Gel dispenser configured to accommodate ultrasound gel container and ultrasound gel automatic feeding apparatus provided with gel dispenser

Abstract

An ultrasound gel automatic feeding apparatus according to the present invention comprises: an air compressor; a pipe connected to an air outlet of the air compressor; a gel dispenser configured to accommodate an ultrasound gel container connected to one end of the pipe; a control unit for controlling the air compressor; a power supply unit for supplying power to the control unit and the air compressor; a speed input means which is connected to the control unit to input a driving speed of the air compressor; and an operating switch, which is connected to the control unit, for controlling the operation of the air compressor. The ultrasound gel automatic feeding apparatus provided with the gel dispenser according to the present invention can adjust the amount of high-pressure air supplied to the dispenser and thereby easily adjust the amount of gel discharged from the dispenser. Also, the ultrasound gel automatic feeding apparatus provided with the gel dispenser according to the present invention has a structure in which the gel is discharged by compressing the gel container with air, and thus prevents the ultrasonic gel being discharged from backflowing when the discharge stops. In addition, the ultrasonic gel automatic feeding apparatus is provided with a solenoid valve and prevents the ultrasound gel being discharged from the dispenser from continuing to be discharged when the discharge stops, thereby ensuring that the precise amount of ultrasound gel required is discharged.

Description

A gel dispenser configured to accommodate an ultrasound gel container and an automatic ultrasound gel supply device having the gel dispenser

[0001] The present invention relates to a gel dispenser configured to accommodate an ultrasound gel container and an automatic ultrasound gel supply device equipped with the gel dispenser. More specifically, the present invention relates to a gel dispenser and an automatic gel dispensing device for conveniently applying ultrasound gel to the surface of an ultrasound imaging target when using a device for acquiring ultrasound images.

[0002] When acquiring ultrasound images using an ultrasound imaging device, a contact agent (couplant) is used between the ultrasound probe and the subject's skin to improve the quality of the acquired images.

[0003] Contact agents are crucial for ensuring the quality of ultrasound images. They transmit ultrasound waves from the probe into the body and transmit reflected ultrasound waves back to the probe. This is because ultrasound is mostly reflected at the air-skin interface, and even the presence of tiny bubbles within ultrasound gel can significantly reduce ultrasound transmission. The contact agent used in ultrasound image acquisition is commonly referred to as ultrasound gel.

[0004] Typically, ultrasound gel is contained in a flexible container, such as a tube, and when the user squeezes the container, the gel contained inside is discharged through an outlet. Typically, when performing an ultrasound examination using an ultrasound imaging device, as shown in Fig. 1, the examiner holds the container in his / her hand and applies the gel to the probe or applies the gel to the skin surface of the subject. After applying the gel, the examiner places the ultrasound probe in close contact with the skin to perform the ultrasound examination. Conventional gel application methods, in which the user squeezes the ultrasound gel container to discharge the gel contained inside, are cumbersome to use, and it is difficult to apply the exact amount of gel required for the ultrasound examination, resulting in poor usability.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, inventions for devices for automatically supplying ultrasonic gel have been disclosed.

[0006] U.S. Patent Publication No. US2012 / 0085784 A1 discloses a device for dispensing a gel. The dispensing device disclosed in the patent, as illustrated in FIG. 2, comprises a container (12) for containing ultrasound gel, a first pipe (24) having one end connected to the outlet of the container and the other end connected to the inlet of a pump (18), and a second pipe (30) having one end connected to the outlet of the pump (18) and the other end coupled to a probe (T). In addition, a heater for heating the ultrasound gel contained in the container (12) is also disclosed.

[0007] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-320497 discloses an ultrasonic diagnostic device configured to supply ultrasound gel via a probe. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the ultrasonic diagnostic device disclosed in the patent comprises an output port (10) formed on the front of an ultrasonic probe section (7) for supplying ultrasound gel, and a gel accumulator (5) for supplying ultrasound gel to a main body (1) is mounted. High-pressure ultrasound gel is supplied to the gel accumulator (5) via a syringe. The gel accumulator (5) and the ultrasonic probe section (7) are connected via a tube (9).

[0008] International Patent Publication No. WO2013 / 041992 A1 discloses an automatic ultrasound gel dispenser. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the ultrasound gel dispenser disclosed in the patent has a reservoir (9) that accommodates ultrasound gel fixed to a probe (10), and ultrasound gel (3) is supplied between the skin surface (2) and the ultrasound probe (10) through an opening (11) through a passage (9a, 13a). The ultrasound gel (3) is supplied by an ultrasound gel supply unit (13) installed in the passage (9a, 13a). The ultrasound gel supply unit (13) may be a pump, a valve, or any other suitable means capable of flowing the ultrasound gel. In addition, a control unit (15) receives a signal from a sensor (40) or an ultrasound sensor (34) and controls the ultrasound gel supply unit (13) to dispense a required amount of ultrasound gel (3).

