installed on the front of the case 10. The case door 12 is provided with an external transparent window 14 through which the printing chamber 100 can be observed from the outside.

The printing chamber 100 is housed in the case 10, and a chamber door 110 having an internal transparent window 112 is installed in a position corresponding to the case door 12 in the front of the printing chamber 100 do.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the bio 3D printer adopts a double door method including a case door 12 and a chamber door 110, so that the inside of the printing chamber 100 is isolated and sealed from the outside. .

2 is a view showing each configuration of a chamber environment control apparatus for a bio 3D printer applied to a printing chamber according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is an inner cutaway view of the printing chamber of FIG. 2. 4 is an inner cross-sectional view of the printing chamber of FIG. 2.

2 to 4, the printing chamber 100 includes an inner space surrounded by walls, that is, a bottom surface 101, an upper surface 104, and side walls 109. The inner space of the printing chamber 100 is isolated from the outside and is formed to be sealed. Outside the side wall 109 of the printing chamber 100, a casing wall 106 is formed to be spaced apart from the side wall 109. The casing wall 106 is formed to at least partially surround the side wall 109 of the printing chamber 100.

A water jacket 220 to be described later is formed in the space between the side wall 109 and the casing wall 106. In addition, the space between the side wall 109 and the case wall 106 positioned on one side becomes a path through which the air guide unit 320 passes. The case wall 106 is formed along a side wall 109 facing each other corresponding to the left and right of the side where the chamber door 110 is installed, and a part of the side wall 109 positioned at the rear side.

The chamber environment control device for a bio 3D printer of the present invention may include a temperature control unit, an air circulation unit, a humidity control unit, a CO ₂ control unit, and a sterilization unit provided in the printing chamber 100.

The temperature controller includes a heater 210 for controlling the temperature inside the printing chamber 100. The space between the side wall 109 of the printing chamber and the case wall 106 forms a water jacket 220 in which water is accommodated, and the heater 210 heats the water inside the water jacket 220. (100) The internal temperature can be adjusted.

The heater 210 is formed in a plate shape and installed outside the casing wall 106 of the printing chamber 100.

When the printing chamber 100 does not include the casing wall 106 and the water jacket 220, the heater 210 is attached to the side wall 109 to directly heat the side wall 109, and the inside of the printing chamber 100 The temperature of the

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the heater 210 heats the water inside the water jacket 220 to adjust the temperature inside the printing chamber 100, thereby forming a constant temperature inside the printing chamber 100. It can be advantageous to do.

The controller 900 may control on/off of the heater 210 by receiving a sensing value from the temperature sensor 240 that senses the temperature inside the printing chamber 100.

The air circulation unit includes an air guide unit 320. The air guide unit 320 extends along one side wall of the printing chamber 100 and allows air introduced through the inlet 324 to flow through an inner path and into the inner space of the printing chamber 100 through the discharge port 322. It is formed to be ejected. In addition, the air circulation unit includes a circulation fan 310 for circulating air filtered by the filter 340 provided in the printing chamber 100 to the inlet of the air guide unit 320.

A water jacket 220 and an air guide part 320 are disposed between the casing wall 106 of the printing chamber 100 and the side wall 109 of the printing chamber 100. The water jacket 220 may be formed to surround the air guide part 320 between the side wall 109 on the side of the air guide part 320. One side water jacket 220 and the air guide part 320 extend adjacent to each other along the side wall 109.

A guide wall 105 for defining an air circulation path of the air guide unit 320 may be formed to extend from the side wall 109 between the water jacket 220 and the side wall 109 of the printing chamber 100.

The guide wall 105 is formed to have a width smaller than the width of the corresponding side wall 109, and forms an air circulation path inside the air guide part 320 between the side wall 109 and the side wall 109.

The air circulation path may be formed in a shape having a rectangular cross-section with the side wall 109 as one side and the guide wall 105 as the other side. The water jacket 220 may be formed in a'C' shape so as to contact the boundary of the guide wall 105.

Since the heater 210 transfers heat to the air inside the air guide unit 320 through the water jacket 220, heat may be more uniformly transferred into the printing chamber 100. In addition, the water jacket 220 is formed to surround the air guide unit 320, so that efficient heat transfer to the air inside the air guide unit 320 is possible.

