KR102548733B1 - Ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus having probe sterilization function - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic device equipped with a probe sterilization function, comprising a main body, a plurality of ultrasonic probes connected from the main body by cables, and a sterilizer unit for sterilizing and disinfecting the ultrasonic probes, the sterilization device The unit includes a sterilization case in which the ultrasonic probes are seated and mounted, and a control body provided with a control unit for providing power and an antibacterial solvent to the sterilization case and controlling the operation of the sterilization case, wherein the control body, It is installed inside the main body.

Description

Ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus having probe sterilization function}

The present invention relates to ultrasound diagnostic equipment, and more particularly, functions to sterilize an ultrasound probe that comes into contact with the skin of a subject for imaging of biological tissue, detection of foreign matter in the body, determination of the degree of damage, and observation of a tumor or fetus. It is about the installed ultrasonic diagnostic equipment.

In general, ultrasound diagnostic equipment refers to medical imaging equipment that diagnoses a subject by imaging the inside of the subject's body using ultrasound waves.

Such ultrasound diagnostic equipment is widely used during health examinations or surgeries for the imaging of biological tissues, the detection of foreign substances in the living body, the determination of the degree of damage, and the observation of tumors or fetuses.

In other words, compared to other imaging diagnostic devices such as X-ray diagnostic devices, X-ray CT scanners, MRIs, and nuclear medicine diagnostic devices, ultrasound diagnostic equipment is compact, inexpensive, can be displayed in real time, and has no exposure to X-rays. Because it has the advantage of high safety, it is widely used for cardiac, abdominal, urinary and gynecological diagnosis.

Such an ultrasound diagnostic device essentially uses an ultrasound probe for contacting the skin of a subject to be examined to emit ultrasound and receive the reflected ultrasound.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of conventional ultrasound diagnostic equipment. Referring to FIG. 1, the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic equipment will be briefly described as follows.

As shown in FIG. 1, a conventional ultrasound diagnostic device 1 includes a main body 10 and an ultrasound probe 30 that transmits ultrasound signals to an object to be diagnosed and receives signals reflected from the object, , The ultrasonic probe 30 is connected to the main body 10 by a cable 32.

At this time, the ultrasonic probe 30 may be mounted on the main body 10 by the holder 22 . This holder 22 is provided on the control panel 20 .

In addition, moving means 12 such as wheels are provided in the lower part of the main body 10 to move the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment 1 .

In addition, the body 10 is provided with a display 30 and a control panel 20. The control panel 20 is provided with an input unit 24 for a user, a medical person, to control the ultrasound diagnostic equipment 1, In some cases, an auxiliary display 26 is provided to provide related information such as a menu for optimizing an ultrasound image or an auxiliary image, or to provide a graphic interface to a user.

On the other hand, the ultrasonic probe 30 connected by the cable 32 from the main body 10 of the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment 1 applies a gel for ultrasonic diagnosis to a surface (hereinafter referred to as a touch surface) that comes into contact with a subject during diagnosis. Spread and use. Therefore, although the gel is wiped off and removed from the probe surface of the ultrasound probe 30 after the examination of the test subject, the probe surface may be contaminated with pathogens transferred from the test subject.

If the ultrasonic probe 30 whose probe surface is contaminated in this way is continuously used without being sterilized or disinfected, there is a risk that the next test subject may be infected, and medical personnel who operate the ultrasonic probe 30 may also be exposed to infection. There were concerns.

Korean Patent Registration No. 10-2068706 (2020.01.15.) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0069257 (2022.05.27.)

The present invention has been devised in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to always sterilize and disinfect the ultrasonic probe after use and when not in use, so that the subject or medical personnel may be infected by pathogens. An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic device equipped with a probe sterilization function to prevent infection or exposure to infection.

In addition, another technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to sterilize or disinfect probes in a state in which probes of different sizes are stably seated, thereby increasing the convenience of use according to the expansion of versatility. to provide diagnostic equipment.

In addition, another technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to have a sterilization device for sterilizing a probe for ultrasonic diagnostic equipment installed in the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment, thereby greatly improving the convenience of use for ultrasonic diagnostics equipped with a probe sterilization function. to provide equipment.

