Drying device for soft endoscope cleaning

Abstract

The utility model relates to a drying device for cleaning a soft endoscope, and belongs to the field of medical instruments. The device can be quickly switched into different working states, and can be matched with a replaceable joint of a drying gun to realize all-directional drying inside and outside the soft endoscope. The temperature control response is timely, and the damage to the instrument caused by overheating can be effectively prevented. The pressure control adopts a two-stage pressure control and overflow control mode, so that the damage of overpressure to the interior of the endoscope is fully prevented. And in the gas transmission process, a buffering mode is adopted, so that gas transmission is uniform and stable, and the system reliability is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical devices, specifically to a drying device for cleaning flexible endoscopes. Background Technology

[0002] Because flexible endoscopes need to be inserted directly into the patient's body, they usually need to be cleaned, disinfected, sterilized, rinsed, and dried as heavily contaminated devices to avoid the risk of cross-infection. Among these steps, drying is one of the important steps in the reprocessing of flexible endoscopes.

[0003] Currently, the cleaning of flexible endoscopes in hospitals is performed on a cleaning table, with the drying process largely done manually based on experience. The results are therefore limited by the operator's skill. Pressure, drying temperature, and other factors are uncontrollable, posing a risk of damaging the instruments.

[0004] While some technologies exist, such as CN221464273U which discloses a multi-functional air gun for endoscope drying, employing pressure control and automatic control, these technologies require significant improvements to existing drying guns. For example, a single-nozzle drying gun needs to be connected to a flexible hose via a T-junction, and an electric control valve needs to be added inside the drying gun. This results in higher costs and lower reliability. Furthermore, its pressure control cannot handle the risk of sudden pressure changes, still posing a risk of endoscope damage.

[0005] In addition, the heating wire is usually placed directly inside the drying gun, close to the nozzle, making it difficult to cope with sudden temperature changes.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a drying device for cleaning flexible endoscopes to solve at least one of the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0007] This utility model is proposed to alleviate or solve at least one aspect or point of the above-mentioned problems.

[0008] This utility model provides a drying device for cleaning flexible endoscopes, comprising: an air source, a first solenoid valve, a first three-way pipe, a heater, a second solenoid valve, a second three-way pipe, a first buffer tank, a first pressure regulating valve, a two-position three-way electric valve reversing valve, a second pressure regulating valve, a second buffer tank, and a third three-way pipe;

[0009] The gas source is connected to the interface A of the first three-way pipe through the first pipeline, and the first pipeline is equipped with a first solenoid valve; the interface B of the first three-way pipe is connected to the interface B of the second three-way pipe through the second pipeline, and the second pipeline is equipped with a second solenoid valve; the interface C of the first three-way pipe is connected to the interface A of the second three-way pipe through the third pipeline, and the third pipeline is also equipped with a heater.

[0010] The second three-way pipe's interface C is connected to the first buffer tank via the fourth pipe. The first buffer tank is connected to the inlet of the two-position three-way solenoid valve's directional valve via the fifth pipe, and the fifth pipe is equipped with a first pressure regulating valve. The first outlet of the two-position three-way solenoid valve's directional valve is connected to the interface B of the third three-way pipe via the sixth pipe. The second outlet of the two-position three-way solenoid valve's directional valve is connected to the second buffer tank via the seventh pipe, and the seventh pipe is equipped with a second pressure regulating valve. The second buffer tank is connected to the interface A of the third three-way pipe via the eighth pipe, and the third three-way pipe is connected to the drying gun via the ninth pipe.

[0011] Preferably, it also includes a control unit, which is connected to the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve, the first pressure regulating valve, the second pressure regulating valve, and the two-position three-way solenoid valve for directional control.

[0012] Preferably, a first check valve is provided on the sixth pipeline and a second check valve is provided on the eighth pipeline.

[0013] Preferably, a temperature sensor is provided on the fourth pipeline or on the first buffer cylinder.

[0014] Preferably, a pressure sensor is installed on the ninth pipeline.

[0015] Preferably, the control unit is connected to the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor respectively.

[0016] Preferably, the second buffer tank is also equipped with an overflow valve.

[0017] Preferably, the drying gun includes a gun body, a housing nozzle detachably connected to the gun body, and a hose nozzle.

