KR102346073B1 - Flexible endoscope low-temperature plasma sterilization system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is connected to a washing chamber for accommodating an endoscope in an internal space, and a tube through which the fluid flows with the washing chamber and the endoscope, and selectively supplies purified water so that the surface of the endoscope accommodated in the washing chamber and the sample hole are cleaned a purified water supply unit connected to the washing chamber and the endoscope and a tube through which the fluid flows, and a drying hot air supply unit for selectively supplying dry hot air to dry the surface of the endoscope accommodated in the washing chamber and the sample hole; A plasma supply unit that is connected to the endoscope accommodated in the chamber and a tube through which a fluid flows, and selectively supplies low-temperature plasma to sterilize the endoscope specimen hole accommodated in the cleaning chamber, and the endoscope accommodated in the cleaning chamber and the fluid flow Including an exhaust unit for discharging dry hot air and/or low-temperature plasma that has passed through the sample hole of the endoscope to the outside of the cleaning chamber, connected to a tube to Of course, there is provided a flexible endoscope low-temperature plasma sterilization system that sterilizes even the specimen hole of the endoscope while cleaning, and confirms whether the endoscope is sterilized or not.

Description

Flexible endoscope low-temperature plasma sterilization system

The present invention relates to a low-temperature plasma sterilization system for a flexible endoscope, and more particularly, to provide low-temperature plasma during cleaning of the endoscope, so that the surface of the endoscope as well as the specimen hole of the endoscope are sterilized together with washing, It relates to a flexible endoscope low-temperature plasma sterilization system that can confirm the presence or absence of sterilization.

Since the endoscope was first made by Kussmaul of Germany in 1868, it has reached the present electronic endoscope thanks to the development of optical technology, the development of optical fibers, and the rapid development of electronic engineering, and has made a great contribution to the development of the field of gastroenterology.

Current electronic endoscopes are used for surgery as well as for diagnostic purposes of directly observing internal organs and performing histological examinations. Currently, various open surgeries are being replaced by endoscopic surgery.

As described above, the endoscope is being used from simple observation of internal organs to various surgeries, and is being miniaturized and refined, and the risk of cross infection is also increasing.

Accordingly, the importance of cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing the endoscope is increasing.

Therefore, the cleaning, disinfection and sterilization methods for the endoscope are specified in the guidelines for disinfection of endoscope devices.

That is, endoscopes that come in contact with sterile tissue are classified as Critical and are sterilized using a high-pressure steam sterilizer or ethylene oxide gas sterilizer. It is classified and is to be disinfected using high-acting disinfection, that is, chemicals such as gluthalaldehyde.

In addition, peripheral devices that do not come into contact with the mucous membrane are classified as non-critical and are to be disinfected with moderate disinfection, ie, alcohol or the like.

More thorough sterilization is required for endoscopes used in surgery. Sterilization using an autoclave or ethylene oxide gas sterilizer is appropriate for endoscopes used in patients with suspected cross-infection or used in surgery.

However, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines for flexible endoscope reprocessing excludes confirmation of sterilization and reuses them.

In the Ministry of Health and Welfare Notice No. 2017-10 Disinfection Guidelines for Medical Institutions, it is announced to be reused after confirming sterilization.

In addition, although the outer surface of the flexible endoscope can be sterilized by washing, the sample hole into which the sample forceps to collect the suspicious tissue is inserted is a narrow cylinder with a length of 1,000 mm, a material PE tube, 2 mm in diameter, and 0.3 mm in thickness. Biofilm (biofilm, scale: using organic matter in water as a substrate, and naturally occurring biocide/biofilm attached to the surface of the particles is a microorganism that adheres to the surface of the particles, even when washing is performed with a dedicated brush soaked in detergent. ) is formed, and the probability that the infecting strain can be latent (infectious bacteria: hepatitis C, helicobacteria, fungi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, pulmonary tuberculosis, AIDS virus, etc.) may exist.

Therefore, unlike the conventional endoscope cleaning system, a system capable of washing and sterilizing the specimen hole of the endoscope and confirming the sterilization state of the cleaned endoscope should be provided.

As a prior art, reference may be made to Registered Patent No. 10-1103758 (2012.01.02).