The arrangement of the air guide part 320 is more advantageous in controlling the temperature of the printing chamber 100. According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve temperature uniformity and temperature variability within ±0.5°C.

The inner space of the printing chamber 100 is divided into a first space P1 in which the filter 340 under the circulation fan 310 is disposed, and a second space P2 formed on the side of the first space P1. Can be. The second space P2 may be formed to have a height lower than that of the first space P1.

The first space P1 is a space having a side wall 109 of the printing chamber 100 on the side of the air guide part 320 as one side wall, and the second space P2 is a side opposite to the air guide part 320. The side wall 109 of the printing chamber 100 is formed as a space having one side wall.

In the first space P1, a first output module 1 for outputting a solid biomaterial for forming a structure, such as a scaffold, a drug structure, and a frame structure, may be provided. For example, as the first output module 1, an extruder module that outputs a filament, a hot melting module, which is a melting high pressure injection machine that puts a polymer material in the form of a drug or granules inside and melts it with high heat and outputs pneumatically, may be adopted. I can.

The second space P2 includes an output unit 20 in which a syringe 21 containing a biomaterial is mounted, and a second output module 2 for outputting a biomaterial in a fluid state may be provided. About 5 output units 20 may be included in the second output module 2, and for example, one output unit may be set to an output state, and the other four output units may be set to a standby state.

A vertically extending surface extending from the upper surface 104 of the second space P2 to the upper surface 104 of the first space P1 on an extension line of the boundary between the first space P1 and the second space P2 (107) can be formed. The upper side surface 104 of the first space P1 extends horizontally from the upper end of the vertical extension surface 107 toward the sidewall 109 of the first space P1.

In the upper side of the upper side 104 of the first space P1, one side of the guide cover 321 extends from the upper side 104 and the other side extends from the guide wall 105, and the inside in which the circulation fan 310 is accommodated. Space can be formed. The circulation fan 310 is rotated by a motor 311 attached to the outside of the printing chamber 100 and may generate an air flow inside the printing chamber 100.

A filter 340 for filtering air before reaching the circulation fan 310 is disposed under the upper side 104 of the first space P1. The filter 340 is installed inside the filter housing 342, and the filter housing 342 is detachably mounted to the inlet 324. Through this, the filter 340 can be easily replaced. The filter 340 may be, for example, a HEPA filter or a wool filter. The filter 340 may remove contaminants contained in the air introduced by the circulation fan 310 from the inside of the printing chamber 100, for example, with a 0.3 micrometer particle collection rate of 99.975% (H14 grade). By filtering, particles in the chamber can be kept clean.

The upper side surface 104 of the first space P1 extends toward the side wall 109 of the printing chamber 100 facing the vertical extension surface 107 so that an end thereof is spaced apart from the side wall 109. Accordingly, the space inside the guide cover 321 of the air guide part 320 is connected to the space inside the guide wall 105 of the air guide part 320 between the side wall 109 and the air guide part 320 It forms an air circulation space.

The air circulated through the circulation fan 310 circulates through the air guide part 320 in a path extending from the upper space of the upper side 104 of the first space P1 to the lower side of the side wall 109. At this time, as described above, the air passing through the air guide unit 320 may be heated to an appropriate temperature while passing through the inner side of the water jacket 220.

5 is a bottom cut-away view of the printing chamber of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 5, the air guide unit 320 may have a discharge port 322 for discharging air circulating therein to the inner space of the printing chamber 100. The humidity control unit is provided at the discharge port 322 side of the air guide unit 320 and includes a tray 410 for receiving water to adjust the humidity inside the printing chamber 100.

The discharge port 322 of the air guide part 320 may be formed on the side of the air guide part 320, that is, between the sidewall 109 of the first space P1 and the bottom surface 101 of the printing chamber 100. . One side of the sidewall 109 of the first space P1 may extend from the upper side 104 of the first space P1, and a part of the other side may extend to the bottom surface 101 of the first space P1. have. Another part of the sidewall 109 of the first space P1 that does not extend to the bottom surface may form a discharge port 322 between the bottom surface 101.