[0009] Meanwhile, when manually applying ultrasound gel to the skin surface to capture ultrasound images on curved surfaces of the body, it is difficult to fill the curved areas with the gel, and air bubbles are likely to form within the gel. In particular, when using equipment for breast ultrasound examination, such as that illustrated in Figure 5, it is difficult to apply ultrasound gel to all areas of the breast subject to ultrasound imaging.

[0010] Referring to FIG. 5, an ultrasound breast scanner (100) includes a scanning unit (50) for mounting a patient's breast, and a compression press (40) installed on the upper portion of the scanning unit (50) so as to be able to move up and down. Inside the scanning unit (50), a probe for acquiring an ultrasound image is installed so as to be able to move back and forth (in a direction perpendicular to the page on which the figure is drawn). The scanning unit (50) is fixed to a rotating frame (30), and the compression press (40) is installed so as to be able to move up and down with respect to the rotating frame (30). The rotating frame (30) is fixed to a rotating shaft (20), and the rotating shaft (20) is rotatably installed on the frame (10).

[0011] The patient's breast (B) is placed on the upper surface of the scanning unit (50). Accordingly, ultrasound gel is applied between the upper surface of the scanning unit (50) and the patient's breast, but the front of the breast (B) is convex and is separated from the scanning unit (50). In order to obtain an ultrasound image of the front part of the breast (B), the space between the scanning unit (50) and the front of the breast (B) must be filled with ultrasound gel (60), as illustrated in FIG. 2. If the user manually fills the space between the scanning unit (50) and the front of the breast (B) with ultrasound gel (60), it is difficult to completely fill it, and there is a possibility that air bubbles are included inside the ultrasound gel (60), making it difficult to secure the quality of the ultrasound image.

[0012] <Prior Art Literature>

[0013] U.S. Patent Publication No. US2012 / 0085784 A1, APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING GEL FOR USE WITH A MEDICAL DEVICE

[0014] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-320497, Ultrasonic Diagnostic Device

[0015] International Publication Patent WO 2013 / 041992 A1, ULTRASOUND SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME WITH AN AUTOMATED ULTRASOUND GEL DISPENSER

[0016] The inventions disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. US2012 / 0085784 A1 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-320497 involve a structure in which ultrasound gel stored in a container is pressurized by a pump and transported to an ultrasound probe through a long pipe connected to the pump. Because ultrasound gel has a very high viscosity, it is difficult to pass through long pipes. Even when transporting ultrasound gel through a long pipe using a large-capacity pump, there is a possibility of bubbles forming in the ultrasound gel during transport.

[0017] In addition, the invention disclosed in International Patent Publication No. WO2013 / 041992 A1 has the problem that the examiner must use the ultrasound probe with the ultrasound gel attached, which is heavy and inconvenient to use, and if used for a long time, fatigue accumulates, making it difficult to continue performing the ultrasound examination. In addition, there is the problem that its use is limited when a large amount of ultrasound gel is supplied to photograph curved parts of the body, such as breast ultrasound examination equipment.

[0018] The present invention aims to provide a novel ultrasound gel dispenser capable of resolving the above-described problems. In particular, the present invention aims to provide a novel ultrasound gel dispenser capable of dispensing ultrasound gel without generating bubbles by accommodating an ultrasound gel container filled with bubble-free ultrasound gel.

[0019] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a novel automatic ultrasound gel supply device capable of controlling the amount of ultrasound gel discharged per hour using the gel dispenser and preventing backflow of the discharged ultrasound gel. Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide an automatic ultrasound gel supply device capable of dispensing ultrasound gel without creating air bubbles in the space between the surface of the human body and the ultrasound scanner when using an ultrasound imaging device.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, an ultrasonic gel automatic supply device having a gel dispenser is provided.

[0021] An automatic ultrasound gel supply device according to the present invention comprises: an air compressor; a pipe connected to an air outlet of the air compressor; a gel dispenser configured to receive an ultrasound gel container connected to one end of the pipe; a control unit for controlling the air compressor; a power unit for supplying power to the control unit and the air compressor; a speed input means connected to the control unit for inputting an operating speed of the air compressor; and an operation switch connected to the control unit for controlling the operation of the air compressor. In addition, the gel dispenser comprises a hollow housing and a hollow housing cap for being coupled to the housing. The housing has an inlet formed on one side thereof to be connected to an air source for introducing high-pressure air, and an opening formed on the other side thereof for inserting a flexible ultrasound gel container. The housing cap has a small-diameter portion configured to sealably insert an outlet of an ultrasound gel container inserted therein, and a large-diameter portion configured to sealably be coupled with the opening of the hollow housing.

[0022] In some embodiments, the automatic ultrasonic gel supply device according to the present invention may further include a fourth fastening means formed on the outer circumference of the small diameter portion of the housing cap, and a nozzle fastened to the fourth fastening means of the housing cap.

