KR20230098379A - Plasma sterilized apparatus and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention, a plasma ozone generating unit for generating and supplying ozone (O ₃ ) by plasma to an object to be sterilized, a blowing fan disposed on one side of the plasma ozone generating unit and generating air in the direction of the plasma ozone generating unit, and the plasma ozone generator. Provided is a plasma ozone sterilizer including a gas pump for supplying gas to a generator and a sterilization method including the same.

Description

Plasma sterilization device and sterilization method including the same {PLASMA STERILIZED APPARATUS AND METHOD THEREOF}

The present invention relates to a plasma sterilizer capable of sterilization by generating plasma and a sterilization method including the same.

Plasma refers to a state in which ionized gas atoms or molecules by applying energy to gas and free electrons in an unbonded state exist independently. The plasma state is named as a fourth state of matter distinct from solid, liquid, and gas phases, and includes dry etching, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), plasma polymerization, surface modification, sputtering, and plasma welding. /Used in various industrial fields such as cutting and plasma sintering. In particular, plasma is used for air purification or object sterilization by removing NOx and SOx from factory exhaust gases or generating ozone.

Meanwhile, arrangement relationships including various electrodes are devised and used to generate plasma. As a device for generating plasma material, an application electrode to which voltage and current are applied and a ground electrode having a potential of 0V are formed, and a dielectric material is disposed between the application electrode and the ground electrode to perform dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). A source that generates plasma by causing a is frequently used in the industry.

Republic of Korea Patent Registration No. 10-1933258 (2019.03.15)

The present invention has been made to solve the above technical problems, and the present invention provides a structure capable of supplying ozone by plasma generation and supplying a refrigerant for cooling, thereby optimizing the concentration of ozone generation and ensuring reproducibility and uniformity. It is to provide a plasma sterilization device and a sterilization method including the same that can dramatically improve sterilization efficiency.

The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

Plasma generator according to the present invention,

Plasma ozone generation unit for generating and supplying ozone (O ₃ ) by plasma to the object to be sterilized;

a blowing fan disposed on one side of the plasma ozone generator to generate air toward the plasma ozone generator; and

It may include; a gas pump supplying gas (air, oxygen, inert gas, etc.) to the plasma ozone generator.

Here, in one example of the present invention, the plasma ozone generator;

a duct body in which a predetermined internal space is formed and at least one of air, oxygen and inert gas is introduced and discharged; and

At least one or more electrodes to which voltage and current are applied to generate ozone (O ₃ ) of the plasma ozone generating unit; and

The electrodes may include a structure in which the voltage and current are independently applied while sharing one ground.

In one example of the present invention, the outlet may include a structure formed inclined so that the inner width of the outlet becomes narrow in one direction in cross section so that at least one of the air, oxygen, and inert gas is easily discharged.

In one example of the present invention, at least one of the air, oxygen, and inert gas introduced into the inlet may collide with the inner surface of the duct body to form a vortex and pass through the electrode.

In one example of the present invention, the electrode may include a structure in which separate switches are formed so that the voltage and current are independently supplied.

In one example of the present invention, a power supply for selectively supplying power to electrodes of the plasma ozone generator; may further include.

In one example of the present invention, the number of electrodes disposed in the plasma ozone generator may include a structure capable of being added or removed according to the amount of ozone (O ₃ ) generated.

In one example of the present invention, at least one dust filter may be formed on one side of an outlet of the plasma ozone generator to purify at least one of the sterilized air, oxygen, and inert gas.

In one example of the present invention, a spacer may be disposed in the plasma ozone generating unit so that the electrodes are maintained at a predetermined distance from each other.

In addition, the present invention provides a sterilization method using the plasma ozone generator.

The present invention is a method of sterilizing ozone generation according to plasma discharge,

Generating ozone (O ₃ ) according to plasma discharge through a plurality of electrodes from a plasma ozone generating unit in a space where a sterilization object is accommodated and supplying it to the space; and

controlling and cooling a flow rate of at least one of air, oxygen, and an inert gas supplied when an electrode of the plasma ozone generator detects a predetermined critical temperature or higher;

controlling power applied to the plasma ozone generator; and

and controlling a blowing fan for cooling the outside of the plasma ozone generating unit.

In one example of the present invention, the plurality of electrodes of the plasma ozone generator may be selectively operated according to a preset temperature range.

In one example of the present invention, the operation process of the electrode disposed in the plasma ozone generator and the process of supplying at least one of the air, oxygen, and inert gas may be controlled to be performed alternately.

