KR102068706B1 - Apparatus for automatic sterilizing of ultrasonic probe - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automatic ultrasonic probe sterilization apparatus, and more particularly, to remove the gel on the surface of the ultrasonic probe used for abdominal ultrasonic examination, at the same time, the ultrasonic probe which can be sterilized and sterilized to prevent bacterial infection. It relates to an automatic sterilizer.
Automatic ultrasonic probe sterilization apparatus according to the present invention, the body is formed a space for accommodating the ultrasonic probe therein, the main body is formed with a door that can be opened and closed on one side; A foreign material removal unit formed inside the main body and transported toward the received ultrasonic probe to remove the ultrasonic gel; A transfer part formed inside the main body and configured to elevate and operate the foreign material removing unit; A disinfectant spray unit formed in the main body and spraying a disinfectant solution toward the received ultrasonic probe; It includes; a control unit for controlling the operation of the foreign material removing unit, the transfer unit and the disinfectant solution injection unit.

Description

Apparatus for automatic sterilizing of ultrasonic probe

The present invention relates to an automatic ultrasonic probe sterilization apparatus, and more particularly, to automatically remove the gel on the surface of the probe used for ultrasonic inspection, and to sterilize and sterilize the ultrasonic probe automatic sterilization apparatus that can prevent bacterial infection. It is about.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is a medical imaging apparatus for diagnosing a subject by imaging the inside of the subject's body using ultrasound.

Such an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus is widely used during medical examination or surgery for imaging a tissue, detecting foreign substances in a living body, determining a degree of damage, observing a tumor or a fetus, and the like.

In general, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus uses an ultrasonic probe (ultrasonic probe) for emitting ultrasonic waves and receiving reflected ultrasonic waves in contact with the skin on the diagnosis site of the examinee.

The ultrasonic probe is used by applying a gel for ultrasonic diagnosis to a surface (hereinafter referred to as a probe surface) in contact with the subject during diagnosis. After diagnosis, the gel is removed from the probe surface, but the probe surface may be contaminated with pathogens transferred from the subject.

If the ultrasonic probe with contaminated probe surface continues to be used without sterilization or disinfection, the next subject may be infected again. In addition, the operator who manipulates the ultrasonic probe may also be exposed to infection.

As an example of a technique for solving such a problem, a sterilizer for probes of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of JP 20-2014-0003473 is disclosed.

Probe sterilizer of the ultrasonic diagnostic device comprises a case that one side is open for disinfecting the probe, a UV lamp for sterilizing the probe into the case and a UV control gauge which can adjust the brightness of the UV lamp outside the case, the case A cradle for allowing the probe to be mounted therein, and an opening / closing door is configured to an open side of the case.

However, in the conventional technique as described above, when the gel applied to the ultrasonic probe is sterilized in the remaining state, the gel remains dry due to the drying phenomenon of the gel and the accurate image cannot be transmitted to the monitor due to the occurrence of noise phenomenon. There is this.

Republic of Korea Open Utility Model Publication No. 20-2014-0003473 (released June 10, 2014)

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and at the same time to remove the gel on the surface of the ultrasonic probe used for abdominal ultrasonography, the ultrasonic probe which can be sterilized and sterilized to prevent bacterial infection automatically To provide a sterilizer, the object is to.

In addition, the foreign material removal, sterilization, drying process proceeds sequentially by the control unit, and to provide an ultrasonic probe automatic sterilization device is automatically sterilized and dried quickly, an object thereof.

Automatic ultrasonic probe sterilization apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above object, the body is formed a space for accommodating the ultrasonic probe therein, the main body is formed to open and close the door on one side; A foreign material removal unit formed inside the main body and transported toward the received ultrasonic probe to remove the ultrasonic gel; A transfer part formed inside the main body and configured to elevate and operate the foreign material removing unit; A disinfectant spray unit formed in the main body and spraying a disinfectant solution toward the received ultrasonic probe; It includes; a control unit for controlling the operation of the foreign material removing unit, the transfer unit and the disinfectant solution injection unit.

The main body is formed of an upper chamber and a lower chamber divided into upper and lower inner spaces, and a cradle for mounting the ultrasonic probe is installed in the upper chamber, and an antiseptic solution supply unit is installed in the lower chamber.