[0023] Before operating the automatic gel supply device according to the present invention, a flexible ultrasonic gel container is inserted into the housing of the gel dispenser, and the housing cap is sealed and fastened. When the user turns the operation switch ON, the control unit operates the air compressor according to the compression speed command of the air compressor input by the speed input means. When compressed air is supplied through a pipe connected to the air outlet of the air compressor, the compressed air is supplied into the interior of the housing of the gel dispenser. Since the outlet of the ultrasonic gel container is sealed and fastened to the housing cap, the compressed air cannot be discharged to the outside of the gel dispenser, but rather compresses the flexible gel container, and as the flexible gel container is compressed, the ultrasonic gel contained within the container is discharged through the outlet of the container to the other side of the housing cap. If a nozzle is installed, the ultrasonic gel that has passed through the housing cap is discharged to the outside through the nozzle. When the operation switch is turned OFF, the control unit stops the operation of the air compressor, the supply of compressed air to the gel dispenser is stopped, and the flow of gel discharged through the outlet of the gel container is stopped.

[0024] In some embodiments, the automatic ultrasonic gel supply device having a gel dispenser according to the present invention may further include a solenoid valve connected to the pipe. In addition, the control unit may be configured to operate the solenoid valve for a predetermined period of time to discharge air in the pipe into the atmosphere when the operation switch is changed from an ON state to an OFF state. The solenoid valve is preferably a normally closed type. When the operation switch is changed from an ON state to an OFF state, the control unit may simultaneously stop the operation of the air compressor and open the normally closed solenoid valve for a predetermined period of time to discharge compressed air in the pipe into the atmosphere through the solenoid valve. When the air compressor is stopped, if some of the compressed air accumulated inside the gel dispenser is discharged, the phenomenon of the gel container being compressed by the compressed air inside the gel dispenser and discharging gel for a predetermined period of time even when the air compressor is stopped in the absence of the solenoid valve can be prevented.

[0025] In some embodiments, an ultrasonic gel automatic supply device including a gel dispenser according to the present invention may further include a relief valve connected to the pipe. The relief valve is configured to operate when the pressure in the pipe exceeds a certain value by an air compressor. Accordingly, excessive air pressure supplied to the gel dispenser prevents the housing cap from being separated, components such as a solenoid connected to the pipe from being separated, or the seal of the gel dispenser from being destroyed.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, a gel dispenser is provided configured to accommodate an ultrasound gel container.

[0027] A gel dispenser according to the present invention comprises a hollow housing having an inlet formed on one side thereof to be connected to an air source for introducing high-pressure air and an opening formed on the other side thereof for inserting a flexible ultrasound gel container, a hollow housing cap having a small diameter portion configured to insert an outlet of an ultrasound gel container inserted therein, and a large diameter portion configured to be coupled with the opening of the hollow housing. In addition, the opening of the hollow housing has a first fastening means, the large diameter portion of the housing cap has a second fastening means configured to be sealingly coupled with the first fastening means of the housing, and the small diameter portion of the housing cap has a third fastening means configured to be sealingly coupled with the outlet of the ultrasound gel container inserted therein.

[0028] In some embodiments, the gel dispenser may further include a fourth fastening means formed on an outer circumferential surface of a small diameter portion of the housing cap, and a nozzle fastened to the fourth fastening means of the housing cap.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, a gel dispenser is provided configured to accommodate an ultrasonic gel container.

[0030] A gel dispenser according to the present invention comprises a hollow housing having an inlet formed on one side to be connected to an air source for introducing high-pressure air and an opening formed on the other side for inserting a flexible ultrasound gel container, a hollow housing cap having a small diameter portion configured to insert an outlet of an ultrasound gel container inserted therein, and a large diameter portion configured to be coupled with the opening of the hollow housing. In addition, the opening of the hollow housing has a first fastening means, the large diameter portion of the housing cap has a second fastening means configured to be sealingly coupled with the first fastening means of the housing, and the ultrasound gel container has a gel outlet inserted into the small diameter portion of the housing cap and is integrally coupled thereto.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present invention, a gel dispenser is provided configured to accommodate an ultrasonic gel container.

[0032] A gel dispenser according to the present invention comprises: a hollow housing having an inlet formed on one side to be connected to an air source for introducing high-pressure air and an opening formed on the other side for inserting a flexible ultrasound gel container; a hollow housing cap having a small diameter portion configured to insert an outlet of an ultrasound gel container inserted therein; and a large diameter portion configured to be coupled with the opening of the hollow housing; a first tube coupling installed in the small diameter portion of the housing cap and configured to sealably insert the outlet of the gel container; and a second tube coupling installed between the hollow housing opening and the large diameter portion of the housing cap and configured to sealably couple the housing and the housing cap.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first tube coupling may include a collet into which the outlet of the gel container is inserted, and the second tube coupling may include a collet fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the opening of the hollow housing and into which the large-diameter portion of the housing cap is inserted.

