Endoscope blow-drying machine

By designing an endoscope dryer, the infusion and pressure regulating components are used to dry the inner cavity and outer surface of the endoscope, solving the problem of low drying efficiency of flexible endoscopes and achieving efficient drying and safe use.

CN223484771UActive Publication Date: 2025-10-28HANGZHOU MALL TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202423037217.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-10
Publication Date
2025-10-28
Estimated Expiration
2034-12-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing technologies, flexible endoscopes have low drying efficiency and it is difficult to guarantee the drying effect. They are prone to bacterial growth, which affects the performance and lifespan of the endoscope and poses a risk of cross-infection to patients.

Method used

Design an endoscope dryer comprising a housing, a filling assembly, a pressure regulating assembly, and an air gun assembly. It dries the inner cavity and outer surface of the endoscope by filling it with desiccant and gas at different pressures, and achieves automated operation by combining it with a control assembly.

Benefits of technology

It improves the drying efficiency and effectiveness of endoscopes, reduces bacterial growth, extends the lifespan of endoscopes, and reduces the risk of cross-infection for patients.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of medical equipment, and discloses an endoscope blow-drying machine which comprises a shell, a filling assembly, a pressure adjusting assembly, an air gun assembly and a control assembly. The shell is provided with a cavity, and a connecting opening is formed in the shell and used for being connected with an endoscope. The filling assembly and the pressure regulating assembly are arranged in the cavity, the filling assembly is used for filling a drying agent into the inner cavity of the endoscope through the connecting port, the pressure regulating assembly is used for filling gas with first preset pressure or gas with second preset pressure into the inner cavity, and the first preset pressure is smaller than the second preset pressure. The air gun assembly is arranged outside the cavity and used for blow-drying the outer surface of the endoscope. The control assembly is in communication connection with the filling assembly, the pressure adjusting assembly and the air gun assembly. The endoscope blow-drying machine has three drying modes which are matched with one another, and the drying efficiency and the drying effect can be effectively improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical equipment technology, and in particular to an endoscope dryer. Background Technology

[0002] Flexible endoscopes have a complex structure with long, narrow lumens and many delicate internal components. Residual moisture can easily breed bacteria and mold, affecting not only the endoscope's performance and lifespan but also potentially causing cross-infection in patients during subsequent uses. After cleaning and disinfection, all tubing should be perfused with 75% to 95% ethanol or isopropanol, and then pressurized with clean compressed air for at least 30 seconds until completely dry. Currently, the method used is manual drying with compressed air, where a high-pressure air gun is used to blow air into the endoscope's lumen. This method is inefficient and the drying effect is difficult to guarantee.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an endoscope dryer to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an endoscope drying machine that can improve drying efficiency and drying effect.

[0005] Based on the above concept, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0006] An endoscope dryer is provided, comprising:

[0007] The housing has a cavity and a connection port for connecting an endoscope.

[0008] An infusion assembly is disposed within the cavity, and the infusion assembly is used to infuse a desiccant into the lumen of the endoscope through the connection port;

[0009] A pressure regulating component is disposed in the cavity. The pressure regulating component is used to fill the cavity with gas at a first preset pressure or a second preset pressure through the connection port. The first preset pressure is less than the second preset pressure.

[0010] An air gun assembly is disposed outside the cavity, and the air gun assembly is used to blow air onto the outer surface of the endoscope;

[0011] The control component is partially disposed on the housing, and the control component is communicatively connected to the injection component, the pressure regulating component and the air gun component.

[0012] Optionally, the endoscope dryer further includes a dispensing assembly, which includes an integrated valve body having multiple inlets, including at least a desiccant inlet, a first gas inlet, and a second gas inlet. The desiccant inlet is connected to the infusion assembly, and both the first gas inlet and the second gas inlet are connected to the pressure regulating assembly.

[0013] The integrated valve body has multiple outlets and multiple connection ports, with one outlet corresponding to one connection port.

[0014] Optionally, the pressure regulating assembly includes a first inflation line, a first pressure regulating valve disposed on the first inflation line, the first pressure regulating valve being communicatively connected to the control assembly, one end of the first inflation line being connected to an external gas source, and the other end of the first inflation line being connected to the first gas inlet; and / or,

[0015] The pressure regulating component includes a second inflation line, a second pressure regulating valve is provided on the second inflation line, the second pressure regulating valve is communicatively connected to the control component, one end of the second inflation line is connected to an external gas source, and the other end of the second inflation line is connected to the second gas inlet.