[0018] Preferably, the gun body has an interface; the hose nozzle includes an adapter, one end of which is detachably connected to the interface, and the hose can be sleeved on the other end of the adapter.

[0019] Preferably, the other end of the adapter has an annular groove, and when the hose is fitted onto the adapter, the elastic locking ring can securely fix the hose onto the adapter.

[0020] This invention relates to a drying device that can quickly switch between different working states. With the interchangeable connectors of the drying gun, it enables comprehensive drying of the inside and outside of flexible endoscopes. Its temperature control is responsive and effectively prevents overheating and damage to the instruments. Pressure control employs a two-stage pressure control and overflow control method to fully prevent overpressure damage to the endoscope's interior. During gas delivery, a buffering mechanism ensures uniform and stable gas delivery, resulting in high system reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the piping of a drying apparatus for cleaning flexible endoscopes, which is an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the control circuit of a drying device for cleaning flexible endoscopes, which is an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a drying gun, which is an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a vertical cross-sectional view of a drying gun, which is an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged schematic diagram at point I.

[0026] Figure 6 for Figure 4 Enlarged schematic diagram at point II.

[0027] Among them: 11-Gas source, 121-First solenoid valve, 122-Second solenoid valve, 131-First three-way pipe, 132-Second three-way pipe, 133-Third three-way pipe, 14-Heater, 151-First buffer tank, 152-Second buffer tank, 161-First pressure regulating valve, 162-Second pressure regulating valve, 17-Two-position three-way solenoid valve, 181-First check valve, 182-Second check valve, 191-Temperature sensor, 192-Pressure sensor, 193-Relief valve;

[0028] 21-First pipeline, 22-Second pipeline, 23-Third pipeline, 24-Fourth pipeline, 25-Fifth pipeline, 26-Sixth pipeline, 27-Seventh pipeline, 28-Eighth pipeline, 28-Ninth pipeline;

[0029] 30-Drying gun, 31-Gun body, 32-Shell nozzle, 33-Hose nozzle, 34-Adapter, 35-Annular groove, 36-Locking ring, 37-Hose. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following description of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the overall inventive concept of the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation thereof. In this invention, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar components.

[0031] The features described herein may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein are provided only to illustrate some of the many feasible ways of implementing the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein, which will become clear upon understanding the disclosure of this utility model.

[0032] Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used herein to describe various components, assemblies, regions, layers, or parts, these components, assemblies, regions, layers, or parts should not be limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are used only to distinguish one component, assembly, region, layer, or part from another.

[0033] In the specification, when an element (such as a layer, region, or substrate) is described as being "on" another element, "connected to," or "bonded to" another element, the element may be directly "on" another element, directly "connected to," or "bonded to" the other element, or one or more other elements may be present in between. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly on" another element, "directly connected to," or "directly bonded to" another element, no other elements may be present in between.

[0034] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various examples only and is not intended to limit disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” indicate the presence of the described features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof.

[0035] To enable those skilled in the art to use the content of this utility model, the following exemplary embodiments may be provided in conjunction with specific application scenarios, specific systems, device and component parameters, and specific connection methods. However, these embodiments are merely examples for those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments and application scenarios without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model.

[0036] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention: as follows Figure 1-6 As shown, a drying device for cleaning flexible endoscopes includes: a gas source 11, a first solenoid valve 121, a first three-way pipe 131, a heater 14, a second solenoid valve 122, a second three-way pipe 132, a first buffer tank 151, a first pressure regulating valve 161, a two-position three-way solenoid valve 17, a second pressure regulating valve 162, a second buffer tank 152, and a third three-way pipe 133. The gas source 11 can be a gas storage tank supplied with gas by a gas pump, or it can be a gas pump directly.