In one example of the present invention, the process of controlling the flow rate, the process of controlling the power, and the process of controlling the blowing fan may be sequentially or randomly performed.

In one example of the present invention, the process of controlling the flow rate, the process of controlling the power, and the process of controlling the blowing fan may be selectively performed.

Plasma sterilization device and sterilization method including the same according to the present invention provides a structure capable of supplying ozone by plasma generation and supplying a refrigerant for cooling, thereby optimizing ozone generation concentration and ensuring reproducibility and uniformity, thereby dramatically increasing sterilization efficiency. There is an effect that can be improved.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a plasma ozone generator according to the present invention;
2 and 3 are schematic diagrams showing the operation process of the ozone generator of the plasma ozone generator according to the present invention,
4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the electrode configuration of the plasma ozone generator according to the present invention;
5 is a view showing the outlet shape of the plasma ozone generator according to the present invention;
6 and 7 are flowcharts showing the operation process of the plasma ozone generator according to the present invention,
8 and 9 are photographs showing some configurations of the plasma ozone generator according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same components have the same numerals as much as possible even if they are displayed on different drawings. In addition, in describing an embodiment of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function hinders understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In describing the components of the embodiment of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and the nature, order, or order of the corresponding component is not limited by the term. In addition, unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related art, and unless explicitly defined in the present application, they should not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal meaning. don't

The plasma sterilization apparatus according to the present invention secures the reproducibility and uniformity of ozone generation concentration by controlling the temperature of an electrode supplying plasma to a space where a sterilization object is accommodated so as to be maintained in a specific temperature range. It can enable the most efficient sterilization. That is, the present invention heats the electrode by adjusting the power applied to maintain the temperature of the electrode in the temperature range, and cools the electrode by the supply flow rate of the supplied gas and the direct external blowing method, thereby generating the electrode by plasma generation. It is characterized in that it can provide an excellent sterilization effect for the sterilization target.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a plasma ozone generator according to the present invention, FIGS. 2 and 3 are schematic views showing the operation process of the ozone generating unit of the plasma ozone generator according to the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the present invention. It is a schematic configuration diagram showing the electrode configuration of the plasma ozone generator according to, Figure 5 is a view showing the outlet shape of the plasma ozone generator according to the present invention.

Referring to these drawings, the plasma ozone sterilization apparatus 100 according to the present invention includes a plasma ozone generating unit 120 generating and supplying ozone (O ₃ ) by plasma to a sterilization target (not shown), and generating plasma ozone. A blowing fan (F) disposed on one side of the unit 120 to generate air in the direction of the plasma ozone generator 120, a power source P for supplying power to an external rotor, and supplying gas to the plasma ozone generator 120 It may be configured to include a gas pump 130 that does.

Here, the object to be sterilized may be stored in the ozone generating unit 120 or provided in a separate and independent space to be sterilized by supplying ozone (O ₃ ) generated by the ozone generating unit 120 .

Plasma ozone generating unit 120 is a device for generating ozone (O ₃ ) by providing a plurality of electrodes 210 in an internal space to form plasma through them, and is a device that generates dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). may include an electrode capable of generating plasma by

According to the present invention, the plasma ozone generator 120 has an inlet 122 and an outlet in which a predetermined internal space is formed and a refrigerant supplied from the gas pump 130, for example, air, oxygen or an inert gas is introduced and discharged. A duct body 121 in which 123 is formed and a plasma electrode unit 200 to which voltage and current are applied to generate ozone (O ₃ ) of the plasma ozone generator 120, and the plasma electrode unit 200 The electrodes 210 may share one ground but may be formed in a structure in which voltage and current are independently applied. At this time, a spacer (125) may be disposed so that the plasma electrode unit 200 is disposed at a position where effective sterilization is possible without flowing in the inner space of the duct body 121 of the plasma ozone generator 120.

First, as described above, the sterilization target can be easily sterilized by plasma while being disposed in a separate independent space. Preferably, the space in which the sterilization object is stored may be opened and closed through a door or the like and closed.