[0016] Optionally, a pressure sensor is further provided on the second inflation line. The pressure sensor is used to acquire the real-time air pressure value in the second inflation line, and the pressure sensor is communicatively connected to the control component; and / or,

[0017] A pressure gauge is also installed on the second inflation line, which is used to display the real-time air pressure value in the second inflation line.

[0018] Optionally, a first solenoid valve is also provided on the first inflation line, and the first solenoid valve is located downstream of the first pressure regulating valve.

[0019] Optionally, the distribution component further includes a check valve, and multiple check valves are provided. The outlet and the connection port are connected through an output pipeline, and one check valve is correspondingly provided on one of the output pipelines.

[0020] Optionally, the endoscope dryer further includes multiple connecting components, one of which is connected to one of the connecting ports. Each connecting component includes a connecting tube with multiple branches, one of which is used to connect to one interface of the endoscope.

[0021] Optionally, the filling assembly includes a filling tube, a filling bottle, and a peristaltic pump, wherein the filling tube is used to connect the filling bottle and the desiccant inlet, and the peristaltic pump is disposed on the filling tube.

[0022] Optionally, the filling assembly further includes a liquid level sensor disposed inside the filling bottle. The liquid level sensor is used to detect the liquid level inside the filling bottle and is communicatively connected to the control assembly.

[0023] Optionally, the air gun assembly includes an air gun head and a hose, one end of the hose is connected to an external air source, the other end of the hose is connected to the air gun head, and the housing is also provided with a hook, on which the air gun head can be hung.

[0024] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0025] The endoscope dryer proposed in this utility model includes a shell, an injection assembly, a pressure regulating assembly, an air gun assembly, and a control assembly. The shell has a cavity and a connection port for connecting an endoscope. The injection assembly is disposed within the cavity and is used to inject desiccant into the inner cavity of the endoscope through the connection port. The pressure regulating assembly is also disposed within the cavity and is used to fill the inner cavity with gas at a first preset pressure or a second preset pressure, where the first preset pressure is less than the second preset pressure. The air gun assembly is disposed outside the cavity and is used to blow air onto the outer surface of the endoscope. The control assembly is partially disposed on the shell and is communicatively connected to the injection assembly, the pressure regulating assembly, and the air gun assembly. In specific implementation, the air gun assembly is used to dry the outer surface of the endoscope, while the injection assembly can fill the inner cavity with desiccant for desiccant drying, and the pressure regulating assembly can fill the inner cavity with gas at the second preset pressure for gas drying. In addition, after the desiccant is poured into the inner cavity and before the gas at the second preset pressure is introduced, the gas at the first preset pressure can be introduced into the inner cavity. The desiccant can be smoothly injected into all parts of the inner cavity and fully contact the inner cavity wall through the push of the low-pressure gas, so as to ensure the drying effect of the desiccant. Together, they can effectively improve the drying efficiency and drying effect. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the endoscope dryer provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the endoscope dryer provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the endoscope dryer provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0029] In the picture:

[0030] 1. Outer shell; 11. Connecting port; 12. Hook;

[0031] 2. Filling assembly; 21. Filling bottle; 22. Filling tubing; 23. Peristaltic pump;

[0032] 3. Pressure regulating assembly; 31. First inflation pipe; 311. First pressure regulating valve; 312. First solenoid valve; 32. Second inflation pipe; 321. Second pressure regulating valve; 322. Pressure gauge; 323. Pressure sensor;

[0033] 4. Air gun assembly; 41. Air gun head; 42. Hose;

[0034] 5. Control components;

[0035] 6. Distribution components; 61. Desiccant inlet; 62. First gas inlet; 63. Second gas inlet; 64. Outlet;

[0036] 7. Connecting components; 71. Connecting pipe; 711. Main pipe; 712. Branch pipe;

[0037] 8. External air source. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the technical problem solved by this utility model, the technical solution adopted, and the technical effect achieved clearer, the technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely for explaining this utility model and not for limiting it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts related to this utility model are shown in the accompanying drawings, not all of them.