The foreign material removing unit is formed in a form surrounding the upper portion of the ultrasonic probe, the suction unit for sucking the gel on the ultrasonic probe; Is formed on one side of the suction unit, the steam supply unit for injecting high pressure steam; It is formed on one side of the suction unit, the brush unit is formed rotatably; includes.

The transfer unit is a drive motor driven by receiving power; A ball screw connected to the driving motor and interlocked with each other; It is installed on the rear of the foreign material removing unit, coupled to the ball screw and sliding nut block; includes.

The disinfectant spray unit is disposed on both sides of the ultrasonic probe, respectively, the first spray nozzle is connected to the disinfectant supply unit for spraying and supplying the disinfectant alcohol; And a second spray nozzle for spraying and supplying glutaraldehyde as an antiseptic solution.

According to the ultrasonic probe automatic sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the gel on the surface of the ultrasonic probe is removed, as well as the gel is removed and then sprayed with a disinfectant solution, by irradiating ultraviolet rays to sterilize the ultrasonic probe in a short time. Can be.

And according to the automatic ultrasonic probe sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to sterilize the ultrasonic probe has the effect of preventing bacterial infection of the examinee by preventing the growth of bacteria around the ultrasonic probe.

1 is a perspective view showing an ultrasonic probe automatic sterilization apparatus according to the present invention.
Figure 2 is a rear view showing the ultrasonic probe automatic sterilization apparatus according to the present invention.
Figure 3 is a front sectional view showing an ultrasonic probe automatic sterilization apparatus according to the present invention.
Figure 4 is an enlarged view showing a part of the automatic ultrasonic probe sterilizer according to the present invention.
5 is a perspective view showing a foreign material removing unit according to the present invention.
Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing a foreign material removing unit according to FIG.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a perspective view showing an ultrasonic probe automatic sterilization apparatus according to the present invention, Figure 2 is a rear view showing an ultrasonic probe automatic sterilization apparatus according to the present invention, Figure 3 is a view showing an ultrasonic probe automatic sterilization apparatus according to the present invention Figure 4 is an enlarged view showing a part of the ultrasonic probe automatic sterilization apparatus according to the present invention, Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a foreign material removing unit according to the present invention, Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing a foreign material removing unit according to FIG. to be.

Example 1

1 to 6, the ultrasonic probe automatic sterilization apparatus according to the present invention has a space for accommodating the ultrasonic probe 70 therein, the main body is formed with a door 11 that can be opened and closed on one side of the front 10; A foreign material removal unit 20 formed in the main body 10 and transferred to the received ultrasonic probe 70 to remove the ultrasonic gel; A transfer part 30 formed inside the main body 10 and configured to elevate and operate the foreign material removing unit 20; A disinfectant spraying unit 40 formed in the main body 10 and spraying a disinfecting solution toward the received ultrasonic probe 70; It includes; the control unit 50 for controlling the operation of the foreign material removal unit 20, the transfer unit 30 and the disinfectant solution injection unit 40.

The automatic ultrasonic probe sterilizer of the present invention removes the gel on the surface of the ultrasonic probe 70 used during abdominal ultrasonic examination. In addition, after removing the gel, the disinfectant solution is sprayed, and the ultraviolet probe 70 can be sterilized and disinfected in a short time by irradiating ultraviolet rays. Therefore, it is possible to sterilize the ultrasonic probe 70, thereby preventing bacteria from propagating around the ultrasonic probe 70, thereby preventing bacterial infection of the examinee.

Example 2

The main body 10 includes an upper chamber 12 and a lower chamber 13 formed by separating and dividing an inner space up and down, and a cradle for mounting the ultrasonic probe 70 inside the upper chamber 12. 121 is installed, the disinfectant solution supply unit 60 is installed in the lower chamber 13.

The partition plate 14 is formed inside the main body so as to be divided into two spaces, the upper chamber 12 and the lower chamber 13. The upper chamber 12 and the lower chamber 13 are respectively formed by the formation of the partition plate 14. In the upper chamber 12, sterilization and sterilization is performed while the ultrasonic probe 70 is mounted thereon. In the chamber 13, disinfectant solution storage, foreign matter storage, and the water tank is located.

The partition plate 14 is formed with a cutting groove (not shown) for passing the connection line of the ultrasonic probe 70.

A cooler 15 is formed at one outer side of the main body 10, and a vent 16 is formed at one rear side of the main body 10.