Ultrasound diagnostic equipment equipped with a probe sterilization function according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problems includes a main body, a plurality of ultrasonic probes connected by cables from the main body, and sterilization for sterilizing and disinfecting the ultrasonic probes. A control body including a device unit, wherein the sterilization unit includes a sterilization case in which the ultrasonic probes are seated and mounted, and a control unit provided with a control unit for providing power and an antibacterial solvent to the sterilization case and controlling the operation of the sterilization case. Including, but the control body, may be installed inside the body.

At this time, the control body may be provided with a control unit for providing power and an antibacterial solvent to the sterilization case and controlling the operation of the sterilization case.

In addition, the sterilization case may include a housing having an accommodation space of a predetermined volume in which the ultrasonic probe is inserted and accommodated, and a cover opening and closing one surface of the housing.

Here, in the upper portion of each accommodation space of the housing, a UV LED lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays as it is turned on by a control signal, and an infrared lamp that irradiates far-infrared rays as it is turned on by a control signal. And a spray nozzle spraying an antibacterial solvent by a control signal may be installed.

Meanwhile, the control body may be detachably installed in a retractable manner with respect to the body.

In addition, the spray nozzle may spray the antibacterial solvent while reciprocating at a predetermined interval by a control signal.

Other specific details of the invention are included in the detailed description and drawings.

According to the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment equipped with a probe sterilization function according to an embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic probe is always sterilized and disinfected after use and when not in use, thereby preventing the subject or medical personnel from being infected or exposed to infection by pathogens. effect can be provided.

In addition, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment equipped with a probe sterilization function according to an embodiment of the present invention, sterilization or disinfection treatment is performed in a state in which probes of different sizes are stably seated, so that the usability is increased due to the expansion of versatility. may also be provided.

In addition, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment equipped with a probe sterilization function according to an embodiment of the present invention, the sterilization device for sterilizing the probe is installed in the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment, so that the convenience of use due to sterilization and disinfection of the probes is greatly improved. Effects can also be provided.

Effects according to the present invention are not limited by the contents exemplified above, and more various effects are included in the present specification.

1 is a perspective view showing a conventional ultrasound diagnostic equipment;
2 is a perspective view showing an ultrasonic diagnostic equipment equipped with a probe sterilization function according to an embodiment of the present invention;
3 is a partially enlarged perspective view illustrating a state in which a probe is inserted into a sterilization case in an ultrasound diagnostic device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
4a and 4b are partially enlarged perspective views of the sterilization case of FIG. 3 viewed from different directions, FIG. 4a is a probe inserted state, and FIG. 4b is a partially enlarged perspective view of a probe not inserted state.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along line AA of Figure 4b.
Figure 6 is a BB line cross-sectional view of Figure 4b.
7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a sterilization case provided to an ultrasonic diagnostic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a block diagram showing a control relationship of an ultrasound diagnostic equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention;
9 is a process chart showing a sequence of a probe sterilization method using an ultrasonic diagnostic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a flowchart illustrating a process sequence of a probe sterilization method of an ultrasonic diagnostic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Advantages and features of the present invention, and methods for achieving them, will become clear with reference to the embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms, and only the present embodiments make the disclosure of the present invention complete, and common knowledge in the art to which the present invention belongs It is provided to fully inform the holder of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. Like reference numbers designate like elements throughout the specification.

Thus, in some embodiments, well-known processing steps, well-known structures, and well-known techniques have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the interpretation of the present invention.

Terms used in this specification are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, singular forms also include plural forms unless specifically stated otherwise in a phrase. The terms "comprises" and/or "comprising" as used in the specification do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps and/or operations other than those mentioned. use as And "and/or" includes each and every combination of one or more of the recited items.

In addition, the embodiments described in this specification will be described with reference to perspective views, cross-sectional views, side views and/or schematic views, which are ideal exemplary views of the present invention. Accordingly, the shape of the illustrative drawings may be modified due to manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the specific shapes shown, but also include changes in shapes generated according to manufacturing processes. In addition, in each drawing shown in the embodiment of the present invention, each component may be shown somewhat enlarged or reduced in consideration of convenience of explanation.

Hereinafter, an ultrasonic diagnostic device equipped with a probe sterilization function according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings.

2 is a perspective view showing an ultrasonic diagnostic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a state in which a probe is inserted into a sterilization case in the ultrasonic diagnostic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, 4a and 4b are partially enlarged perspective views of the sterilization case of FIG. 3 viewed from different directions, FIG. 4a is a probe inserted state, and FIG. 4b is a partial enlarged perspective view of a probe not inserted state.

5 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A of FIG. 4B, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along line B-B of FIG. 4B.