[0034] An ultrasonic gel automatic supply device having a gel dispenser according to the present invention can easily control the amount of gel discharged from the dispenser by controlling the amount of high-pressure air supplied to the dispenser.

[0035] In addition, the automatic ultrasound gel supply device having a gel dispenser according to the present invention is configured to compress a gel container with air to discharge gel, thereby preventing the discharged ultrasound gel from flowing back when the air supply is stopped. Accordingly, air is prevented from flowing into the container containing the ultrasound gel, thereby preventing bubbles from forming inside the gel contained in the container. In addition, a solenoid valve is provided to discharge high-pressure air inside the gel dispenser when the discharge is stopped, thereby preventing the phenomenon of the gel continuing to be discharged when the discharge of the ultrasound gel discharged from the dispenser is stopped. Accordingly, it is possible to discharge the exact amount of ultrasound gel required.

[0036] In addition, the automatic ultrasound gel supply device having a gel dispenser according to the present invention can easily dispense ultrasound gel without creating air bubbles in the space between the curved skin and the ultrasound scanner by adjusting the nozzle shape of the gel dispenser. In addition, by attaching the dispenser to the ultrasound probe and applying the gel while simultaneously moving the ultrasound probe, it is possible to obtain ultrasound images while scanning a curved human body surface such as the breast, shoulder, neck, etc. in real time. By installing a heating means on the gel dispenser holder, the temperature of the ultrasound gel dispensed from the gel dispenser can be maintained at a temperature suitable for use.

[0037] Figure 1 is a photograph of applying ultrasound gel to the probe of a conventional ultrasound gel container.

[0038] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a conventional ultrasonic gel supply device.

[0039] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a conventional ultrasonic gel supply device.

[0040] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a conventional ultrasonic gel supply device.

[0041] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which ultrasound gel is manually applied to the anterior part of the breast in a breast ultrasound diagnostic device.

[0042] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an ultrasonic gel automatic supply device having a gel dispenser according to the present invention.

[0043] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6.

[0044] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a gel dispenser according to the present invention.

[0045] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the housing cap of the gel dispenser illustrated in Figure 8.

[0046] Figure 10 is a diagram explaining the operation of an automatic ultrasonic gel supply device according to the present invention.

[0047] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the gel dispenser illustrated in Fig. 8.

[0048] Figure 12 is an explanatory drawing showing the gel container storage box and gel dispenser stand of the embodiment shown in Figure 6.

[0049] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a gel dispenser according to the present invention.

[0050] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a gel dispenser according to the present invention.

[0051] Fig. 15 is a detailed drawing showing the tube coupling of the embodiment shown in Fig. 14.

[0052] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a gel dispenser according to the present invention.

[0053] Fig. 17 is a detailed drawing showing the tube coupling of the embodiment shown in Fig. 16.

[0054] Fig. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the process of attaching and detaching an ultrasonic gel container to the gel dispenser of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 16.

[0055] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0056] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an ultrasonic gel automatic supply device having a gel dispenser according to the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6.

[0057] An automatic ultrasound gel supply device (100) having a gel dispenser according to the present invention of the present embodiment includes a control box (102) in which a control unit (110) and a power unit (120) are stored, a frame (108) supporting the control box (102), a gel dispenser (200), and a stand (106) for holding the gel dispenser (200). A storage box (104) for holding a flexible ultrasound gel container (300) is installed on the upper part of the control box (102). In addition, a speed input means (160) is installed on the front of the control box (102), and wires (171, 181) extending to a foot switch (170) disposed on the outside of the control box (102) and an operation switch (180) installed on the gel dispenser (200) extend to the outside of the control box (102). Additionally, a pipe (190) connected to the air outlet (131) of the air compressor (130) installed inside the control box is connected to the gel dispenser (200). It is preferable to use a pipe (190) made of a flexible synthetic resin.

[0058] Referring to Fig. 7, inside the control box (102), an air compressor (130), a pipe (190) having one end connected to an air outlet (131) of the air compressor (130), a control unit (110) for controlling the air compressor (130), and a power supply unit (120) for supplying power to the control unit (110) and the air compressor (130) are arranged. The other end of the pipe (190) is connected to a gel dispenser (200) configured to accommodate an ultrasonic gel container arranged outside the control box (102).

[0059] The speed input means (160) is arranged outside the control box (102) and is connected to the control unit to input the operating speed of the air compressor (130). The speed input means (160) may use a variable resistor, but is not limited thereto, and may also use a means for inputting a digital number. In addition, the operation switch (180) for controlling the operation of the air compressor (130) may be connected to the control unit (110) and may be arranged outside the control box (102). In the present embodiment, it is arranged in the gel dispenser (200) by extending to the wire (181), but is not limited thereto. In addition, the foot switch (170) for controlling the operation of the air compressor (130) may be connected to the wire (171) extended from the control unit (110) and may be arranged outside the control box (102).