The cooler 15 is operated by the control of the control unit 50, and forcibly sucks outside air to be supplied into the upper chamber 12. The cooler 15 serves to cool the drying of the chemical sprayed on the ultrasonic probe 70 and the heat by the UV lamp.

The vent 16 serves to distribute outside air to prevent the temperature in the lower chamber 13 from rising due to the operation of a pump or the like provided in the lower chamber 13.

The door 11 of the main body 10 is formed of transparent glass, and a plurality of casters 17 are formed on the bottom of the main body 10.

The movement of the device is convenient by the formation of the caster 17, the door 11 is formed of a transparent tempered glass can be visually confirmed the inside of the device from the outside.

The diaphragm 18 for providing an installation space of the transfer unit 30 is formed on the inner upper side of the main body 10. That is, the drive motor 31 of the transfer unit 30 is embedded in the installation space formed by the diaphragm 18.

A groove 19 is formed at one side of the bottom of the main body 10. Therefore, when the ultrasonic probe 70 is mounted on the holder 121, the connection line of the ultrasonic probe 70 is pulled outward.

A mounting groove 122 is formed at one side of the holder 121 so as to mount the ultrasonic probe 70, and a limit switch 123 is installed at a lower side of the holder 121.

When the ultrasonic probe 70 is inserted into the mounting groove 122 and mounted, the limit switch 123 detects this and transmits a corresponding signal to the controller 50. Receiving this control unit 50 operates the transfer unit 30 and the foreign matter removing unit 20. Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited to the limit switch, and a sensor capable of detecting a distance such as an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, and a proximity sensor may be used.

Example 3

The foreign material removal unit 20 is formed in a form surrounding the upper portion of the ultrasonic probe 70, the suction unit 21 for sucking the gel buried in the ultrasonic probe 70; Is formed on one side of the suction unit 21, the steam supply unit 22 for injecting high pressure steam; It is formed on one side of the suction unit 21, the brush unit 23 is formed rotatably; includes.

The foreign material removing unit 20 serves to cleanly remove the gel on the surface of the ultrasonic probe 70 used during abdominal ultrasound examination.

The suction unit 21 includes a suction housing 211 having a suction port 211 a formed at a lower portion thereof, and a connection pipe 211 b connected to the foreign matter container 213 at one side thereof; A suction head 212 formed in the suction housing 211 and having one end connected to the connection pipe 211b; A foreign matter container 213 connected to an end of the connection pipe 211b and sucking and storing a foreign matter including a gel generated when the gel is sucked; And a vacuum pump 214 connected to the foreign matter container 213 and generating a suction force to suck foreign matter.

The suction housing 211 is preferably formed larger than the size of the ultrasonic probe so as to surround the ultrasonic probe 70, and is formed larger than the size of the ultrasonic probe 70.

The suction housing 211 has a rectangular suction opening 211a formed at the bottom thereof, and a nut block 33 of the transfer part 30 is formed at the rear side.

The suction head 212 has an annular ring shape, and the inner and outer surfaces constituting the ring are formed adjacent to each other with an intake port therebetween, and the cross section is formed in the same streamline shape as the plane wing. The suction head 212 is disposed close to one side of the brush roller of the brush unit 23, and is formed along the longitudinal direction of the brush roller. The suction head 212 increases the suction flow rate of air, thereby greatly improving the suction efficiency.

Foreign matter sucked through the suction housing 211 and the suction head 212 is forcibly sucked into the foreign matter container 213. In particular, it is composed of a structure that can discharge the foreign matter sucked.

The vacuum pump 214 is preferably made of a small size for easy handling.

The foreign matter container 213 and the vacuum pump 214 is mounted inside the lower chamber 13 for convenience of use.

The suction unit 21 prevents foreign matters from scattering inside the upper chamber 12 by forcibly sucking foreign matters including the gel in the process of cleaning the gel on the ultrasonic probe 70 by the steam supply and the brush. .

The steam supply unit 22 includes a steam spray nozzle 221 having a plurality of steam spray holes 221a formed to spray high pressure steam from the suction port 211a of the suction housing 211; And a steam generator 222 connected to a pump and a water tank and supplying steam to the steam spray nozzle.

The steam generator 222 is installed in the lower chamber 13 and generates steam by heating water supplied from a pump. The steam supply unit 22 is called by the hot steam sprayed from the steam injection nozzle 221 in the process of cleaning the gel is called to separate the gel buried in the ultrasonic probe (70).