The inner space of the first space P1 through the discharge port 322 is connected to the inner space of the printing chamber 100, and the air flowing through the air guide unit 320 is inside the printing chamber 100 through the discharge port 322 It can be circulated into space. In detail, the air that is sucked into the circulation fan 310 in the upper part of the first space P1 and circulated through the air guide part 320 is passed through the discharge port 322 in the lower part of the first space P1. ) It flows inside and is circulated.

The tray 410 is provided on the side of the discharge port 322 of the air guide unit 320 and is configured to adjust the humidity inside the printing chamber by using the air circulation of the air circulation unit. The tray 410 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the first space P1 and formed in the shape of a case with an open top.

The tray 410 is disposed to be partially inserted into the air guide unit 320 through the discharge port 322. That is, a part of the tray 410 is disposed inside the air guide unit 320 and another part is disposed inside the printing chamber 100. That is, the tray 410 may be placed under the sidewall 109 of the first space P1 forming the discharge port 322. Accordingly, evaporation and diffusion of moisture contained in the tray 410 can be efficiently induced by the circulating air introduced into the inner space of the printing chamber 100 while circulating while passing through the discharge port 322.

In the present invention, it is possible to increase the humidity efficiently by using the heated air circulating inside the printing chamber. That is, a configuration for controlling temperature and humidity may be interlocked through convection of air.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the humidity control unit may include a humidification auxiliary heater 420 disposed under the tray 410 to heat water contained in the tray 410. The humidification auxiliary heater 420 may be disposed in a space under the bottom surface 101 of the printing chamber 100. Through this, cables such as a power line and a control line to the humidification auxiliary heater 420 may be connected from the outside of the printing chamber 100.

The printing chamber 100 includes a humidity sensor 430 capable of sensing internal humidity. The humidification auxiliary heater 420 is controlled by the controller 900 receiving a sensing signal from the humidity sensor 430. The humidification auxiliary heater 420 may accelerate evaporation by heating water accommodated in the tray 410. According to the present invention, the initial relative humidity inside the chamber can be reached above 80%RH within a short time, and the humidity can be adjusted within 93%RH.

CO ₂ control portion CO ₂ gas is formed to store CO ₂ tank 510, a printing chamber 100 to which CO ₂ gas which is the CO ₂ gas into the printing chamber 100 input from the CO ₂ tank 510, injection port ( 521, a CO ₂ balance control device 522 for exhausting air inside the printing chamber 100 to the outside of the printing chamber 100, and a regulator 531 disposed on an inflow path of the CO ₂ gas. In addition, the CO ₂ control unit includes a CO ₂ sensor 540 for sensing the concentration of CO ₂ inside the printing chamber 100. The CO ₂ sensor 540 may be an IR type sensor and periodically senses the concentration of CO ₂ inside the chamber. The CO ₂ tank 510 is disposed outside the printing chamber 100 and supplies CO ₂ gas into the printing chamber 100 through a tube connected to the CO ₂ gas inlet 521.

The controller 900 may control the operation of the regulator 531 to adjust the inflow amount of the CO ₂ gas according to a sensing value input from the CO ₂ sensor 540. The controller 900 may adjust the inflow amount of the CO ₂ gas through the regulator 531 so that the concentration of CO ₂ inside the printing chamber 100 is kept constant.

The CO ₂ gas inlet 521 and the CO ₂ balance control port 522 may be formed through the upper surface 104 of the printing chamber 100 on the side of the first space P1 in which the circulation fan 310 is disposed. . The CO ₂ gas is introduced from the CO ₂ tank 510 to the CO ₂ gas inlet 521, and the air inside the chamber 100 is exhausted to the outside through the CO ₂ balance control port 522, so that the inside of the printing chamber 100 The concentration of CO ₂ can be adjusted. CO ₂ gas inlet 521, a printing chamber 100 the pressure as CO ₂ gas is put through is there is a high pressure formation in comparison to the outside, controls the opening and closing of the CO ₂ balance adjustment port (522) through the valve (532) By doing so, air containing the CO ₂ gas inside the printing chamber 100 can be naturally exhausted to the outside.