In addition, the plasma ozone generating unit 120 has an internal chamber space formed therein, and a plasma electrode unit 120 configured to include a plurality of electrodes 210 generating plasma in the internal chamber space of the plasma ozone generating unit 120 can be placed.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, at the left end of the upper side of the plasma ozone generator 120, air is provided to cool the plurality of electrodes 210 from the outside or to flow the plasma ozone generated from the electrodes 210. An inlet 122 through which oxygen or inert gas is introduced is formed, and an outlet 123 is formed at the right end of the lower side of the plasma ozone generator 120 so that the air, oxygen or inert gas is supplied to the object to be sterilized. there is. Therefore, a refrigerant such as an inert gas provided from the outside to cool the electrode or the plasma generated from the electrode 210 disposed in the chamber space of the plasma ozone generator 120 can flow easily. Here, the outlet 123 formed at the right end of the lower side of the plasma ozone generator 120 has an inclined surface S whose inner diameter is narrowed downward so that the air, oxygen or inert gas can be easily discharged. In some cases, a fan may be additionally formed at the outlet 123 so that the air, oxygen, or inert gas is more quickly discharged.

A flow process of the air, oxygen or inert gas passing through the plasma ozone generator 120 will be described in more detail below.

As the material used for the electrode 210 of the plasma electrode unit 200, a metal material having excellent electrical conductivity may be used, and preferably silver (Ag), silver-platinum alloy (AgPt), copper (Cu) , tungsten (W), a material having a metal element such as molybdenum (Mo) may be used. The electrode 200 composed of such elements can minimize heat generated by resistance when voltage and current are applied, and can generate plasma stably.

범위로 유지되도록 하는 것이 적합하다. The three electrodes 210 of the plasma electrode unit 200 are connected by one power source P. Here, as shown in FIG. 8, the three electrodes 200 share one ground, and separate switch units S1, S2, and S3 are respectively connected. Accordingly, power supplied from the power source P may be independently or simultaneously or selectively supplied to the three electrodes 200 . In one example, the electrode 200 of the plasma ozone sterilizer 100 according to the present invention has a threshold temperature indicating an abnormality according to a predetermined heating state set as a reference value, and three By selectively or simultaneously cutting off the supply of the power source P to the electrode 200, it is possible to optimize the concentration of ozone generation and ensure reproducibility and uniformity. Preferably, the predetermined critical temperature for the surface temperature of the electrode 210 according to the present invention is 60 to 80

It is appropriate to keep it within the range.

Such a power source will be referred to as a 'power source P' in this specification so as not to distinguish whether it is a voltage source or a current source. According to the present invention, the power source (S) may be formed in a structure that is embedded in the plasma ozone sterilizer 100 or disposed outside.

On the other hand, the blowing fan (F) may be disposed adjacent to the flow of air in the direction of the three electrodes 210 of the plasma ozone generating unit 120. That is, the blowing fan F may be automatically or manually operated according to the surface temperature of the electrode 210 so that the electrode 210 does not rise above a predetermined critical temperature.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, the number of electrodes 210 of the plasma electrode unit 200 may be provided in a replaceable and detachable structure that can be independently added or removed according to the amount of ozone (O ₃ ) generated in the plasma. there is. Therefore, when an abnormality is found in one electrode 210 according to circumstances, only the corresponding electrode 210 can be easily replaced or repaired.

Hereinafter, a sterilization method using the plasma ozone sterilizer according to the present invention described above will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation process of the plasma ozone generator according to the present invention.

First, the sterilization object is formed so as to be directly supplied with ozone supplied from the plasma ozone generator 120, and the plasma ozone generator 120 is operated (ON) to generate ozone (O ₃ ) by plasma generation to the sterilization object ) is supplied (S100).

The surface temperature of the electrode 210 is measured in real time, and a process of checking whether or not it is maintained at a predetermined critical temperature (approximately 60 to 80 ° C.) is performed (S200).

At this time, when the surface temperature of the electrode 210 is sensed within the predetermined critical temperature range (approximately 60 to 80 ° C.), the operation of the plasma ozone generator 120 is maintained. If the surface temperature of the electrode 210 is When it is detected that the first threshold temperature (approximately 80 ° C.), which is the upper limit of the preset threshold temperature, is exceeded, the operation of the plasma ozone generator 120 is stopped (OFF) (S300).

Subsequently, a process of supplying air, oxygen, mixed gas, or inert gas (N ₂ ) to cool the electrode 210 proceeds (S300). At this time, according to the present invention, the cooling process of the electrode 210 by supplying the gas may be controlled according to the surface temperature of the electrode 210 measured in real time. That is, the supply of the air, oxygen, mixed gas or inert gas is the process of controlling the supply flow rate of the gas through the controller C (S300-1), and the high voltage power applied to the plasma ozone generator 120. (eg, voltage, frequency, dimming, etc.) control (S300-2) and external cooling of the plasma ozone generator 120 by the operation of the blowing fan (F) (S300-3) may be performed. In some cases, the process of controlling the supply flow rate of the gas, electric power, and the blowing fan may be sequentially or randomly performed.