The brush unit 23 is provided on the upper side of the suction housing 211, the driving motor 231 is coupled to both ends of the suction port (211a); And a brush roller 232 which is driven and rotated by the drive motor 231 and has a plurality of brushes formed of a fiber body on an outer surface thereof.

The brush is made of a brush of several strands made of synthetic yarn or natural yarn, so that the gel can be easily separated as it contacts the ultrasonic probe 70 while rotating.

The brush is detachably formed on the outer surface of the brush roller is formed in a velcro type so that it can be washed or replaced at any time.

The brush will get the gel removed from the ultrasonic probe 70, and thus should be cleaned and reused or replaced. In order to implement this, it is detachably configured by Velcro on the upper side to separate it separately so that the brush can be cleaned and replaced. When the brush unit 23 is supplied with power to operate by the step and time set by manipulating the control unit 50, the driving motor 231 is operated and the brush roller 232 rotates with it. While removing the gel on the surface of the ultrasonic probe 70.

Example 4

The transfer unit 30 is a drive motor 31 is driven by receiving power; A ball screw 32 connected to the driving motor 31 and interlocked with each other; It is installed on the rear of the foreign material removing unit 20, the nut block 33 is coupled to the ball screw 32 and sliding; includes.

A coupling (not shown) is installed between the driving shaft of the driving motor 31 and the ball screw 32 therebetween. Accordingly, the suction housing 211 connected with the nut block 33 slides on the ball screw 32 as the ball screw 32 having a plurality of threads formed on the outer surface is rotated forward and backward by the drive of the drive motor 31. It is elevated.

Example 5

The disinfectant spraying unit 40 is disposed on both sides of the ultrasonic probe 70, respectively, and is connected to the disinfecting solution supply unit 60 to spray and supply an alcohol which is a disinfecting solution; And a second spray nozzle 42 for spraying and supplying glutaraldehyde as an antiseptic solution.

The disinfectant spray unit 40 sprays and supplies alcohol and glutaraldehyde, which are disinfecting solutions, to the ultrasonic probe 70 from which the gel is removed. Therefore, by disinfecting the disinfectant solution twice on the surface of the ultrasonic probe 70 from which the gel has been removed, various bacterial infections can be prevented.

Example 6

The disinfectant solution supply unit 60 includes a first drug supply unit 61 for supplying alcohol to the first spray nozzle 41; And a second chemical supply unit 62 for supplying glutaraldehyde to the second spray nozzle 42.

The first drug supply unit 61 includes a first storage tank 611 in which alcohol is stored therein; A first chemical supply pipe 612 connected between the first spray nozzle 41 and the first storage tank 611; A first chemical supply pump 613 installed on the first chemical supply pipe 612; It includes; the first control valve 614 is installed on the first drug supply pipe 612.

The alcohol is a colorless clear liquid, using the strongest 70% alcohol disinfecting effect of alcohol.

The first chemical supply pump 613 is the pumping operation of the on / off in accordance with the control signal of the control unit 50, the first injection nozzle 41 to store the alcohol stored in the first storage tank (611) Supplies).

The first control valve 614 is installed on the first chemical supply pipe 612 connected to the first storage tank 611, and opens and closes according to a control signal of the controller 50.

The second drug supply unit 62 includes a second storage tank 621 in which glutaraldehyde is stored therein; A second chemical supply pipe 622 connected between the second spray nozzle 42 and the second storage tank 621; A second chemical supply pump 623 installed on the second chemical supply pipe 622; And a second control valve 624 installed on the second chemical supply pipe 622.

The glutaraldehyde is a colorless liquid with a slight irritating odor. 2% liquid is used for disinfection, but when it is used, add additives (pigment and pH adjusting agent) to make it weak alkaline (pH7.5 ~ 8.5).

The second chemical supply pump 623 is the pumping operation of the on / off in accordance with the control signal of the controller 50, the second injection nozzle 42 to store the alcohol stored in the second storage tank (621) Supplies).

The second control valve 624 is installed on the second chemical supply pipe 622 connected to the second storage tank 621, and opens and closes according to the control signal of the controller 50.

On the other hand, the disinfectant solution used in the first drug supply unit 61 and the second drug supply unit 62 may be different in the type of disinfectant solution because the sensitivity is different depending on the type of bacteria or viruses.

Example 7

Ultrasonic probe automatic sterilization apparatus of the present invention, UV lamp 80 is installed on the inner side of the upper chamber (12).