The regulator 531 may be provided on a path extending between the CO ₂ tank 510 and the CO ₂ inlet 521, and may adjust the pressure of the CO ₂ gas flowing into the printing chamber 100.

The controller 900 may control the operation of the regulator 531 and valve 532 disposed on the circular path of the CO ₂ gas inlet and to control the displacement volume of the CO ₂ gas. When the concentration of CO ₂ inside the printing chamber 100 is higher than the set value, the valve 532 is opened to naturally exhaust the air inside the printing chamber 100 to the outside, and at the same time, the printing chamber through the regulator 531 as described above. (100) It is possible to adjust the concentration of the CO ₂ gas inside the printing chamber 100 while controlling the pressure of the CO ₂ gas flowing into the interior. According to the present invention, a CO ₂ concentration of 3 to 5% is maintained, and an accuracy of a CO ₂ concentration within ±0.1% can be achieved.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air circulation unit includes an auxiliary circulation fan 330 provided on the side wall 109 on the side opposite to the air guide unit 320, that is, the side wall 109 of the second space P2. It may contain more. The auxiliary circulation fan 330 may be attached to the bottom of the sidewall 109 of the printing chamber 100 in the second space P2. The auxiliary circulation fan 330 is oriented toward the first space P1 and blows air to first generate convection in the second space P2. The auxiliary circulation fan 330 may operate at 1500 to 2500 rpm to generate convection of an air volume of 0.15 to 0.2 m ³ /min and a wind pressure of 1.3 to 2 mm-H ₂ O in the second space P2.

That is, the auxiliary circulation fan 330 circularly circulates the air that is discharged through the discharge port of the air guide unit 320 and circulates through the first space P1 to the second space P2 again. . Accordingly, it is possible to minimize condensation that may occur in the second space P2 inside the printing chamber 100 and promote internal circulation of air passing through the second space P2.

6 is a cut-away view showing a space under the bottom surface of the printing chamber of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 6, a bottom surface opening 120 is formed in the bottom surface 101 of the printing chamber 100, and a bed 130 is disposed on the bottom surface opening 120. Bed 130 moves within the area of movement allowed by bottom surface opening 102. The upper surface of the bed 130 is formed so that the output plate 131 through which the output is output can be fixed at a predetermined position.

The bed 130 is connected to a horizontal moving unit 132 installed under the printing chamber 100. The horizontal movement unit 132 is connected to the bed 130 and is configured to move the bed 130 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The lower part of the bed 130 is fixed to the horizontal moving unit 132. In the present specification, the bed 130 includes both a portion disposed inside the printing chamber to which the output plate 131 is coupled, and a lower portion connected to the horizontal moving unit 132.

According to the embodiment, a bellows 810 is installed between the lower part of the bed 130 and the inner circumferential surface of the bottom opening 120. The bed 130 is disposed on the center hole of the bellows 810, and the lower part extends to the lower portion of the bellows 810 through the center hole and is connected to the horizontal moving unit 132. The main surface of the center hole is fixed to the lower part of the bed 130 so as to be sealable. Accordingly, the bellows 810 covers the space between the bed 130 and the inner circumferential surface of the bottom surface opening 120 and isolates the interior of the printing chamber 100 from the space below the printing chamber 100.

Since the bellows 810 is deformed due to elasticity, it allows the bed 130 to move in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and at the same time, movement of foreign substances between the upper and lower portions of the bellows 810 is blocked. Accordingly, particles or external pollutants generated during the operation of the horizontal moving unit 132 may be prevented from entering through the bottom opening 120.

According to the embodiment, in a space under the bottom surface 101 of the printing chamber 100, a fan heater for reducing a temperature difference between the interior of the printing chamber 100 and a space under the bottom surface 101 of the printing chamber 100 ( 700) may be provided. The fan heater 700 may be, for example, a PTC fan heater that supplies heat, and may be attached to one sidewall formed in a space under the bottom surface 101 of the printing chamber 100, but the type or location of the fan heater 700 It can be arbitrarily determined.