The present invention provides a low-temperature plasma during cleaning of the endoscope, so that the surface of the endoscope as well as the specimen hole of the endoscope are sterilized together with washing, and a low-temperature plasma sterilization system for a flexible endoscope can check whether the endoscope is sterilized or not. Its purpose is to provide

The flexible endoscope low-temperature plasma sterilization system according to the present invention includes a washing chamber accommodating an endoscope in an internal space, the washing chamber and the endoscope and a tube through which a fluid flows, and cleaning the surface of the endoscope and the sample hole accommodated in the washing chamber A purified water supply unit for selectively supplying purified water to achieve this, and a tube through which the fluid flows with the washing chamber and the endoscope are connected, and a drying hot air is selectively supplied so that the surface of the endoscope accommodated in the washing chamber and the sample hole are dried. a dry hot air supply unit that is connected to the endoscope accommodated in the washing chamber and a tube through which a fluid flows, and a plasma supply unit that selectively supplies low-temperature plasma to sterilize the endoscope specimen hole accommodated in the washing chamber, and the washing chamber It is connected to the endoscope accommodated therein and a tube through which a fluid flows, and includes an exhaust unit for discharging dry hot air and/or low-temperature plasma that has passed through the sample hole of the endoscope to the outside of the cleaning chamber.

At this time, the washing chamber according to the present invention is provided in the opening of the washing chamber, the sterilization cover selectively opening and closing the inner space of the washing chamber, and is provided at one side of the washing chamber, the washing chamber is selectively opened. A drain valve for draining the water, a first sealing connector for connecting the endoscope and the purified water supply part to a tube through which the fluid flows in the inner space of the washing chamber, and the endoscope and the dry hot air supply part from the outside of the washing chamber to the fluid It includes a second hermetic connector to be connected to a flowing tube, and a third hermetically sealed connector to connect the endoscope and the plasma supply unit to the fluid flowing tube from the outside of the cleaning chamber.

And the purified water supply unit according to the present invention includes a purified water line for introducing purified water from the outside, a washing water header connected to the purified water line, storing the purified water introduced through the purified water line, and supplying purified water through the first sealing connector; It includes an external washing nozzle connected to the washing water header and a tube through which a fluid flows, and selectively jetting purified water to the outer surface of the endoscope.

In addition, the drying hot air supply unit according to the present invention is connected to a drying fan that blows wind, and a tube through which the drying fan and a fluid flow, and a heater that provides heat to the wind blown along the tube by a second sealing connector. Includes drying furnace.

Here, the drying hot air supply unit according to the present invention may further include a plasma storage tank provided on a tube connecting the drying fan and the heater drying furnace to selectively supply low-temperature plasma to the wind blown from the drying fan to the heater drying furnace can

And the plasma supply unit according to the present invention is connected to a hydrogen peroxide storage tank for storing liquid hydrogen peroxide, and a tube through which the hydrogen peroxide storage tank and the fluid flow, a gas that diffuses and fumigates the liquid hydrogen peroxide leaked from the hydrogen peroxide storage tank to vaporize A plasma generator is connected to the gasification means and the tube through which the fluid flows, and a plasma generator for generating low-temperature plasma by decomposing the vaporized hydrogen peroxide into a plasma state, and the plasma generator and the tube through which the fluid flows and an ozone removal device for removing ozone contained in the low-temperature plasma provided to the third sealing connector.

In addition, the exhaust unit according to the present invention is connected to the endoscope accommodated in the inner space of the washing chamber by a tube through which a fluid flows, and a vacuum pump for sucking the exhaust exhaust from the endoscope, and a tube connecting the endoscope and the vacuum pump It is provided on the test cartridge for detecting plasma ions in the exhaust discharged from the endoscope, and is provided in the discharge part of the vacuum pump, it includes a sterilizing filter for filtering bacteria in the exhaust.

In addition, the flexible endoscope low-temperature plasma sterilization system according to the present invention may further include an endoscope storage unit provided at one side of the washing chamber and storing the cleaned endoscope.