[0060] In addition, a solenoid valve (150) and a relief valve (140) connected to the pipe (190) are installed inside the control box (102). The solenoid valve (150) is configured to be normally closed and to operate under the control of the control unit (110). The relief valve (140) opens when a pressure higher than a pressure set by a spring is applied to the pipe (190), allowing the air in the pipe to be discharged into the atmosphere. The relief valve (140) prevents excessive air pressure from being supplied to the gel dispenser (200), which may cause the housing (210) and the housing cap (220) of the gel dispenser (200) to be separated, damage to components such as the solenoid valve (150) connected to the pipe (190), or destruction of the seal of the gel dispenser (200).

[0061] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a gel dispenser according to the present invention, and Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a housing cap (220) of the gel dispenser (200) illustrated in Fig. 8. The gel dispenser (200) of this embodiment includes a hollow housing (210) for accommodating an ultrasonic gel container made of a flexible material, a hollow housing cap (220) for detachably and sealingly connecting to the housing (210), and a hollow nozzle (230) for detachably and sealingly connecting to the hollow housing cap (220).

[0062] Referring to Fig. 8, the hollow housing (210) has an inlet (211) formed on one side to allow high-pressure air to flow in and connected to the pipe (190), and an opening (212) formed on the other side to allow a flexible ultrasonic gel container (300) to be inserted. In addition, a first fastening means (215) is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the opening (212) of the hollow housing (210).

[0063] Referring to FIG. 9, the hollow housing cap (220) has a small-diameter portion (227) formed with an opening (229) on one side and configured to insert an outlet of an ultrasound gel container inserted therein, and a large-diameter portion (226) formed to be coupled with the opening of the hollow housing. In addition, a second fastening means (225) formed on the inner surface of the large-diameter portion (226) on the opening (229) side is configured to be sealingly coupled with the first fastening means (215) of the housing. In addition, the hollow housing cap (220) has a third fastening means (224) formed on the other side and configured to be sealingly coupled with the outer surface of the outlet (301) of an ultrasound gel container (300) inserted into the housing (210) on the other side.

[0064] The hollow nozzle (230) has an opening (231) formed on one side, and a fourth fastening means (232) formed on the inside of one side to sealingly fasten with the outer surface of the other side of the housing cap (220). In addition, the hollow nozzle (230) has an outlet (233) formed on the other side so that the cross-sectional area decreases along the longitudinal direction. Referring to Fig. 11, the housing cap (220) and the nozzle (230) may be formed integrally to form a housing cap (239) including the nozzle. In addition, the outlet (233) of the nozzle (230) may be formed to have an oval cross-section, as illustrated, but is not limited thereto. The shape of the nozzle may also be formed so that the width of the cross-section decreases and the length increases along the flow direction of the gel.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the second fastening means (225) to be fastened to the first fastening means (215) is configured to include longitudinal grooves (225) and circumferential grooves (225a) formed at equal intervals on the inner surface of the opening (229), and the first fastening means (215) can be configured to include protrusions (215, 215a) protruding in the longitudinal direction on the outer surface of the opening (212) of the housing (210). The protrusions (215a) are configured to be inserted into the grooves (225a) by rotation of the housing cap (220) so that the housing (210) and the housing cap (220) are fastened. In addition, the second fastening means (225) further includes a first O-ring (240), and the first O-ring (240) can be configured to be placed on one inner surface of the housing cap (220) or the other outer surface of the housing (210).

[0066] Referring to Fig. 8, the third fastening means (224) is formed with a screw thread (224), and can be configured to be screw-connected by forming a screw thread (304) on the gel discharge port of the flexible gel container (300). The third fastening means (224) further includes a second O-ring (242), and the second O-ring (242) can be configured to be placed in an O-ring groove (228) formed on the inner surface of the other side of the housing cap (220).

[0067] Referring to FIG. 8, the fourth fastening means (232) may be formed as a screw thread (232), and may also be configured to form a screw thread (222) on the other outer surface of the housing cap (220) so that the housing cap (220) and the nozzle (230) are screw-coupled. In addition, the fourth fastening means (232) may further include a third O-ring (244), and the third O-ring (244) may be configured to be arranged on one inner surface of the nozzle or the other outer surface of the housing cap.

[0068] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an automatic ultrasound gel supply device according to the present invention. Before operating the automatic gel supply device according to the present invention, an ultrasound gel container (300) made of a flexible material is inserted into the housing (210) of the gel dispenser (200). At this time, the discharge port (301) of the gel container (300) is sealedly fastened to the housing cap (220), and the housing cap (220) is sealedly fastened to the housing (210). Next, a nozzle (230) is sealedly fastened to the housing cap (220), and preparations are completed for applying the ultrasound gel stored in the gel container (300) to the skin surface of the subject.

[0069] When the ultrasonic gel container (300) is inserted into the gel dispenser (200) and sealing is completed, the user turns the operation switch (180) to the ON position to operate the air compressor (130). The control unit (110) operates the air compressor (130) according to the operating speed command of the air compressor inputted by the speed input means (160) (Fig. 10(a)).