[0037] like Figure 1As shown, the gas source 11 is connected to the interface A of the first three-way pipe 131 through the first pipe 21, and the first pipe 21 is equipped with a first solenoid valve 121; the interface B of the first three-way pipe 131 is connected to the interface B of the second three-way pipe 132 through the second pipe 22, and the second pipe 22 is equipped with a second solenoid valve 122; the interface C of the first three-way pipe 131 is connected to the interface A of the second three-way pipe 132 through the third pipe 23, and the third pipe 23 is also equipped with a heater 14.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the interface C of the second three-way pipe 132 is connected to the first buffer tank 151 through the fourth pipe 24. The first buffer tank 151 is connected to the inlet of the two-position three-way solenoid valve 17 through the fifth pipe 25. The first outlet of the two-position three-way solenoid valve 17 is connected to the interface B of the third three-way pipe 133 through the sixth pipe 26. The second outlet of the two-position three-way solenoid valve 17 is connected to the second buffer tank 152 through the seventh pipe 27. The seventh pipe 27 is equipped with a second pressure regulating valve 162. The second buffer tank 152 is connected to the interface A of the third three-way pipe 133 through the eighth pipe 28. The interface C of the third three-way pipe 133 is connected to the drying gun through the ninth pipe 29.

[0039] like Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the circuit control system of this invention, including a control unit. The control unit is connected to a first solenoid valve 121, a second solenoid valve 122, a first pressure regulating valve 161, a second pressure regulating valve 162, and a two-position three-way directional valve 17. The control unit is also connected to a heater 14, a temperature sensor 191, and a pressure sensor 192.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown in Figure 2, a temperature sensor 191 is installed on the fourth pipe 24 or the first buffer cylinder. When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 191 is too high, the control unit can control it in two ways. Method 1: The control unit controls the heater to disconnect or adjust the power of the heater. Another, more preferred method is that the control unit controls the opening and closing of the second solenoid valve 122, thereby quickly allowing a portion of the gas to bypass the heater 14 and pass through the second pipe 22 to mix with the gas heated by the heater 14 in the second three-way pipe 132, thus achieving a rapid response to temperature changes.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown in Figure 2, a first check valve 181 is provided on the sixth pipeline 26, and a second check valve 182 is provided on the eighth pipeline 28. The check valves effectively prevent gas backflow.

[0042] like Figure 1As shown in Figure 2, the control unit controls the switching of different working states of the two-position three-way solenoid valve 17, thereby facilitating the switching of different working states.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown in Figure 2, a pressure sensor 192 is installed on the ninth pipeline 29. When the pressure sensor 192 detects that the pressure is too high or too low, the control unit controls the first pressure regulating valve 161 and the second pressure regulating valve 162 to reduce or increase the pressure. Both the first pressure regulating valve 161 and the second pressure regulating valve 162 are electromagnetic pressure regulating valves. An overflow valve 193 is also installed on the second buffer tank 152. The overflow valve 193 can prevent sudden increases in air pressure from damaging the equipment.

[0044] like Figure 3-6 As shown, the drying gun 30 includes a replaceable hose nozzle 33 and a housing nozzle 32. The drying gun 30 includes a gun body 31 with an interface formed thereon. The hose nozzle 37 includes an adapter 34, one end of which is detachably connected to the interface, and the hose 37 can be fitted onto the other end of the adapter. The other end of the adapter has an annular groove 35. When the hose 37 is fitted onto the adapter, an elastic locking ring 36 securely fixes the hose 37 to the adapter. The elastic locking ring 36 can be made of rubber, thus providing it with greater deformation capacity.

[0045] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-6 Here is a brief description of the working process of this utility model: When the outer surface of the flexible endoscope needs to be dried, the control unit controls the inlet and first outlet of the two-position three-way solenoid valve 17 to connect. At this time, the fifth pipeline 25 is connected to the sixth pipeline 26 through the two-position three-way solenoid valve 17. Initially, the first solenoid valve 121 is open and the second solenoid valve 122 is closed. The temperature sensor 191 detects the temperature in real time. When the temperature is too high, the second solenoid valve 122 opens; when the temperature is too low, the second solenoid valve closes. During this period, the temperature sensor 191 detects the temperature in real time and adjusts the temperature by controlling the opening and closing of the second solenoid valve 122, thereby maintaining the temperature within a certain range.

[0046] Pressure sensor 192 detects the outlet pressure in real time and adjusts the pressure by controlling the first pressure regulating valve 161. For example, the first pressure regulating valve 161 adjusts the air pressure to 0.4-0.6 MPa.