In this case, the endoscope storage unit according to the present invention includes an endoscope storage chamber having a space formed therein, and an endoscope that is provided in the inner space of the endoscope storage chamber, and that has been cleaned/sterilized in the washing chamber is mounted in the inner space of the endoscope storage chamber. a plasma emitting means provided above the inner space of the endoscope storage chamber to radiate a predetermined amount of low-temperature plasma to the inner space of the endoscope storage chamber; , a foreign material receiver for receiving foreign substances falling from the endoscope mounted on the endoscope holder, a thermometer provided on one side of the inner space of the endoscope storage chamber to measure the temperature of the inner space of the endoscope storage chamber, and one side of the endoscope storage chamber inner space provided in the temperature control device for providing heat so that the temperature inside the endoscope storage chamber achieves the set temperature, and provided at one side of the endoscope storage chamber, when the pressure in the inner space of the endoscope storage chamber is greater than or equal to the set pressure, An automatic vent device for automatically discharging a portion of the pressure inside the endoscope storage chamber, and a control unit electrically connected to the plasma radiation means, the thermometer, and the temperature control device to control the driving of the plasma radiation means, the thermometer, and the temperature control device. include

In addition, the endoscope storage unit according to the present invention is provided on one side of the endoscope storage chamber, a circulation chamber for circulating the internal air of the endoscope storage chamber, is provided on the inlet side of the circulation chamber, internal air flowing into the circulation chamber It may further include a filter unit for filtering foreign substances, and an ultraviolet lamp provided under the filter unit and irradiating ultraviolet rays to the air that has passed through the filter unit.

The effects exhibited by the flexible endoscope low-temperature plasma sterilization system according to the present invention are as follows.

Currently, the guidelines for reprocessing flexible endoscopes from the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) exclude guidelines for reprocessing and reuse after confirming sterilization. The present invention provides low-temperature plasma during cleaning of the endoscope, Sterilization is carried out along with cleaning up to the specimen hole, and the presence or absence of sterilization of the endoscope can be checked.

1 is an exemplary view showing the configuration of a flexible endoscope low-temperature plasma sterilization system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is an exemplary view showing the configuration of the endoscope storage unit in the flexible endoscope low-temperature plasma sterilization system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms or words used in the present specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to conventional or dictionary meanings, and the inventor should properly understand the concept of the term in order to best describe his invention. Based on the principle that can be defined, it should be interpreted as meaning and concept consistent with the technical idea of the present invention.

Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention, and do not represent all of the technical spirit of the present invention. It should be understood that there may be variations.

The present invention provides a low-temperature plasma during cleaning of the endoscope, so that the surface of the endoscope as well as the specimen hole of the endoscope are sterilized together with washing, and a low-temperature plasma sterilization system for a flexible endoscope can check whether the endoscope is sterilized or not. With reference to the drawings, in more detail, as follows.

1 and 2, the flexible endoscope low-temperature plasma sterilization system according to an embodiment of the present invention is a cleaning chamber 100, a purified water supply unit 200, a dry hot air supply unit 300, a plasma supply unit 400, an exhaust unit ( 500), including an endoscope storage unit 600, first, the washing chamber 100 accommodates the endoscope 10 to be cleaned in a space formed therein, and the endoscope 10 inside the washing chamber 100 Cleaning and sterilization take place.

At this time, the washing chamber 100 has a rectangular box shape having a space of a certain size so as to accommodate the endoscope 10 therein, and an opening communicating with the internal space is formed on one side of the washing chamber 100 . The endoscope 10 can be entered and exited through the opening, and a sterile cover 101 is provided in the opening to selectively open and close the inner space of the washing chamber 100 .

Here, the sterilization cover 101 is hinge-coupled to one side of the washing chamber 100, and the hinge is provided to be rotatable about the axis, and by the rotation of the sterilization cover 101, the washing chamber 100 It is desirable to selectively open and close the inner space.

In addition, a drain valve 110 is provided at one side of the washing chamber 100 , and the drain valve 110 selectively opens to drain the washing chamber 100 .

In addition, the washing chamber 100 includes a first sealing connector 120 , a second sealing connector 130 , and a third sealing connector 140 , wherein the first sealing connector 120 is the washing chamber 100 . ) so that the endoscope 10 and the purified water supply unit 200 are connected by a tube through which the fluid flows in the inner space.

And the second sealing connector 130 connects the endoscope 10 and the dry hot air supply unit 300 from the outside of the washing chamber 100 by a tube through which the fluid flows, and the third sealing connector 140 is also , so that the endoscope 10 and the plasma supply unit 400 are connected to the outside of the washing chamber 100 by a tube through which the fluid flows.

Here, each of the first sealing connector 120 , the second sealing connector 130 , and the third sealing connector 140 is the endoscope 10 accommodated in the inner space of the washing chamber 100 , and the inner diameter and interior (specimen hole) It is connected to the flexible tube, and can be accommodated in various shapes without restricting the seating position of the endoscope 10 accommodated in the inner space of the washing chamber 100 and the seating shape of the endoscope 10 .