[0070] When the air compressor (130) operates, compressed air is supplied to the pipe (190) connected to the air outlet (131) of the air compressor (130) and supplied into the interior of the housing (210) of the gel dispenser (200). Since the outlet of the ultrasonic gel container (300) is sealed with the housing cap (220), the compressed air cannot be discharged to the outside of the gel dispenser (200) and is compressed. When the flexible gel container (300) is compressed, the ultrasonic gel contained inside the gel container (300) is discharged to the other side of the housing cap (220) through the outlet (301) of the container, and the ultrasonic gel passing through the other side of the housing cap (220) is discharged to the outside through the nozzle (230). The ultrasonic gel contained in the ultrasonic gel container (300) has air bubbles removed. When ultrasound gel is directly dispensed from the gel dispenser (200) onto the subject's skin or the ultrasound probe, the ultrasound gel does not pass through a long pipe and the distance it comes into contact with air is short, making it difficult for air bubbles to form inside the gel discharged from the gel dispenser (200). Therefore, when acquiring an image from a breast ultrasound examination device, high-quality ultrasound images can be acquired because there are no air bubbles inside the gel.

[0071] When the operation switch (180) is turned OFF while the ultrasonic gel is being discharged as shown in Fig. 10(b), the control unit (110) stops the operation of the air compressor (130), the supply of compressed air to the gel dispenser (200) is stopped, and the flow of gel discharged from the discharge port of the gel container (300) is stopped (Fig. 10(b)).

[0072] In the case where the ultrasonic gel automatic supply device (100) of the present embodiment has a normally closed solenoid valve (150) connected to the pipe (190), the control unit (110) is configured to operate the solenoid valve (150) for a certain period of time when the operation switch (180) changes from the ON state to the OFF state. Therefore, when the operation switch (180) changes from the ON state to the OFF state, the control unit (110) stops the operation of the air compressor (130) and simultaneously operates the normally closed solenoid valve (150) for a certain period of time so that the compressed air in the pipe (190) is discharged to the atmosphere through the solenoid valve (150). That is, when the air compressor (130) is stopped, some of the compressed air filled inside the gel dispenser (200) flows back as shown by the arrow in FIG. 10(b) and is discharged to the atmosphere through the solenoid valve (150). In the absence of a solenoid valve (150), even if the air compressor (130) stops, the compressed air inside the gel dispenser (200) will cause the gel container (300) to be compressed and the gel will be discharged through the nozzle (230) for a certain period of time. However, the phenomenon of the compressed air inside the gel dispenser (200) being discharged by the operation of the solenoid valve (150) and the gel container (300) being compressed and the gel being discharged through the nozzle (230) for a certain period of time is prevented.

[0073] Fig. 12 is an explanatory drawing showing the gel container storage box (104) and the gel dispenser holder (106) of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6. The storage box (104) of the ultrasound gel container (300) is equipped with a surface-shaped heating element (105) for heating the ultrasound gel container (300) stored therein. In addition, the holder (106) of the gel dispenser (200) is also equipped with a surface-shaped heating element (107) for heating the ultrasound gel container (300) housed inside the gel dispenser.

[0074] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a gel dispenser according to the present invention. The gel dispenser (400) of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 13 differs from the gel dispenser (200) of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 8 in that the ultrasonic gel container (300) and the housing cap (420) are formed integrally. The gel dispenser (400) includes a hollow housing (410), a housing cap (420), and a gel container (300). The hollow housing (410) has an inlet (411) formed on one side thereof to be connected to an air source and to allow high-pressure air to flow in, and an opening (412) formed on the other side thereof to allow a flexible ultrasonic gel container to be inserted. A first fastening means (415) is formed on the outer surface of the opening (412) of the hollow housing (410). The housing cap (420) is hollow and has a small-diameter portion (427) configured to insert an outlet of an ultrasonic gel container inserted therein, and a large-diameter portion (426) configured to be coupled with an opening of the hollow housing. In addition, a second fastening means (425) configured to be sealingly coupled with the first fastening means (415) of the housing (410) is formed on an inner surface of the large-diameter portion (426) of the housing cap. In addition, a gel discharge port (301) of a gel container (300) is inserted into the small-diameter portion (427) of the housing cap (420), and the inner surface of the small-diameter portion (427) and the outer surface of the gel discharge port (301) of the gel container (300) are integrally coupled by ultrasonic welding or the like. In addition, a fourth fastening means (422) is formed on an outer surface of the small-diameter portion (427) of the housing cap (420). A nozzle (430) is coupled to the fourth fastening means (422), and the nozzle (430) has a hollow shape with a gel passage (433). In this embodiment, the fourth fastening means (422) is a screw thread and is fastened to a screw (432) formed on one inner surface of the nozzle (430).