[0039] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0040] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0041] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0042] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0043] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this embodiment provides an endoscope dryer, including a housing 1, an infusion assembly 2, a pressure regulating assembly 3, an air gun assembly 4, and a control assembly 5. The infusion assembly 2 and the pressure regulating assembly 3 are both connected to the inner cavity of the endoscope, allowing desiccant and gas to be respectively injected into the endoscope to dry its inner cavity. The air gun assembly 4 is used to blow air onto the outer surface of the endoscope to dry its outer surface. Together, they achieve rapid drying of the endoscope, and the combination of desiccant drying and gas drying ensures effective drying of the inner cavity.

[0044] Specifically, the outer shell 1 has a cavity, and a connection port 11 is provided on the outer shell 1 for connecting the endoscope. The infusion assembly 2 is disposed within the cavity and is used to infuse a desiccant into the inner cavity of the endoscope through the connection port 11. In this embodiment, the desiccant is alcohol; that is, alcohol can be infused into the inner cavity to achieve alcohol drying. The pressure regulating assembly 3 is disposed within the cavity and is used to fill the inner cavity with gas at a first preset pressure or a second preset pressure, where the first preset pressure is less than the second preset pressure. In specific implementation, gas at the second preset pressure can be infused into the inner cavity to achieve gas drying. Alternatively, after infusing alcohol into the inner cavity and before infusing gas at the second preset pressure, gas at the first preset pressure can be infused into the inner cavity. The pushing action of the low-pressure gas allows the alcohol to be smoothly injected into all parts of the inner cavity and fully contact the inner cavity wall, ensuring the alcohol drying effect. The air gun assembly 4 is disposed outside the cavity and is used to dry the outer surface of the endoscope, so that the endoscope dryer provided in this embodiment can dry both the inner cavity and the outer surface of the endoscope. Additionally, the control assembly 5 is partially disposed on the housing 1 and is communicatively connected to the filling assembly 2, the pressure regulating assembly 3, and the air gun assembly 4. In practice, the operator can select the appropriate drying mode for different endoscopes through the control assembly 5 to determine the filling volume of the desiccant, the first preset pressure value, the second preset pressure value, and the inflation time of the gas at the first preset pressure and the second preset pressure, thereby achieving automated drying of the inner cavity and saving manpower.

[0045] In this embodiment, the endoscope dryer also includes a distribution component 6, which includes an integrated valve body with multiple inlets. These inlets include at least a desiccant inlet 61, a first gas inlet 62, and a second gas inlet 63. The desiccant inlet 61 is connected to the filling component 2, and the first gas inlet 62 and the second gas inlet 63 are respectively connected to the adjustment component. The integrated valve body also has multiple outlets 64 and multiple connection ports 11, with each outlet 64 corresponding to one connection port 11. In this embodiment, three types of inlets are provided, with at least one of each type. However, in other embodiments, the first gas inlet 62 and the second gas inlet 63 can be the same, and the gas at the first preset pressure and the gas at the second preset pressure are not simultaneously filled into the inner cavity; therefore, they can share the same gas inlet. The number of outlets 64 of the integrated valve body should be no less than the number of connection ports 11. One connection port 11 corresponds to one endoscope. By providing multiple connection ports 11, the drying efficiency of the endoscope dryer can be improved, allowing multiple endoscopes to be dried simultaneously with a single startup.

[0046] Optionally, the pressure regulating component 3 includes a first inflation line 31, on which a first pressure regulating valve 311 is installed. The first pressure regulating valve 311 is communicatively connected to the control component 5. One end of the first inflation line 31 is connected to an external gas source 8, and the other end is connected to a first gas inlet 62. In specific implementation, the operator can use the control component 5 to adjust the opening of the first pressure regulating valve 311 to adjust the pressure of the gas injected into the inner cavity through the first inflation line 31, that is, to adjust the first preset pressure to adapt to different endoscopes and ensure the pushing effect of the gas at the first preset pressure on the desiccant.

[0047] The pressure regulating component 3 includes a second inflation line 32, on which a second pressure regulating valve 321 is installed. The second pressure regulating valve 321 is communicatively connected to the control component 5. One end of the second inflation line 32 is connected to an external gas source 8, and the other end is connected to a second gas inlet 63. In practice, the operator can use the control component 5 to adjust the opening of the second pressure regulating valve 321 to adjust the pressure of the gas injected into the inner cavity through the second inflation line 32, that is, to adjust the second preset pressure to adapt to different endoscopes and ensure the gas drying effect.