Therefore, in the flexible endoscope low-temperature plasma sterilization system according to an embodiment of the present invention, purified water, hot air, and low-temperature plasma introduced through the first sealing connector 120 , the second sealing connector 130 and the third sealing connector 140 . Cleaning, drying, and sterilization are performed on the surface of the endoscope 10 and the specimen hole of the endoscope 10 with this method.

And the purified water supply unit 200 connected to the washing chamber 100 through the first sealing connector 120 is connected to the washing chamber 100 and the endoscope 10 by a tube through which purified water flows, and the washing Purified water is selectively supplied so that the surface of the endoscope 10 accommodated in the chamber 100 and the sample hole are cleaned.

Looking at the purified water supply unit 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention in more detail, the purified water supply unit 200 includes a purified water line 210 for introducing purified water from the outside, and the purified water line 210 is It is connected to the washing water header 220 .

At this time, the washing water header 220 stores purified water introduced through the purified water line 210 and selectively supplies purified water to the first sealing connector 120 and the external washing nozzle 230 .

Here, the external washing nozzle 230 connected to the washing water header 220 as a tube through which purified water flows sprays the purified water introduced through the washing water header 220 onto the outer surface of the endoscope 10, and the endoscope ( 10) to clean the surface.

At this time, it is preferable that the external washing nozzles 230 are provided as a pair on either side of the internal space of the washing chamber 100 .

In addition, the first sealing connector 120, which is connected to the washing water header 220 through a tube through which purified water flows, injects purified water introduced through the washing water header 220 into the sample hole of the endoscope 10, The specimen hole of the endoscope 10 is cleaned.

At this time, the first sealing connector 120 is provided on either side of the inner space of the washing chamber 100, preferably between a pair of external washing nozzles 230, and the specimen of the endoscope 10 The ball is connected to a tube through which purified water flows, so that purified water can be selectively injected into the sample hole of the endoscope 10 by selectively opening the first sealing connector 120 .

Therefore, the surface of the endoscope 10 accommodated in the inner space of the washing chamber 100 and the specimen hole inside the endoscope 10 can be washed with purified water through the purified water supply unit 200 according to the above configuration.

And the drying hot air supply unit 300 connected to the washing chamber 100 through the second sealing connector 130 is dried with the washing chamber 100 and the endoscope 10 accommodated in the washing chamber 100 . It is connected to a tube through which wind flows, and the dry hot air is selectively supplied so that the surface of the endoscope 10 accommodated in the washing chamber 100 and the specimen hole are dried.

Looking at the dry hot air supply unit 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention in more detail, the dry hot air supply unit 300 includes a drying fan 310 that blows wind, and the drying fan 310 and It is connected to a tube through which the fluid flows, and includes a heater drying furnace 320 that provides heat to the blowing wind.

At this time, the tube of the drying hot air supply unit 300 connected in this order to the drying fan 310 and the heater drying furnace 320 is connected to the second sealing connector 130, and the second sealing connector 130 is the washing From the outside of the chamber 100, the specimen hole of the endoscope 10 accommodated in the internal space of the washing chamber 100 is connected to a tube through which the fluid flows, and the endoscope is selectively opened by the second sealing connector 130. Dry heat product can be selectively injected into the sample hole of (10).

In addition, the tube of the drying hot air supply unit 300 connected in this order to the drying fan 310 and the heater drying furnace 320 is connected to the washing chamber 100 to remove the hot air balloon provided in the washing chamber 100 . The drying hot air is blown into the internal space of the washing chamber 100 through the washing chamber 100, and the drying hot air is provided to the internal space of the washing chamber 100 and the surface of the endoscope 10.

Therefore, the surface of the endoscope 10 accommodated in the inner space of the washing chamber 100 and the specimen hole inside the endoscope 10 can be dried with hot air drying through the drying hot air supply unit 300 according to the above configuration.

In addition, a plasma storage tank 330 is further provided between the drying fan 310 and the heater drying furnace 320 on the tube of the drying hot air supply unit 300 , and the wind blows to the heater drying furnace 330 at low temperature. Plasma may be selectively supplied.

Therefore, the surface of the endoscope 10 accommodated in the internal space of the washing chamber 100 through the dry hot air supply unit 300 according to the above configuration and the sample hole inside the endoscope 10 are dried hot air containing low-temperature plasma. Sterilization takes place along with drying.