[0047] like Figure 1-6As shown, when the inner surface of the flexible endoscope needs to be dried, the control unit connects the inlet and second outlet of the two-position three-way solenoid valve 17. At this time, the fifth pipeline 25 is connected to the seventh pipeline 27 through the two-position three-way solenoid valve 17. Initially, the first solenoid valve 121 is open and the second solenoid valve 122 is closed. The temperature sensor 191 detects the temperature in real time. When the temperature is too high, the second solenoid valve 122 opens; when the temperature is too low, the second solenoid valve closes. During this period, the temperature sensor 191 detects the temperature in real time and adjusts the temperature by controlling the opening and closing of the second solenoid valve 122. An alternative method is to adjust the temperature by adjusting the power of the heater 14, but this method is slower and will not be described further.

[0048] like Figure 1-6 As shown, pressure sensor 192 detects the outlet pressure in real time and regulates the pressure by controlling the first pressure regulating valve 161 and the second pressure regulating valve 162. For example, the first pressure regulating valve 161 adjusts the air pressure to 0.4-0.6 MPa, and the second pressure regulating valve 162 adjusts the gas pressure to 0.2-0.3 MPa. The first pressure regulating valve 161 and the second pressure regulating valve 162 can be electromagnetic pressure regulating valves.

[0049] like Figure 1-6 As shown, an optional approach is to include a time module in the control unit. The time module can be used to set the drying device to start intermittently, thereby achieving the requirements of pulse drying.

[0050] This invention relates to a drying device that can quickly switch between different working states. With the interchangeable connectors of the drying gun, it enables comprehensive drying of the inside and outside of flexible endoscopes. Its temperature control is responsive and effectively prevents overheating and damage to the instruments. Pressure control employs a two-stage pressure control and overflow control method to fully prevent overpressure damage to the endoscope's interior. During gas delivery, a buffering mechanism ensures uniform and stable gas delivery, resulting in high system reliability.

[0051] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations and combinations of elements may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A drying device for cleaning flexible endoscopes, characterized in that: include: Gas source, first solenoid valve, first three-way pipe, heater, second solenoid valve, second three-way pipe, first buffer tank, first pressure regulating valve, two-position three-way electric valve reversing valve, second pressure regulating valve, second buffer tank, third three-way pipe; The gas source is connected to the interface A of the first three-way pipe through the first pipeline, and the first pipeline is equipped with a first solenoid valve; the interface B of the first three-way pipe is connected to the interface B of the second three-way pipe through the second pipeline, and the second pipeline is equipped with a second solenoid valve; the interface C of the first three-way pipe is connected to the interface A of the second three-way pipe through the third pipeline, and the third pipeline is also equipped with a heater. The second three-way pipe's interface C is connected to the first buffer tank via the fourth pipe. The first buffer tank is connected to the inlet of the two-position three-way solenoid valve's directional valve via the fifth pipe, and the fifth pipe is equipped with a first pressure regulating valve. The first outlet of the two-position three-way solenoid valve's directional valve is connected to the interface B of the third three-way pipe via the sixth pipe. The second outlet of the two-position three-way solenoid valve's directional valve is connected to the second buffer tank via the seventh pipe, and the seventh pipe is equipped with a second pressure regulating valve. The second buffer tank is connected to the interface A of the third three-way pipe via the eighth pipe, and the third three-way pipe is connected to the drying gun via the ninth pipe.

2. The drying apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a control unit, which is connected to the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve, the first pressure regulating valve, the second pressure regulating valve, and the two-position three-way solenoid valve directional valve.

3. The drying apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sixth pipeline is equipped with a first check valve, and the eighth pipeline is equipped with a second check valve.

4. The drying apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that: A temperature sensor is installed on the fourth pipeline or on the first buffer cylinder.

5. The drying apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that: A pressure sensor is installed on the ninth pipeline.

6. The drying apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that: The control unit is connected to the pressure sensor and temperature sensor respectively.

7. The drying apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second buffer tank is also equipped with an overflow valve.

8. The drying apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: The drying gun includes a gun body, a housing nozzle detachably connected to the gun body, and a hose nozzle.

9. The drying apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that: An interface is formed on the gun body; the hose nozzle includes an adapter, one end of which is detachably connected to the interface, and the hose can be fitted onto the other end of the adapter.

10. The drying apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that: The other end of the adapter has an annular groove. When the hose is fitted onto the adapter, the elastic locking ring can securely fix the hose onto the adapter.

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