[0048] Optionally, a pressure sensor 323 is also provided on the second inflation line 32. The pressure sensor 323 is used to obtain the real-time air pressure value in the second inflation line 32 and is communicatively connected to the control component 5. If the real-time air pressure value in the second inflation line 32 obtained by the pressure sensor 323 is less than the second preset pressure, a positive signal is fed back to the control component 5, so that the control component 5 controls the opening of the first pressure regulating valve 311 to decrease, thereby increasing the real-time air pressure value in the second inflation line 32. If the real-time air pressure value in the second inflation line 32 obtained by the pressure sensor 323 is greater than the second preset pressure, a negative signal is fed back to the control component 5, so that the control component 5 controls the opening of the first pressure regulating valve 311 to increase, thereby decreasing the real-time air pressure value in the second inflation line 32.

[0049] Optionally, a pressure gauge 322 is also installed on the second inflation line 32. The pressure gauge 322 is used to display the real-time air pressure value in the second inflation line 32. In this embodiment, the pressure sensor 323 and the pressure gauge 322 are installed simultaneously, which not only improves the reliability of the system, but also provides an intuitive display, allowing operators to immediately know the current real-time pressure value and make rapid responses to special situations. The pressure sensor 323 can be used for real-time feedback and adjustment.

[0050] Optionally, a first solenoid valve 312 is also provided on the first inflation line 31, and the first solenoid valve 312 is located downstream of the first pressure regulating valve 311. In this embodiment, the first inflation line 31 and the second inflation line 32 are connected to the same external gas source 8. After the alcohol drying is completed, the first solenoid valve 312 can be closed so that the gas flows to the distribution component 6 only through the second inflation line 32.

[0051] Optionally, the distribution component 6 also includes multiple check valves. The outlet 64 is connected to the connection port 11 via an output pipeline, with one check valve corresponding to one output pipeline. The check valve is used to prevent backflow of desiccant or gas, ensuring that the desiccant entering through the connection port 11, the gas at the first preset pressure, and the gas at the second preset pressure, after flowing through the inner cavity of the endoscope, all flow out from the end of the endoscope not connected to the connection port 11.

[0052] Optionally, the endoscope dryer also includes multiple connecting components 7, each connecting component 7 being connected to a corresponding connection port 11. Each connecting component 7 includes a connecting tube 71, and the connecting tube 71 has multiple branch tubes 712. One branch tube 712 is used to connect to one interface of the endoscope. In this embodiment, the connecting tube 71 includes a main tube 711 and branch tubes 712. The number of branch tubes 712 is consistent with the number of interfaces of the endoscope, that is, the desiccant and gas can enter the inner cavity of the endoscope from each interface to ensure uniform drying. One main tube 711 is provided, one end of which is connected to the connection port 11, and the other end of which is connected to the branch tubes 712 through a multi-port connector. That is, if the number of branch tubes 712 is N, then the multi-port connector is N+1.

[0053] Optionally, the filling assembly 2 includes a filling tube 22, a filling bottle 21, and a peristaltic pump 23. The filling tube 22 connects the filling bottle 21 and the desiccant inlet 61, and the peristaltic pump 23 is mounted on the filling tube 22. The peristaltic pump 23 draws alcohol from the filling bottle 21 into the filling tube 22 to ensure that a predetermined amount of alcohol enters the inner cavity, thereby achieving alcohol drying.

[0054] Optionally, the filling assembly 2 also includes a liquid level sensor, which is disposed inside the filling bottle 21. The liquid level sensor is used to detect the liquid level inside the filling bottle 21 and is communicatively connected to the control assembly 5. The filling bottle 21 contains alcohol for drying. When the alcohol is consumed to the point where the liquid level is below a preset value, the liquid level sensor will send a signal to the control assembly 5. The control assembly 5 can then remind the operator to add alcohol to the filling bottle 21 via a display screen or similar device.

[0055] Optionally, the air gun assembly 4 includes an air gun head 41 and a hose 42. One end of the hose 42 is connected to an external air source 8, and the other end of the hose 42 is connected to the air gun head 41. A hook 12 is also provided on the housing 1, allowing the air gun head 41 to be hung on the mounting base. In practice, when it is necessary to dry the outer surface of the endoscope, the air gun head 41 can be removed from the hook 12, and air can be blown onto the outer surface of the endoscope at various angles. When it is not necessary to blow air onto the outer surface of the endoscope, the air gun head 41 can be hung on the hook 12 for storage and organization.