And the plasma supply unit 400 connected to the washing chamber 100 through the third sealing connector 140 is connected to the washing chamber 100 and the endoscope 10 and a tube through which a fluid flows, and the washing Low-temperature plasma is selectively supplied to the specimen hole of the endoscope 10 accommodated in the chamber 100 for sterilization.

Looking at the plasma supply unit 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention in more detail, the plasma supply unit 400 includes a hydrogen peroxide storage tank 410 for storing liquid hydrogen peroxide, and the hydrogen peroxide storage tank 410 is The gasification means 420 is connected to a tube through which a fluid flows, and the gasification means 420 is connected to the hydrogen peroxide storage tank 410 and a tube through which the fluid flows, and the liquid phase discharged from the hydrogen peroxide storage tank 410 . of hydrogen peroxide is vaporized by diffusion and fumigation.

And the gasification means 420 and the tube through which the fluid flows is connected to the plasma generator 430, and the plasma generator 430 decomposes the vaporized hydrogen peroxide into a plasma state to generate low-temperature plasma.

Here, plasma is a state in which ions and electrons exist in space at the same density by ionizing a substance, and is referred to as the fourth form of ionic substances in solid, liquid, and gas.

Hydrogen peroxide gas molecules (H₂O₂) diffused in a gaseous state by the gasification means 420 are decomposed in the plasma generating device 430 to generate hydroxyl groups (OH&HO: Hydroxyl&Hydroperoxyl Radical), which are anions with excellent oxidizing power, and microorganisms It combines with hydrogen (H₂), a cation constituting the cell membrane of

Therefore, hydrogen peroxide gas is completely decomposed into water and oxygen (O₂) after sterilization.

However, when the hydrogen peroxide gas is decomposed in the plasma generator 430 , ozone is generated, and an ozone removal device 440 is included to remove the ozone.

The ozone removal device 440 is connected to the plasma generator 430 and a tube through which a fluid flows, and removes ozone generated during low-temperature plasma generation in the plasma generator 430 .

Therefore, the low-temperature plasma from which ozone has been removed is injected into the sample hole of the endoscope 10 accommodated in the washing chamber 100 through the selective opening of the third sealing connector 140 along the tube, and the endoscope 10 sample hole sterilization is carried out.

Here, the low-temperature plasma injected into the specimen hole of the endoscope 10 is discharged to the outside through the exhaust unit 500 connected to the washing chamber 100, and the exhaust unit 500 is the endoscope accommodated inside the washing chamber 100. (10) is connected to the tube through which the fluid flows, and the dry hot air and low-temperature plasma passing through the sample hole of the endoscope (10) are discharged to the outside of the cleaning chamber (100).

At this time, the exhaust unit 500 includes a vacuum pump 510 , a test cartridge 520 , and a sterilization filter 530 . First, the vacuum pump 510 is the cleaning chamber 100 internal space and/or By applying a vacuum pressure to the sample hole of the endoscope 10 to provide a vacuum environment to the inner space of the cleaning chamber 100 and/or the sample hole of the endoscope 10, the cleaning chamber 100 inner space and/or Alternatively, a suction function is performed so that the fluid introduced into the sample hole of the endoscope 10 is easily discharged after passing through the internal space of the washing chamber 100 and/or the sample hole of the endoscope 10 .

For example, the suction part of the vacuum pump 510 is connected to the endoscope 10 accommodated in the inner space of the washing chamber 100 and a tube through which the fluid flows, and the vacuum pump 510 is driven by the vacuum pump ( 510) and the sample hole of the endoscope 10 connected by a tube, vacuum pressure is generated, and the exhaust (dry hot air and low-temperature plasma) passing through the sample hole of the endoscope 10 is forcibly discharged by the vacuum pressure. .

Here, in the guidelines for disinfection of equipment used by medical institutions in Notice No. 2017-10 of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, it is announced to be reused after confirming sterilization.

Accordingly, the flexible endoscope low temperature plasma sterilization system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a test cartridge 520 to check the sterilization state of the sterilized endoscope 10, wherein the test cartridge 520 includes mechanical, chemical, In a biological confirmation method, it is possible to chemically check the sterilization state of the endoscope 10 .

For example, the test cartridge 520 uses a chemical agent that visually reacts by changing one or more variables, and detects low-temperature plasma ions (OH-Radical) in the exhaust exhaust of the endoscope, and the color according to the Visually express the sterilization state through change.