The bellows 810 may be painted platinum. The bellows 810 is formed of a flexible material such as silicone, and there is a concern that foreign substances may adhere due to adhesion. Platinum coating eliminates the adhesion of the bellows 810, preventing foreign substances and bacteria from adhering to the bellows 810, and increases the surface tension of the bellows to prevent the bellows from being easily damaged due to changes in pressure inside the chamber. have. The antibacterial and sterilizing properties of platinum are advantageous in creating a sterile environment inside the printing chamber.

The controller 900 may control on/off of the fan heater 700 by receiving a sensing value from the temperature sensor 240 that senses the temperature inside the printing chamber 100. The inside of the printing chamber 100 in high temperature and high humidity and the outside of the printing chamber 100 not in the high temperature and high humidity are divided into one thin bellows 810. Therefore, when the temperature difference between the inside and the bottom of the printing chamber 100 increases, condensation occurs due to a temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the printing chamber 100, and condensation water is formed inside the chamber. When the temperature inside the printing chamber 100 is greater than or equal to a set value, the control unit 900 operates the fan heater 700 to increase the temperature of the space under the printing chamber 100 so that the temperature difference is eliminated. For example, the fan heater 700 may be controlled so that the temperature of the space under the bottom surface 101 of the printing chamber 100 is 37°C. Through this, it is possible to prevent condensation from occurring in the bellows 810 and to prevent the cells being cultured in the chamber 100 from being contaminated and affecting the experimental results.

Meanwhile, an upper side opening 140 may be formed in the second space P2 of the printing chamber 100. The upper side opening 140 has a circular cross section, for example. A moving unit 820 for moving the second output module 2 in the second direction may be mounted in the upper opening 140. The moving unit 820 is provided with an elastic rotary sealing packing 821, and the rotary sealing packing is inserted into the upper opening 140 of the printing chamber 100 and can close the upper opening 140. have.

The bellows 810 and the rotary sealing packing 821 seal the inner space of the printing chamber 100 and prevent the environment inside the chamber from being affected by the influence of the external environment.

2, from the sterilizing unit 600 is, H ₂ O ₂ tank (610), H ₂ O ₂ tank 610 where the H ₂ O ₂ storage of bio-3D chamber for the printer environment, the device of the present invention The first pump 631 for introducing H ₂ O ₂ into the H ₂ O ₂ inlet 621 and the air inside the printing chamber 100 are external to the printing chamber 100 through the H ₂ O ₂ exhaust port 622 It includes a plurality of pumps including a second pump 632 for exhausting the furnace. The H ₂ O ₂ tank 610 is disposed outside the printing chamber 100 and is connected to the printing chamber 100 through a tube.

According to the chamber environment control apparatus for a bio 3D printer of the present invention, the temperature controller adjusts the sterilization temperature environment to a preset temperature. The temperature control unit forms the internal temperature of the printing chamber 100 at about 50°C to 60°C during the sterilization operation.

The H ₂ O ₂ inlet 621 may be formed through the sidewall 109 of the second space P2 of the printing chamber 100. The H ₂ O ₂ exhaust port 622 may be formed through the upper surface 104 of the printing chamber 100 on the side of the first space P1 in which the circulation fan 310 is disposed. The sterilization gas including the H ₂ O ₂ vaporized gas is introduced from the H ₂ O ₂ tank 610 to the H ₂ O ₂ inlet 621, and the air inside the chamber 100 is passed through the H ₂ O ₂ exhaust port 622. By being discharged to the outside, the pressure inside the printing chamber 100 during sterilization is controlled.

The controller 900 allows the internal pressure of the printing chamber 100 to vary between a first pressure VP1 lower than the external pressure of the printing chamber 100 and a second pressure VP1 higher than the first pressure VP1. It is possible to control the operation of each of the pumps. The first pressure VP1 and the second pressure VP2 may be formed at a vacuum pressure lower than the external atmospheric pressure, and in this case, the second pressure VP2 has a degree of vacuum lower than the first pressure VP1.

It is advantageous that the first pressure VP1 is formed at a vacuum pressure having a vacuum degree of about 75 to 80 mmHg, and the second pressure VP2 is formed at a vacuum pressure having a vacuum degree of about 30 to 40 mmHg.