[0075] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a gel dispenser according to the present invention, and Fig. 15 is a detailed view showing a tube coupling of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 14. The gel dispenser (500) of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 15 differs from the gel dispenser (200) illustrated in Fig. 8 in that it has a tube coupling (550) as a first fastening means formed in an opening (512) of a housing (510). In addition, a nozzle is integrally formed in a housing cap (520), and a tube coupling (560) is provided as a third fastening means in an internal small-diameter portion (527) of the housing cap (520).

[0076] The gel dispenser (500) of the present embodiment has a hollow housing (510) and a hollow housing cap (520). The housing (510) has an inlet (511) formed on one side to be connected to an air source and to allow high-pressure air to flow in, and an opening (512) formed on the other side to allow a flexible ultrasound gel container to be inserted. The housing cap (520) has a small-diameter portion (527) configured to allow an outlet (301) of an ultrasound gel container (300) to be inserted therein, and a large-diameter portion (526) configured to be coupled with the opening (512) of the hollow housing (510).

[0077] A first tube coupling (560) is installed in the small-diameter portion (527) of the housing cap (520). The first tube coupling (560) may be formed integrally with the small-diameter portion, or may be manufactured as a unit and inserted and fixed into the small-diameter portion as in the present embodiment. In addition, a second tube coupling (550) is installed on the inner circumference of the opening (512) of the housing (510). The gel container (300) may be provided with a protruding discharge portion (304a) formed by thickly forming the discharge port (301) with a rigid material, and may be configured to be sealed by inserting the protruding discharge portion (304a) into the first tube coupling (560). In addition, the large-diameter portion (526) of the housing cap (520) may be formed to be sealed when inserted into the second tube coupling (550).

[0078] Referring to FIG. 15, the first tube coupling (560) has a hollow case (562) and a cage (561) movably inserted into the case (562). An O-ring (563) is installed inside the case (562) to maintain a seal when the protruding discharge portion (304a) of the container (300) is inserted. In addition, a spring (564) is installed inside the case (562) to elastically support the cage (561). A metal piece (565) is installed in the cage (561) to prevent the protruding discharge portion (304a) of the container (300) from falling out. An escape space (566) is formed in the case (562) to release the restraint of the metal piece (565) that restrains the discharge portion (304a) when the cage (561) is moved upward in the drawing. The detailed technical configuration and operation of the tube coupling are disclosed in detail in Republic of Korea Utility Model Registration No. 20-0309708. Tube couplings are commonly referred to as quick couplers or one-touch couplings.

[0079] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a gel dispenser according to the present invention, and FIG. 17 is a detailed view showing a tube coupling of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16.

[0080] The gel dispenser (600) of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 16 differs from the gel dispenser (500) illustrated in Fig. 14 in that the structure of the tube coupling is different. The gel dispenser (600) of the present embodiment has a hollow housing (610) and a hollow housing cap (620). The housing (610) has an inlet (611) formed on one side to be connected to an air source and to allow high-pressure air to flow in, and an opening (612) formed on the other side to allow a flexible ultrasound gel container to be inserted. The housing cap (620) has a small-diameter portion (627) configured to allow an outlet (301) of an ultrasound gel container (300) to be inserted therein, and a large-diameter portion (626) configured to be coupled with the opening (612) of the hollow housing (610).

[0081] A first tube coupling (660) is installed in the small-diameter portion (627) of the housing cap (620). The first tube coupling (660) may be formed integrally with the small-diameter portion, or may be manufactured as a unit as in the present embodiment and inserted into and fixed to the small-diameter portion. In addition, a second tube coupling (650) is inserted into and fixedly installed on the inner circumference of the opening (612) of the housing (610). The gel container (300) may be configured to have a protruding discharge portion (304b) formed by thickly forming the discharge port (301) with a rigid material and protruding, and the protruding discharge portion (304b) may be inserted into the first tube coupling (660) to be sealed. In addition, the large-diameter portion (626) of the housing cap (620) may be formed to be sealed when inserted into the second tube coupling (550).

[0082] Referring to FIG. 17, the first tube coupling (660) has a hollow case (662) and a collet (661) movably inserted into the case (662). An O-ring (663) is installed inside the case (662) to maintain a seal when the protruding discharge portion (304b) of the container (300) is inserted. A metal piece (665) is installed in the collet (661) to restrain the protruding discharge portion (304a) of the container (300) and prevent it from falling out of the first tube coupling (660). In addition, a relief space (666) is formed in the case (662) to release the restraint of the metal piece (665) restraining the discharge portion (304a) when the collet (561) is moved upward in the drawing. The detailed technical configuration and operation of the tube coupling illustrated in this embodiment are disclosed in detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,390,969.

[0083] Fig. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the process of attaching and detaching an ultrasonic gel container to and from a gel dispenser of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 16.