Therefore, the flexible endoscope low-temperature plasma sterilization system according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a test cartridge 520 on the tube connecting the endoscope 10 and the vacuum pump 510, and the test cartridge 520 is chemically confirmed. In this way, by detecting plasma ions (OH-Radical) in the fluid exhausted from the endoscope 10 , it is possible to identify the sterilization state of the endoscope 10 through the change of the test cartridge 520 .

In addition, a sterilizing filter 530 is provided at the discharge part of the vacuum pump 510 to filter the bacteria included in the exhaust so that the exhaust is discharged sanitarily.

The flexible endoscope low-temperature plasma sterilization system according to the above configuration is cleaned, dried, and sterilized through the following process.

After the endoscope 10 is accommodated in the inner space of the washing chamber 100, the surface of the endoscope 10 and the sample hole are pre-washed with purified water supplied from the purified water supply unit 200 .

At this time, water leakage is checked by injecting purified water into the sample hole of the endoscope 10, and after the leak check is completed, the surface of the endoscope 10 and the sample hole are cleaned with detergent using the detergent.

When the detergent washing is complete, the detergent is removed by supplying the surface and the sample hole of the endoscope 10 with purified water again, and the surface and the sample of the endoscope 10 while preheating with the dry hot air supplied through the dry hot air supply unit 300 . Allow the ball to dry.

When the surface of the endoscope 10 and the sample hole are dried, low-temperature plasma supplied through the plasma supply unit is injected into the sample hole of the endoscope 10 so that the sample hole of the endoscope 10 is sterilized. .

At this time, by driving the exhaust unit 500 together, the sterilization of the specimen hole of the endoscope 10 is confirmed by detecting plasma ion particles passing through the specimen hole of the endoscope 10 .

When the sterilization of the specimen hole of the endoscope 10 is confirmed, the plasma storage tank is opened while driving the dry hot air supply unit 300 again to sterilize the surface of the endoscope 10, and even at this time, the exhaust unit 500 is By driving together, the sterilization of the surface of the endoscope 10 is confirmed by detecting plasma ion particles exhausted from the washing chamber 100 .

In addition, the flexible endoscope low-temperature plasma sterilization system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an endoscope storage unit 600 for the purpose of sanitarily storing the cleaned/sterilized endoscope 10, wherein the endoscope storage unit 600 is cleaned It is provided on one side of the chamber 100 to store the endoscope 10 cleaned/sterilized with purified water and low-temperature plasma in the cleaning chamber 100 .

Looking at the endoscope storage unit 600 in more detail, the endoscope storage unit 600 includes an endoscope storage chamber 610, an endoscope holder 620, a plasma radiation means 630, and a foreign material receiving unit 640. and a thermometer 650 , a temperature control device 660 , an automatic vent device 670 , and a control unit 680 . First, the endoscope storage chamber 610 has the same interior as the washing chamber 100 . The endoscope 10 washed/sterilized in the washing chamber 100 is accommodated in the space formed in the .

At this time, the endoscope storage chamber 610 forms a rectangular box shape having a space of a certain size so as to accommodate the endoscope 10 therein, and communicates with the inner space on one side of the endoscope storage chamber 610 . An opening is formed to allow the endoscope 10 to be entered and exited through the opening, and a cover is provided in the opening to selectively open and close the inner space of the endoscope storage chamber 610 .

And an endoscope holder 620 is provided in the inner space of the endoscope storage chamber 610. The endoscope holder 620 holds the endoscope 10 cleaned/sterilized in the washing chamber 100 in the endoscope storage chamber 610. ) in the internal space of

At this time, it is preferable that the endoscope holder 620 is formed as a protrusion or a ring so that the endoscope 10 can be hung and mounted.

In addition, a plasma radiation means 630 is provided on the upper side of the inner space of the endoscope storage chamber 610, and the plasma radiation means 630 emits a certain amount of low-temperature plasma into the inner space of the endoscope storage chamber 610. , so that the endoscope 10 mounted by the low-temperature plasma radiated to the inner space of the endoscope storage chamber 610 maintains a sterile state.

And in the lower portion of the endoscope holder 620 in the inner space of the endoscope storage chamber 610, a foreign material receiver 640 is provided. Receives falling foreign objects.

On the other hand, a thermometer 650 is provided on one side of the inner space of the endoscope storage chamber 610 to measure the temperature of the inner space of the endoscope storage chamber 610 .