Controller 900 H ₂ O ₂ tank 610 and the printing chamber 100, the first pump 631 to the printing chamber 100, the H ₂ O ₂ in H ₂ O ₂ tank (610) through which is disposed between was introduced to raise the pressure inside the printing chamber 100, second pump 632, the external air to H ₂ O ₂ in H ₂ O ₂ tank (610) through which is disposed between the outside air from the printing chamber 100 The pressure inside the printing chamber 100 may be lowered by discharging it.

In this way, the control unit 600 may alternately form the internal pressure of the printing chamber 100 a set number of times as the first pressure VP1 and the second pressure VP1. It is advantageous that the set number of times is 20 to 30 times.

The controller 900 controls the operation of the pump by receiving a sensing value from a pressure sensor (not shown) disposed on the circulation path of H ₂ O ₂ in order to measure the H ₂ O ₂ pressure inside the printing chamber 100. I can. The controller 900 may control the operation of each pump to control the degree of inflow and exhaust of H ₂ O ₂ .

H ₂ O ₂ that is stored in the H ₂ O ₂ tank (610) is an aqueous solution, sterile water (600) is disposed between the H ₂ O ₂ tank 610 and the printing chamber (100), H ₂ O ₂ tank It may include a vaporizer 611 for vaporizing the H ₂ O ₂ aqueous solution introduced from (610).

Among the plurality of pumps, the first pump 631 is disposed between the vaporizer 611 and the printing chamber 100. The H ₂ O ₂ vaporized through the vaporizer 611 flows into the printing chamber 100 through the first pump 631. The controller 900 operates the first pump 631 to inject H ₂ O ₂ vaporized gas into the printing chamber 100.

Among the plurality of pumps, the second pump 632 is disposed between the catalytic reactor 650 on the first path A1 and the printing chamber 100. That is, the second pump 632 is disposed on the first path A1 where H ₂ O ₂ passes through the catalytic reactor 650 and then returns to the printing chamber 100.

The sterilization unit 600 may further include a catalytic reactor 650 disposed on a flow path of H ₂ O ₂ exhausted from the printing chamber 100 and decomposing H ₂ O ₂ using a purification catalyst. As the H ₂ O ₂ purification catalyst, any catalyst such as a metal for decomposing a known H ₂ O ₂ gas may be used.

The flow path of the H ₂ O ₂ to be discharged outside the printing chamber 100 is the second path, the first path (A1), and H ₂ O ₂ is H ₂ O ₂ returns to the printing chamber 100 is discharged into the atmosphere (A2) is included.

A valve 633 for switching the first path A1 and the second path A2 is provided between the first path A1 and the second path A2. The control unit controls the valve 633 to circulate and remove H ₂ O ₂ between the catalytic reactor 650 and the printing chamber 100 through the first path A1, or H ₂ O ₂ through the second path A2. ₂ O ₂ can be released into the atmosphere.

The sterilization unit 600 may include a plasma generator 640 for generating O ₃ and introducing it into the printing chamber 100. The plasma generator 640 may be connected to the first path A1 that forms a circulation path into the printing chamber 100. The control unit 900 operates the plasma generator 640 to allow O ₃ generated by the plasma generator 640 to flow into the printing chamber 100. O ₃ is introduced into the printing chamber 100 is reacted with H ₂ O ₂ by decomposing the H ₂ O _2, the H ₂ O ₂ remaining inside the printing chamber 100 is removed.

7 is a flow chart showing each step of the chamber environment control method for a bio 3D printer for performing sterilization according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, the controller 900 first operates the heater 210 provided in the printing chamber 100 to adjust the temperature inside the printing chamber 100 (s10). The controller 900 may form the internal pressure of the printing chamber 100 to a first pressure VP1 lower than the external pressure of the printing chamber 100 (s20). Then, the controller 900 may change the internal pressure of the printing chamber 100 to a second pressure VP2 higher than the first pressure VP1 (s30).