[0056] The above embodiments merely illustrate the basic principles and characteristics of this utility model. This utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An endoscope dryer, characterized in that, include: The outer shell (1) has a cavity and a connection port (11) is provided on the outer shell (1) for connecting an endoscope; An infusion assembly (2) is disposed in the cavity, and the infusion assembly (2) is used to infuse a desiccant into the cavity of the endoscope through the connection port (11); A pressure regulating component (3) is disposed in the cavity. The pressure regulating component (3) is used to fill the cavity with gas at a first preset pressure or gas at a second preset pressure through the connection port (11). The first preset pressure is less than the second preset pressure. An air gun assembly (4) is disposed outside the cavity, and the air gun assembly (4) is used to blow air onto the outer surface of the endoscope; The control component (5) is partially disposed on the housing (1), and the control component (5) is communicatively connected to the injection component (2), the pressure regulating component (3) and the air gun component (4).

2. The endoscope dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The endoscope dryer also includes a dispensing assembly (6), which includes an integrated valve body having multiple inlets, including at least a desiccant inlet (61), a first gas inlet (62), and a second gas inlet (63). The desiccant inlet (61) is connected to the infusion assembly (2), and the first gas inlet (62) and the second gas inlet (63) are both connected to the pressure regulating assembly (3). The integrated valve body has multiple outlets (64) and multiple connection ports (11), with one outlet (64) corresponding to one connection port (11).

3. The endoscope dryer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pressure regulating component (3) includes a first inflation line (31), on which a first pressure regulating valve (311) is provided. The first pressure regulating valve (311) is communicatively connected to the control component (5). One end of the first inflation line (31) is connected to an external gas source (8), and the other end of the first inflation line (31) is connected to the first gas inlet (62); and / or, The pressure regulating component (3) includes a second inflation pipeline (32), a second pressure regulating valve (321) is provided on the second inflation pipeline (32), the second pressure regulating valve (321) is communicatively connected to the control component (5), one end of the second inflation pipeline (32) is connected to an external gas source (8), and the other end of the second inflation pipeline (32) is connected to the second gas inlet (63).

4. The endoscope dryer according to claim 3, characterized in that, A pressure sensor (323) is also provided on the second inflation line (32). The pressure sensor (323) is used to obtain the real-time air pressure value in the second inflation line (32). The pressure sensor (323) is communicatively connected to the control component (5); and / or, A pressure gauge (322) is also provided on the second inflation line (32), which is used to display the real-time air pressure value in the second inflation line (32).

5. The endoscope dryer according to claim 3, characterized in that, A first solenoid valve (312) is also provided on the first inflation line (31), and the first solenoid valve (312) is located downstream of the first pressure regulating valve (311).

6. The endoscope dryer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The distribution component (6) also includes a check valve, and multiple check valves are provided. The outlet (64) is connected to the connection port (11) through an output pipeline, and one check valve is correspondingly provided on one of the output pipelines.

7. The endoscope dryer according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that, The endoscope dryer also includes multiple connecting components (7), one of the connecting components (7) is connected to one of the connecting ports (11), each of the connecting components (7) includes a connecting tube (71), the connecting tube (71) has multiple branch tubes (712), one of the branch tubes (712) is used to connect to one interface of the endoscope.

8. The endoscope dryer according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that, The filling assembly (2) includes a filling tube (22), a filling bottle (21), and a peristaltic pump (23). The filling tube (22) is used to connect the filling bottle (21) and the desiccant inlet (61). The peristaltic pump (23) is disposed on the filling tube (22).

9. The endoscope dryer according to claim 8, characterized in that, The filling assembly (2) also includes a liquid level sensor, which is disposed inside the filling bottle (21). The liquid level sensor is used to detect the liquid level inside the filling bottle (21) and is communicatively connected to the control assembly (5).

10. The endoscope dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air gun assembly (4) includes an air gun head (41) and a hose (42). One end of the hose (42) is connected to an external air source (8), and the other end of the hose (42) is connected to the air gun head (41). A hook (12) is also provided on the outer shell (1), and the air gun head (41) can be hung on the hook (12).