The temperature of the inner space of the endoscope storage chamber 610 measured by the thermometer 650 is transmitted to the controller 680 to control the operation of the temperature control device 660 .

The temperature control device 660 is provided on one side of the inner space of the endoscope storage chamber 610, and provides heat so that the temperature inside the endoscope storage chamber 610 achieves a corresponding set temperature.

Therefore, the endoscope 10 accommodated in the inner space of the endoscope storage chamber 610 through the thermometer 650 and the temperature control device 660 can be kept warm at a corresponding specified temperature.

In addition, an automatic venting device 670 is provided on one side of the endoscope storage chamber 610, and the automatic venting device 670 stores the endoscope when the pressure in the internal space of the endoscope storage chamber 610 is greater than or equal to a set pressure. Part of the pressure inside the chamber 610 is automatically discharged.

And the plasma radiating means 630, the thermometer 650, and the temperature control device 660 are electrically connected to the control unit 680, by the control of the control unit 680, the plasma radiating means 630, the thermometer ( 650), the driving of the temperature control device 660 is controlled.

In addition, the endoscope storage unit 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a circulation chamber 690, a filter unit 691, and an ultraviolet lamp 692, the internal air of the inner space of the endoscope storage chamber The circulation chamber 690 is provided on one side of the endoscope storage chamber 610, and circulates the air inside the endoscope storage chamber 610 from bottom to top.

In this case, it is preferable that the endoscope storage chamber 610 includes a duct that has a suction fan in the lower portion and flows the sucked air upward.

And a filter part 691 is provided on the inlet side of the circulation chamber 690, and the filter part 691 is composed of a pre-filter provided in the form of a screen, a first filter, and a second filter, and the circulation chamber Filters foreign substances from the internal air flowing into (690).

Here, an ultraviolet lamp 692 is provided under the filter unit 691 to irradiate the air that has passed through the filter unit 691 with ultraviolet rays to sterilize the circulating internal air by ultraviolet rays.

Therefore, by the configuration of the endoscope storage unit 600 described above, it is possible to store and reuse the cleaned/sterilized endoscope safely and hygienically while maintaining the sterile state.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiment shown in the drawings, which is merely exemplary, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

10: endoscope 100: washing chamber
101: sterilization cover 110: drain valve
120: first sealed connector 130: second sealed connector
140: third sealing connector 200: purified water supply unit
210: water purification line 220: wash water header
230: external washing nozzle 300: dry hot air supply unit
310: drying fan 320: heater drying furnace
330: plasma storage tank 400: plasma supply unit
410: hydrogen peroxide storage tank 420: gasification means
430: plasma generator 440: ozone removal device
500: exhaust 510: vacuum pump
520: inspection cartridge 530: sterile filter
600: endoscope storage unit 610: endoscope storage chamber
620: endoscope holder 630: plasma radiation means
640: foreign material receiver 650: thermometer
660: temperature control device 670: automatic vent device
680: control unit 690: circulation chamber
691: filter unit 692: ultraviolet lamp

Claims (10)