First, as shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasound diagnostic equipment 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body 110 in which various electronic equipment and mechanical equipment are installed and a pre-programmed control unit is installed, and the main body A plurality of ultrasound probes 112 connected by a cable 114 from 110, and an input unit 120 input by a user, a medical person, are provided, and as the ultrasound probe 112 contacts the skin of the test subject, It may be configured to include a display unit 130 for displaying an internal image of the body and a sterilizer unit for sterilizing and sterilizing the ultrasonic probes 112 .

The sterilizer unit is provided with a sterilization case 200 in which ultrasonic probes 112 are seated and mounted, and a control unit for providing power and an antibacterial solvent to the sterilization case 200 and controlling the operation of the sterilization case 200. It may be made of a configuration including a control body 300 to be.

Here, the control body 300 may be configured to be installed inside the body 110 and connected to the sterilizer unit. At this time, it is preferable that the control body 300 is installed to be detachable from the main body 110 in a retractable manner so that the antibacterial solvent can be replenished easily.

The sterilization case 200 includes a housing 210 having a receiving space 220 of a certain volume for receiving and inserting the ultrasonic probe 112, and a cover 240 for opening and closing one surface of the housing 210. configuration can be made.

For reference, in the drawing for supporting the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment according to the embodiment of the present invention, all three accommodating spaces 220 are formed in the sterilization case 200, and accordingly, for opening and closing each accommodating space 220 Although it is shown as an example that three covers 240 are provided, this is only one embodiment, and it is revealed that the number can be increased or decreased.

A plurality of indicator lights 212 may be formed on one side of the upper surface of the housing 210 . Here, two indicators 212 are provided, and it is preferable that one lights red and the other lights blue.

That is, when the ultrasonic probes 112 are embedded in the sterilization case 200 and sterilization and disinfection are being performed, the red indicator light is turned on, and when the sterilization and disinfection is not performed, the blue indicator light is turned on so that the user, the medical personnel It is desirable to easily recognize the operating state with the naked eye.

For reference, the cover 240 may be configured to open and close the accommodating space 220 as it moves in a sliding manner with respect to the housing 210, and at this time, the cover 240 can be easily moved up and down while being held by the user. A handle 242 may be installed on the front of the.

The cover 240 may be manually elevated to open and close the accommodating space 220 , or may be automatically elevated by a sensor to open and close the accommodating space 220 .

For example, when the ultrasonic probe 112 approaches the housing 210 by a predetermined interval by installing the light emitting unit on one side of the ultrasonic probe 112 and installing the light receiving unit on one side of the housing 210, the cover 240 It may be configured to open and close the accommodating space 220 while automatically moving up and down.

A communication hole 231 is formed on the lower side of the accommodation space 220 of the housing 210 so that the small diameter portion of the ultrasonic probe 112 and the cable 114 pass therethrough, and both sides of the communication hole 231 have an ultrasonic probe ( 112) may be formed with a seating jaw portion 230 for seating an inclined portion forming a boundary between the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion.

Therefore, in order to insert the ultrasonic probe 112 into the accommodating space 220 of the housing 210, the ultrasonic probe 112 is inserted from the front while the cover 240 is open, so that the inclined portion is seated on the jaw portion 230. When it is seated, a state in which the cable 114 is connected through the communication hole 231 is stably seated, and in this state, when the cover 240 is closed, the ultrasonic probe 112 is accommodated in the accommodation space 220. will achieve

On the other hand, referring to FIGS. 4a and 4b and FIGS. 5 and 6, UV LED lamps 222 radiating ultraviolet rays as they are turned on by a control signal at the top of each accommodation space 220 of the housing 210, and An infrared lamp 224 for irradiating far-infrared rays as it is turned on by a control signal and a spray nozzle 226 for spraying an antibacterial solvent by a control signal may also be installed.

Here, the spray nozzle 226 sprays the antibacterial solvent while being rotated by a certain angle in the front and rear directions in the left and right directions by a control signal, so that the antibacterial solvent is evenly applied to the touch surface of the probe 112 inherently seated in the accommodation space 220. can be sprayed.

In addition, the spray nozzle 226 may be configured to reciprocate by a predetermined interval along a rail part that may be formed on the inside of the housing 210 of the sterilization case 200, that is, on the upper surface of the accommodation space 220, and accordingly The antibacterial solvent may be uniformly sprayed on the probe 112 to be applied.