Here, the air, oxygen, mixed gas or inert gas (N ₂ ) is introduced through the inlet 122 formed in the duct body 121 of the plasma ozone generator 120, and the opposite surface of the inlet 122, that is, the duct body. It collides with the inner wall of (121) and forms a vortex. Accordingly, the air or inert gas introduced while forming the vortex forms a flow path passing through the electrode 210 and flows toward the outlet 123 and is discharged, as shown in FIG. 2 .

Then, in the course of this cooling process, when the surface temperature of the electrode 210 is detected as less than the second critical temperature (approximately 60 ° C. ) is (S400) At this time, if the surface temperature of the electrode 210 is maintained within the predetermined critical temperature range (approximately 60 to 80 ° C.), the operation of the plasma ozone generator 120 is maintained (S500).

According to the present invention, the above-described plasma ozone sterilizer 100 may be provided, for example, as a sterilizer for cooking utensils.

The above description is merely an example of the technical idea of the present invention, and various modifications and variations can be made to those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention, but to explain, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The protection scope of the present invention should be construed according to the claims below, and all technical ideas within the equivalent range should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

100: Plasma ozone sterilizer
120: Plasma ozone generator
121: duct body
122: inlet
123: outlet
125: spacer
130: gas pump
200: plasma electrode unit
210: electrode
C: control part
F: blowing fan
P: power source
S: slope

Claims (14)

Plasma ozone generation unit for generating and supplying ozone (O ₃ ) by plasma to the object to be sterilized;
a blowing fan disposed on one side of the plasma ozone generator to generate air toward the plasma ozone generator; and
A plasma sterilizer comprising a; gas pump for supplying gas to the plasma ozone generating unit.
According to claim 1,
The plasma ozone generator;
a duct body in which a predetermined internal space is formed and at least one of air, oxygen and inert gas is introduced and discharged; and
At least one or more electrodes to which voltage and current are applied to generate ozone (O ₃ ) of the plasma ozone generating unit; and
The electrodes share one ground but include a structure in which the voltage and current are independently applied.
According to claim 2,
The outlet includes a structure formed inclined so that the inner width of the outlet becomes narrow in one direction in cross section so that at least one of the air, oxygen, and inert gas is easily discharged.
According to claim 2,
At least one of the air, oxygen, and inert gas flowing into the inlet collides with the inner surface of the duct body to form a vortex and passes through the electrode.
According to claim 2,
A plasma sterilizer comprising a structure in which separate switches are formed on the electrodes so that the voltage and current are independently supplied.
According to claim 2,
Plasma sterilization apparatus further comprising a; power supply device for selectively supplying power to the electrode of the plasma ozone generating unit.
According to claim 2,
Plasma sterilization apparatus comprising a structure in which the number of electrodes disposed in the plasma ozone generating unit can be added and removed according to the amount of ozone (O ₃ ) generated.
According to claim 2,
At least one dust filter is formed on one side of the outlet of the plasma ozone generating unit to purify at least one of the sterilized air, oxygen, and inert gas.
According to claim 1,
Plasma sterilization apparatus, wherein a spacer is disposed in the plasma ozone generating unit so that electrodes are maintained at a predetermined distance from each other.
As a sterilization method of ozone generation according to plasma discharge,
Generating ozone (O ₃ ) according to plasma discharge through a plurality of electrodes from a plasma ozone generating unit in a space where a sterilization object is accommodated and supplying it to the space; and
controlling and cooling a flow rate of at least one of air, oxygen, and an inert gas supplied when an electrode of the plasma ozone generator detects a predetermined critical temperature or higher;
controlling power applied to the plasma ozone generator; and
, Plasma sterilization method including; controlling a blowing fan for cooling the outside of the plasma ozone generating unit.
According to claim 10,
Wherein the plurality of electrodes of the plasma ozone generator are controlled to be selectively operated according to a predetermined temperature range.
According to claim 10,
Plasma sterilization method, wherein the operation process of the electrode disposed in the plasma ozone generator and the process of supplying at least one of the air, oxygen and inert gas are alternately performed.
According to claim 10,
The process of controlling the flow rate, the process of controlling the power, and the process of controlling the blowing fan are performed sequentially or randomly.
According to claim 10,
The process of controlling the flow rate, the process of controlling the power, and the process of controlling the blowing fan are selectively performed, the plasma sterilization method.

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