The UV lamp 80 is formed to be disposed in the left and right width direction of the upper chamber 12. Therefore, ultraviolet rays are radiated from all directions of the ultrasonic probe 70 mounted in the upper chamber 12, thereby obtaining a high sterilization effect. On the other hand, by interlocking with the detection sensor inside the main body 10 may be configured to automatically turn on the UV lamp 80 by detecting the introduction of the ultrasonic probe 70.

Example 8

The control unit 50 controls the operations of the foreign material removing unit 20, the transfer unit 30 and the disinfectant spraying unit 40 as a whole, and manipulates mechanical operations such as driving and stopping, and displays respective operating states. An operation panel (not shown) having a display unit and a power switch for intermittent application of driving power is included.

In addition, the control unit 50 checks whether the ultrasonic probe 70 is mounted on the mounting groove 122 by the signal of the limit switch 123, and when the ultrasonic probe 70 is mounted, the UV lamp Power on 80 and turn it on. When the UV lamp 80 passes a predetermined time, the control unit 50 cuts off the power supply.

While the invention has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, with reference to the preferred embodiments, various modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

10: body 11: door
12: upper chamber 121: holder
122: mounting groove 123: limit switch
13 lower chamber 14 partition plate
15: cooler 16: vent
17: caster 18: diaphragm
19: groove portion 20: foreign matter removal portion
21: suction unit 211: suction housing
211a: inlet 211b: connector
212: suction head 213: foreign matter container
214: vacuum pump 22: steam supply unit
221 steam injection nozzle 221a steam injection hole
222: steam generator 23: brush unit
231: drive motor 232: brush roller
30: transfer unit 31: drive motor
32: ball screw 33: nut block
40: disinfectant spray unit 41: the first spray nozzle
42: second injection nozzle 50: control unit
60: disinfectant solution supply 61: first drug supply
611: 1st storage tank 612: 1st chemical supply pipe
613: first chemical supply pump 614: first control valve
62: second chemical supply unit 621: second storage tank
622: second chemical supply pipe 623: second chemical supply pump
624: second control valve 70: ultrasonic probe
80: UV lamp

Claims (5)

A main body 10 having a space for accommodating the ultrasonic probe 70 therein and having a door 11 openable on one side of the front surface thereof;
A foreign material removal unit 20 formed in the main body 10 and transferred to the received ultrasonic probe 70 to remove the ultrasonic gel;
A transfer part 30 formed inside the main body 10 and configured to elevate and operate the foreign material removing unit 20;
A disinfectant spray unit 40 formed inside the main body 10 and spraying a disinfectant solution toward the received ultrasonic probe 70;
Ultrasonic probe automatic sterilization apparatus comprising a; control unit 50 for controlling the operation of the foreign material removal unit 20, the transfer unit 30 and the disinfectant solution injection unit (40). The method according to claim 1,
The main body 10 has an upper chamber 12 and a lower chamber 13 which are divided up and down inside and inside,
In the upper chamber 12 is installed a cradle 121 for mounting the ultrasonic probe 70,
Ultrasonic probe automatic sterilization device to install a disinfectant solution supply unit 60 in the lower chamber (13). The method according to claim 1,
The foreign material removing unit 20,
A suction unit 21 formed in a shape surrounding the upper portion of the ultrasonic probe 70 and sucking the gel on the ultrasonic probe 70;
Is formed on one side of the suction unit 21, the steam supply unit 22 for injecting high pressure steam;
Is formed on one side of the suction unit 21, the brush unit 23 is formed rotatably; ultrasonic probe automatic sterilization apparatus comprising a. The method according to claim 1,
The transfer unit 30,
A driving motor 31 driven by receiving power;
A ball screw 32 connected to the driving motor 31 and interlocked with each other;
Is installed on the rear of the foreign material removing unit 20, coupled to the ball screw 32 nut block (33) sliding; ultrasonic probe automatic sterilization apparatus comprising a. The method according to claim 2,
The disinfectant spraying unit 40 is disposed on both sides of the ultrasonic probe 70, respectively,
A first spray nozzle 41 connected to the disinfectant solution supply unit 60 for spraying and supplying an alcohol which is a disinfectant solution; Ultrasonic probe automatic sterilization apparatus comprising ;; a second spray nozzle (42) for spraying and supplying glutaraldehyde as an antiseptic solution.

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