At this time, although not shown separately, by disposing two injection nozzles facing each other on both sides and reciprocating in opposite directions to each other, the antibacterial solvent is applied more evenly to the touch surface of the probe 112. It can also be applied by spraying.

In addition, a first connection cable for supplying power to the UV LED lamp 222, the infrared lamp 224, and the spray nozzle 226 and transmitting a control signal for operation is connected to one side of the lower part of the housing 210. A terminal 214 may be formed, and a second terminal 216 to which a connection hose for supplying an antibacterial solvent to the injection nozzle 226 is connected.

These connection cables and connection hoses may be connected from the control body 300 built into the body 110 .

For reference, the sterilization case 200 is installed on one side of the main body 110 of the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment 100, so that ultrasonic probes 112 connected by cables 114 from the main body 110 are mounted and sterilized according to seating. , It is desirable to make disinfection easy.

8 is a block diagram showing a control relationship of an ultrasound diagnostic equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, the control body 300, as mentioned above, has various programs preset and transmits various signals to the sterilization case 200 by manipulation of the input unit 120 to control the operation ( 304) and an antibacterial solvent storage unit 302 for supplying the antibacterial solvent to the spray nozzle 226.

In addition, a sensor 232 may be provided on the surface of the seating jaw 230 of the sterilization case 200 to detect the seating state of the probe 112 and transmit it to the control unit 304 of the control body 300. , its operational relationship will be described in detail later.

On the other hand, Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the sterilization case provided in the sterilization system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The ultrasound probes 112 provided in the ultrasound diagnostic equipment 100 do not all have the same size, and may have different shapes and sizes depending on the application area.

Accordingly, the size of the accommodation space 220 and the communication hole 231 of the sterilization case 200 may be formed differently to correspond to the probes 112 of different sizes.

That is, as shown in FIG. 7, slide balls 234 of a certain size are formed on both sides of the seating jaw part 230, and shields 238 are formed at the front ends of the slide balls 234, respectively. An elastic member 236 such as a coil spring may be installed between the rear end of the slide hole 234 and the shield 238 so that the distance between the communication holes 231 may be adjusted.

Therefore, in the case of the probe 112 having a relatively small diameter, the size of the communication port 231 is expanded while pressing both shielding parts 238, and in the case of the probe 112 having a relatively small diameter, both shielding parts 238 are elastic. It is possible to reduce the size of the communication hole 231 by moving in opposite directions by the pressing force of the member 236 .

Accordingly, probes 112 of different sizes can be more universally and stably installed in the sterilization case 200 of the sterilization system according to the embodiment of the present invention, so that convenience of use can be greatly improved.

A method of sterilizing a probe using an ultrasonic diagnostic device having the above configuration will be described below.

9 is a process chart showing a process sequence of a method for sterilizing a probe of an ultrasonic diagnostic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.

When a medical person, who may be a user, applies gel to the touch surface of the ultrasound probe 112 and rubs the skin surface of the test subject, it contacts the skin on the test subject's diagnosis area to emit ultrasonic waves and receive the reflected ultrasonic waves to the display unit. In 130, an image of the inside of the body is displayed.

Therefore, a medical person reads the image displayed on the display unit 130 and makes a diagnosis.

After the ultrasound diagnosis is completed, the gel applied to the touch surface of the ultrasound probe 112 is wiped off. At this time, the touch surface of the ultrasound probe 112 is in contact with the skin of the test subject, so when left as it is, various pathogens There is a risk of growth of bacteria, including

Therefore, the medical personnel only needs to sterilize and disinfect the ultrasonic probe 112 after wiping off the gel with the sterilizer.

That is, as shown in FIG. 9, after opening the cover 240 of the sterilization case 200, inserting the used ultrasonic probe 112 into the accommodation space 220 and seating it (S10), the cover 240 After closing, sterilization and disinfection are performed by manipulating the input unit 120.

When a signal for sterilization and disinfection is input, the controller of the control body 300 transmits a control signal to turn on the UV LED lamp 222 (S20). Then, the antibacterial solvent is sprayed (S30) to the touch surface of the probe 112 through the injection nozzle 226, and the infrared lamp 224 is also turned on (S40).

At this time, as the input of the signal for sterilization and disinfection, as the probe 112 is seated on the seating jaw 230 of the sterilization case 200, the detection sensor 232 detects it and transmits a signal to the control unit 304. If so, the control unit 304 can sequentially input signals for sterilization and disinfection to the sterilization case 200.