In detail, the control unit 900 first exhausts the air inside the printing chamber 100 to the outside of the printing chamber 100 for a predetermined time through the second pump 632 to reduce the pressure inside the printing chamber 100 to 75 to 80 mmHg. It is formed at a first pressure VP1 having a degree of vacuum.

Then, the control unit 900 includes a first for the pump set the H ₂ O ₂ to H ₂ O ₂ inlet 621, through 631 hours, for example, printing the chamber 100 to ensure that diffusion by putting about two minutes The internal pressure of is changed to a second pressure VP2 having a degree of vacuum of about 30 to 40 mmHg lower than the first pressure VP1.

Thereafter, the control unit 900 exhausts the air inside the printing chamber 100 to the outside of the printing chamber 100 for about 2 minutes through the second pump 632 to change the interior of the printing chamber 100 to a second pressure VP2. The pressure is again changed to a first pressure VP1 having a degree of vacuum higher than the second pressure VP2.

Then, the control unit 900 again injects and diffuses H ₂ O ₂ into the printing chamber 100 through the first pump 631 again, so that the internal pressure of the printing chamber 100 is again reduced to the first pressure (VP1). Change to a second pressure (VP2) having a degree of vacuum lower than ).

In this way, the controller 900 may alternately form the first pressure VP1 and the second pressure VP2 by a preset number of times by operating the first pump 631 and the second pump 632. That is, the step s20 of changing to the first pressure VP1 and the step s30 of changing to the second pressure VP2 may be alternately repeated a predetermined number of times.

The preset number of times may be about 20 to 30 times, and the degree of sterilization in a six log state may be achieved by repeating the input and exhaust of H ₂ O ₂ as many times as preset. In addition, when a high vacuum pressure is applied at a time, the bellows 810 formed in a thin film form to be described later by the high vacuum pressure may be sucked into the printing chamber 100 and damaged. In the present invention, a relatively low vacuum degree Damage to the bellows 810 may be minimized by dividing the internal pressure of the printing chamber 100 by a predetermined number of times between the first pressure VP1 and the second pressure VP2 and changing for a set time.

After forming the first pressure VP1 and the second pressure VP2 alternately for a set number of times, the controller 900 may remove the H ₂ O ₂ remaining in the printing chamber (s40). The control unit 900 exhausts H ₂ O ₂ inside the printing chamber 100 and circulates H ₂ O ₂ to return to the printing chamber 100 again, and removes the exhausted H ₂ O ₂ using a purification catalyst. At the same time, O ₃ may be generated through the plasma generator 640 and H ₂ O ₂ remaining in the printing chamber 100 may be removed using the generated O ₃ .

Specifically, the controller 900 operates the second pump 632 disposed on the first path A1 to circulate H ₂ O ₂ along the first path A1, and circulate H ₂ O ₂ A portion of the catalytic reactor 650 is decomposed by the purification catalyst.

In addition, the controller 900 may generate O ₃ by operating the plasma generator 640 connected to the first path A1. The generated O ₃ is diffused into the printing chamber 100 via the first path A1 to remove H ₂ O ₂ remaining in the printing chamber 100.

The scope of protection in this field is not limited to the description and expression of the embodiments explicitly described above. In addition, it is added once again that the scope of protection of the present invention may not be limited due to obvious changes or substitutions in the technical field to which the present invention pertains.

100: printing chamber 210: heater
220: water jacket 310: circulation fan
320: air guide unit 330: auxiliary circulation fan
322: discharge port 340: filter
410: tray 420: humidification auxiliary heater
500: CO2 regulator 510: CO ₂ tank
531: regulator 610: H ₂ O ₂ tank
640: O ₃ tank 650: H ₂ O ₂ purification catalyst
700: fan heater 900: control unit
P1: first space P2: second space

Claims (14)