[0084] As illustrated in Fig. 18(a), when the discharge portion (304b) of the gel container (300) is inserted into the first tube coupling (660), the metal piece (665) of the collet (661) moves to the escape space (666), so that the discharge portion (304b) of the gel container (300) is inserted without being restrained, and the seal is maintained by the O-ring (663). When the gel dispenser (600) is used, as illustrated in Fig. 18(b), the discharge portion (304b) of the gel container (300) is restrained by the metal piece (665) of the collet (661), so that the container maintains the seal and does not fall out. When the gel in the gel container (300) is consumed and needs to be replaced, as shown in FIGS. 18(c) and (d), by pressing the collet (661) of the first tube coupling (660), the metal piece (665) of the collet (661) moves to the escape space (666), and the restraint of the discharge portion (304b) of the container (300) by the metal piece (665) is released, so that the container (300) can be separated from the first tube coupling (660).

[0085] The embodiments of the present invention described above should be understood as illustrative and not limiting. The gel dispenser configured to accommodate the ultrasound gel container according to the present invention and the automatic ultrasound gel supply device including the gel dispenser may be modified in various ways within the scope of the invention. The present invention may be embodied in various ways within the scope set forth in the claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An air compressor, a pipe connected to an air outlet of the air compressor, a gel dispenser configured to receive an ultrasonic gel container connected to one end of the pipe, a control unit for controlling the air compressor, a power unit for supplying power to the control unit and the air compressor, a speed input means connected to the control unit for inputting an operating speed of the air compressor, and an operation switch connected to the control unit for controlling the operation of the air compressor. The above gel dispenser; A hollow housing having an inlet formed on one side to allow high-pressure air to flow in and connected to an air source, and an opening formed on the other side to allow a flexible ultrasonic gel container to be inserted; A hollow housing cap comprising a small diameter portion configured to sealably insert an outlet of an ultrasound gel container inserted therein, and a large diameter portion configured to sealably connect with an opening of the hollow housing; Ultrasonic gel automatic feeding device with gel dispenser.

2. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a solenoid valve connected to the above pipe, An ultrasonic gel automatic supply device having a gel dispenser configured to operate the solenoid valve for a certain period of time to discharge air in the pipe into the atmosphere when the above control unit changes from the ON state to the OFF state.

3. In paragraph 1, An ultrasonic gel automatic supply device having a gel dispenser further including a relief valve connected to the above pipe.

4. A hollow housing having an inlet formed on one side to allow high-pressure air to flow in and connected to an air source, and an opening formed on the other side to allow a flexible ultrasonic gel container to be inserted; A hollow housing cap having a small diameter portion configured to insert an outlet of an ultrasound gel container inserted therein, and a large diameter portion configured to be coupled with an opening of the hollow housing, The opening of the above hollow housing is provided with a first fastening means, The large diameter portion of the housing cap has a second fastening means configured to be sealedly fastened with the first fastening means of the housing, The small diameter portion of the above housing cap is provided with a third fastening means configured to be sealedly fastened to the outlet of the inserted ultrasound gel container. A gel dispenser configured to accommodate an ultrasonic gel container.

5. In paragraph 4, A fourth fastening means is formed on the outer surface of the small diameter portion of the above housing cap, A gel dispenser configured to accommodate an ultrasonic gel container further comprising a nozzle fastened to a fourth fastening means of the housing cap.

6. A hollow housing having an inlet formed on one side to allow high-pressure air to flow in and connected to an air source, and an opening formed on the other side to allow a flexible ultrasonic gel container to be inserted; A hollow housing cap having a small diameter portion configured to insert an outlet of an ultrasound gel container inserted therein, and a large diameter portion configured to be coupled with an opening of the hollow housing, The opening of the above hollow housing is provided with a first fastening means, The large diameter portion of the housing cap has a second fastening means configured to be sealedly fastened with the first fastening means of the housing, A gel dispenser configured to accommodate an ultrasonic gel container, the gel dispenser including an ultrasonic gel container integrally joined with a gel discharge port inserted into a small diameter portion of the housing cap.

7. In paragraph 6, A fourth fastening means is formed on the outer surface of the small diameter portion of the above housing cap, A gel dispenser configured to accommodate an ultrasonic gel container further comprising a nozzle fastened to a fourth fastening means of the housing cap.

8. A hollow housing having an inlet formed on one side to allow high-pressure air to flow in and connected to an air source, and an opening formed on the other side to allow a flexible ultrasonic gel container to be inserted; A hollow housing cap having a small diameter portion configured to insert an outlet of an ultrasound gel container inserted therein, and a large diameter portion configured to be coupled with an opening of the hollow housing; A first tube coupling installed in the small diameter portion of the above housing cap and configured to seal and insert the discharge port of the gel container; Including a second tube coupling installed between the hollow housing opening and the large diameter portion of the housing cap and configured to sealingly connect the housing and the housing cap. A gel dispenser configured to accommodate an ultrasonic gel container.

9. In paragraph 8, The above first tube coupling includes a collet into which the outlet of the gel container is inserted, A gel dispenser configured to receive an ultrasonic gel container, wherein the second tube coupling is fixed to the inner surface of the opening of the hollow housing and includes a collet into which a large diameter portion of the housing cap is inserted.

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