a washing chamber for accommodating the endoscope in the internal space;
a purified water supply unit connected to the washing chamber and the endoscope through a tube through which a fluid flows, and selectively supplying purified water to wash the surface of the endoscope accommodated in the washing chamber and the sample hole;
a drying hot air supply unit connected to the washing chamber and the endoscope and a tube through which a fluid flows, and selectively supplying a drying hot air so that the surface of the endoscope accommodated in the washing chamber and the sample hole are dried;
a plasma supply unit connected to the endoscope accommodated in the washing chamber and a tube through which a fluid flows, and selectively supplying low-temperature plasma to sterilize the endoscope specimen hole accommodated in the washing chamber; and
An exhaust unit connected to the endoscope accommodated in the washing chamber and a tube through which a fluid flows, and discharging dry hot air and/or low-temperature plasma passing through the specimen hole of the endoscope to the outside of the washing chamber;
The plasma supply unit
a hydrogen peroxide storage tank for storing liquid hydrogen peroxide;
a gasification means connected to the hydrogen peroxide storage tank and a tube through which a fluid flows, and vaporizing the liquid hydrogen peroxide leaked from the hydrogen peroxide storage tank by diffusion and fumigation;
a plasma generator connected to the gasification means and a tube through which a fluid flows, and decomposes the vaporized hydrogen peroxide into a plasma state to generate low-temperature plasma;
A flexible endoscope low-temperature plasma sterilization system comprising a; an ozone removal device connected to the plasma generator and a tube through which a fluid flows, and removing ozone contained in the low-temperature plasma provided to the third sealing connector.
The method according to claim 1,
The washing chamber
a sterilization cover provided in the opening of the washing chamber to selectively open and close the inner space of the washing chamber;
a drain valve provided at one side of the washing chamber to selectively open the drain valve to drain the washing chamber;
a first sealing connector for connecting the endoscope and the purified water supply unit to the tube through which the fluid flows in the inner space of the washing chamber;
a second sealing connector for connecting the endoscope and the dry hot air supply unit to the tube through which the fluid flows from the outside of the washing chamber;
A flexible endoscope low temperature plasma sterilization system including a third sealing connector for connecting the endoscope and the plasma supply unit to a tube through which a fluid flows from the outside of the washing chamber.
3. The method according to claim 2,
The purified water supply unit
a water purification line for introducing purified water from the outside;
a washing water header connected to the purified water line and supplying purified water to the first sealing connector while storing the purified water introduced through the purified water line;
The flexible endoscope low-temperature plasma sterilization system including a; an external washing nozzle connected to the washing water header and a tube through which a fluid flows, and selectively spraying purified water on the outer surface of the endoscope.
3. The method according to claim 2,
The dry hot air supply unit
a drying fan for blowing wind;
A flexible endoscope low-temperature plasma sterilization system comprising a; a heater drying furnace connected to the drying fan and a tube through which a fluid flows, and providing heat to the wind blown through the second sealing connector along the tube.
5. The method according to claim 4,
The dry hot air supply unit
The flexible endoscope low-temperature plasma sterilization system further comprising a plasma storage tank provided on a tube connecting the drying fan and the heater drying furnace to selectively supply low-temperature plasma to the wind blown from the drying fan to the heater drying furnace.
delete The method according to claim 1,
the exhaust part
a vacuum pump connected to the endoscope accommodated in the inner space of the washing chamber by a tube through which a fluid flows, and sucking the exhaust gas discharged from the endoscope;
a test cartridge provided on a tube connecting the endoscope and the vacuum pump to detect plasma ions from the exhaust exhaust from the endoscope;
A flexible endoscope low-temperature plasma sterilization system comprising a sterilization filter provided in the discharge part of the vacuum pump to filter bacteria from the exhaust.
The method according to claim 1,
The flexible endoscope low temperature plasma sterilization system further comprising a; provided at one side of the washing chamber and storing the cleaned endoscope.
9. The method of claim 8,
The endoscope storage unit
an endoscope storage chamber having a space formed therein;
an endoscope holder provided in the inner space of the endoscope storage chamber and configured to mount the endoscope cleaned/sterilized in the cleaning chamber in the inner space of the endoscope storage chamber;
Plasma radiating means provided above the inner space of the endoscope storage chamber to radiate a predetermined amount of low-temperature plasma to the inner space of the endoscope storage chamber;
a foreign material receiver provided at the lower portion of the endoscope holder in the endoscope storage chamber and receiving foreign substances falling from the endoscope mounted on the endoscope holder;
a thermometer provided on one side of the inner space of the endoscope storage chamber to measure the temperature of the inner space of the endoscope storage chamber;
a temperature control device provided on one side of the inner space of the endoscope storage chamber to provide heat so that the temperature inside the endoscope storage chamber achieves a corresponding set temperature;
an automatic vent device provided on one side of the endoscope storage chamber to automatically discharge a portion of the pressure inside the endoscope storage chamber when the pressure in the inner space of the endoscope storage chamber is greater than or equal to a set pressure;
A flexible endoscope low-temperature plasma sterilization system comprising a; a control unit electrically connected to the plasma radiating means, the thermometer, and the temperature control device to control the driving of the plasma radiating means, the thermometer, and the temperature control device.
10. The method of claim 9,
The endoscope storage unit
a circulation chamber provided on one side of the endoscope storage chamber and circulating air inside the endoscope storage chamber;
a filter unit provided on the inlet side of the circulation chamber to filter foreign substances from the internal air flowing into the circulation chamber;
The flexible endoscope low-temperature plasma sterilization system further comprising a; provided under the filter unit, the ultraviolet lamp irradiating ultraviolet rays to the air that has passed through the filter unit.

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