An internal space in which printing is performed is defined by wall surfaces including side walls, and a chamber for a bio 3D printer applied to a printing chamber having an H ₂ O ₂ inlet and an H ₂ O ₂ exhaust port formed through the side walls In the environment control device,
A temperature control unit including a heater for adjusting the temperature of the printing chamber;
A H ₂ O ₂ tank in which H ₂ O ₂ is stored, a first pump for introducing H ₂ O ₂ from the H ₂ O ₂ tank to the H ₂ O ₂ inlet, and the air inside the printing chamber is H ₂ O ₂ a sterilization unit having a plurality of pumps including a second pump for exhausting to the outside of the printing chamber through an exhaust port; And
A control unit for controlling the operation of each of the pumps so that the internal pressure of the printing chamber changes between a first pressure lower than an external pressure of the printing chamber and a second pressure higher than the first pressure,
The control unit, characterized in that the internal pressure of the printing chamber during the sterilization operation is formed to alternately form the number of times set to the first pressure and the second pressure, the chamber environment control apparatus for a bio 3D printer.
The method of claim 1,
The first pressure is formed by a vacuum pressure having a vacuum degree of 75 to 80 mmHg, the second pressure is formed by a vacuum pressure having a vacuum degree of 30 to 40 mmHg, the chamber environment control apparatus for a bio 3D printer.
delete The method of claim 1,
The set number of times is characterized in that 20 to 30 times, bio 3D printer chamber environment control apparatus.
The method of claim 1,
H ₂ O ₂ being stored in the H ₂ O ₂ tank is an aqueous solution,
The sterilization unit is disposed between the H ₂ O ₂ tank and the printing chamber, characterized in that it comprises a vaporizer for vaporizing the H ₂ O ₂ aqueous solution introduced from the H ₂ O ₂ tank, for bio 3D printer Chamber environment control device.
The method of claim 1,
The sterilization unit further comprises a catalytic reactor for decomposing H ₂ O ₂ exhausted from the printing chamber using a purification catalyst.
The method of claim 6,
And the flow path for the H ₂ O ₂ to be discharged outside the printing chamber and a second path, the first path, and H ₂ O ₂ H ₂ O ₂ is returned to the printing chamber that is vented to the atmosphere,
The control unit controls the valve so that H ₂ O ₂ is circulated and removed between the catalytic reactor and the printing chamber through the first path, or the H ₂ O ₂ is discharged to the atmosphere through the second path. It characterized in that, the chamber environment control device for a bio 3D printer.
The method of claim 1,
The sterilization unit, characterized in that provided with a plasma generator for generating O ₃ and flowing into the printing chamber, a chamber environment control apparatus for a bio 3D printer.
The method of claim 1,
CO ₂ is added to store CO ₂ tank, CO ₂ from the CO ₂ tank and to exhaust the interior air containing CO ₂ from the printing chamber CO ₂ inlet and CO ₂ balance are respectively formed in the printing chamber adjusted to unit , and further includes a CO ₂ control comprising a regulator disposed in the funnel of CO _2,
The control unit controls the operation of the regulator to control the inflow amount of CO ₂ .
In the chamber environment control method for a bio 3D printer performed by a chamber environment control device including a temperature control unit and a sterilization unit, which is applied to a printing chamber in which an inner space in which printing is performed is defined by wall surfaces including sidewalls ,
(a) adjusting the temperature inside the printing chamber;
(b) forming the internal pressure of the printing chamber to a first pressure lower than the external pressure of the printing chamber;
(c) changing the internal pressure of the printing chamber to a second pressure higher than the first pressure; And
(d) removing the H ₂ O ₂ remaining inside the printing chamber,
At the time of sterilization, the (b) and (c) steps are alternately performed as many times as a preset number of times.
delete The method of claim 10,
The first pressure is formed by a vacuum pressure having a vacuum degree of 75 to 80 mmHg, and the second pressure is formed by a vacuum pressure having a vacuum degree of 30 to 40 mmHg, the chamber environment control method for a bio 3D printer.
The method of claim 10,
The set number of times is characterized in that 20 to 30 times, the chamber environment control method for a bio 3D printer.
The method of claim 10, wherein step (d)
The H ₂ O ₂ inside the printing chamber is exhausted and H ₂ O ₂ is circulated to return to the printing chamber, and the exhausted H ₂ O ₂ is removed using a purification catalyst, and O ₃ is generated through a plasma generator. And, using the generated O ₃ to remove the H ₂ O ₂ remaining in the printing chamber, the chamber environment control method for a bio 3D printer.

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