The turn on of the UV LED lamp 222 and the infrared lamp 224 and the spraying of the antibacterial solvent through the spray nozzle 226 can be determined in order or operating time by a control signal from the controller 304.

That is, as shown in FIG. 10, after the set time has elapsed while the UV LED lamp 224 is turned on (S20), the antibacterial solvent is sprayed (injected) through the spray nozzle 226 (S30), and , The operating time may be determined so that the infrared lamp 224 is also turned on (S40) for a set time.

At this time, when the UV LED lamp 222 and the infrared lamp 224 are lit and the antibacterial solvent is sprayed through the spray nozzle 226, the ultrasonic probe 112 is sterilized and disinfected, the housing 210 An indicator light installed on one side of may be turned on to indicate that sterilization and disinfection are in progress.

Conversely, when the ultrasonic probe 112 is taken out of the accommodation space 220 of the housing 210, an indicator light installed on one side of the housing 210 may be turned on to indicate that the operation is stopped.

As described above, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment equipped with the probe sterilization function according to the embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic probe 112 is always sterilized and disinfected after use and when not in use, so that the inspected person or medical personnel is free from pathogens. The effect of preventing infection or exposure to an infection by the can be provided.

In addition, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment equipped with a probe sterilization function according to an embodiment of the present invention, the probes 112 of different sizes are sterilized or disinfected in a state in which they are stably seated, thereby improving usability due to the expansion of versatility. An augmented effect may also be provided.

In addition, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment equipped with the probe killing function according to the embodiment of the present invention, the sterilization device for sterilizing the probe 112 is installed in the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment 100, thereby sterilizing the probes 112, The effect of greatly improving the convenience of use according to disinfection may also be provided.

Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without changing its technical spirit or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not limiting. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the following claims rather than the detailed description above, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention. do.

100: ultrasonic diagnostic equipment 110: main body
112: ultrasonic probe 114: cable
120: input unit 130: display unit
200: sterilization case 210: housing
212: indicator light 214: first terminal
216: second terminal 220: accommodation space
222: UV LED lamp 224: infrared lamp
226: injection nozzle 230: seating jaw
240: cover 242: handle
300: control body 302: antibacterial solvent storage unit
304: control unit

Claims (6)

A body, a plurality of ultrasonic probes connected by cables from the body, and a sterilizer unit for sterilizing and disinfecting the ultrasonic probes,
The sterilizer unit,
A sterilization case in which the ultrasonic probes are seated and mounted;
Including a control body provided with a control unit for providing power and an antibacterial solvent to the sterilization case and controlling the operation of the sterilization case,
The sterilization case,
A housing having an accommodating space of a certain volume in which the ultrasonic probe is inserted and accommodated, and a communication hole is formed at a lower side of the accommodation space of the housing so that the small diameter part of the ultrasonic probe and a cable pass therethrough, and both sides of the communication hole are formed. A seating jaw part is formed for seating the inclined part constituting the small diameter part and the large diameter part of the ultrasonic probe, and a sensor for detecting the seating state of the ultrasonic probe and transmitting it to the control unit of the control body is formed on one surface of the seating jaw part. installed,
Slide balls of a certain size are formed on both sides of the seating jaw, shielding parts are formed at the front ends of the slide balls, and an elastic member is installed between the rear end of the slide ball and the shielding part to adjust the distance between the communication holes,
The control body,
Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment equipped with a probe sterilization function, characterized in that installed inside the main body.
delete According to claim 1,
The sterilization case,
Ultrasound diagnostic equipment equipped with a probe sterilization function, characterized in that it comprises a housing having a receiving space of a certain volume for receiving and inserting the ultrasonic probe, and a cover opening and closing one surface of the housing.
According to claim 3,
A UV LED lamp irradiating ultraviolet rays as it is turned on by a control signal at the upper part of each accommodation space of the housing;
An infrared lamp that emits far-infrared rays as it is turned on by a control signal. and
Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment equipped with a probe sterilization function, characterized in that a spray nozzle for spraying an antibacterial solvent by a control signal is installed.
According to claim 1,
Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment with a probe sterilization function, characterized in that the control body is retractable and detachably installed with respect to the main body.
According to claim 4,
The spray nozzle is ultrasonic diagnostic equipment equipped with a probe sterilization function, characterized in that spraying the antibacterial solvent while reciprocating by a predetermined interval by a control signal.

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