Probe cover bracket and automatic probe cover supply device

Abstract

A probe cover bracket according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention comprises a probe cover provided to protect a probe, and comprising a cover tube and an elastic member rolled thereon; and a probe cover case accommodating the probe cover, wherein, when the probe is inserted into the probe cover case, the probe cover is unrolled to cover the probe, and the probe cover is prevented from escaping out of the probe cover case while the probe cover is completely unrolled.

Description

Probe cover bracket and probe cover automatic feeding device

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic probe cover supply device and a probe cover bracket, and more particularly, to an automatic probe cover supply device that can automatically supply a probe cover for easy application to a medical probe used for ultrasound examination in obstetrics and gynecology, etc., and a probe cover bracket that can hygienically apply a probe cover.

[0002] Ultrasound examinations are generally used to diagnose diseases in internal organs using harmless ultrasound waves. Because they are relatively inexpensive, simple, and safe (non-invasive), they are used in a variety of medical fields. In particular, the number of examinations is rapidly increasing in Korea due to the introduction of health insurance coverage.

[0003] Since these ultrasound probes come into contact with the bodies of an unspecified number of patients for examination, if they are not disinfected regularly after the examination, various pathogens may exist. In addition, if the examinee holds the probe with his or her hands and does not properly manage hand infection, it can become a breeding ground for pathogens.

[0004] In particular, in the case of vaginal ultrasound probes used in obstetrics and gynecology, they are inserted into the patient's vaginal cavity and come into direct contact with the vaginal mucosa and cervix, and if the probe is contaminated, it can cause various sexually transmitted infections as well as human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a cause of cervical cancer. Therefore, vaginal probes are considered semi-risky medical devices and require a high level of disinfection before examination.

[0005] In the case of obstetrics and gynecology, the probe is first disinfected before an ultrasound probe examination, and a disposable condom (probe cover) is placed on the disinfected probe. This process must be repeated for each patient before the examination.

[0006] However, even if the probe is initially sterilized, contamination of the probe or probe cover frequently occurs during the process of placing the probe cover on the probe. For example, a sterilized probe cover is placed on a sterilized probe and then inserted into the patient's vagina. The problem is that when the examiner wears sterilized gloves and manually places the probe cover on the probe, the sterilized gloves inevitably become contaminated during the process of removing the packaging (non-sterile). Therefore, there is a problem with the condom inside the packaging becoming contaminated, and this contamination in the final stage renders the previous sterilization process meaningless.

[0007] In addition, in a general ultrasound examination, the examiner must directly insert the probe into the probe cover and use it. However, if the probe cover is provided only in a general packaging, there is a possibility that the probe cover may tear because the probe cannot be inserted into the center of the probe cover.

[0008] In addition, the examiner must push the probe while holding the probe cover with his / her hand to put on the probe cover. At this time, the probe cover is coated with a disinfectant, etc. and has a slippery nature, so there is also the disadvantage of the examiner dropping the probe cover, which makes it inconvenient to use.

[0009] One of the various tasks of the present invention is to provide an automatic probe cover supply device for automatically removing a sterilizing film and providing a probe cover.

[0010] One of the various tasks of the present invention is to provide an automatic probe cover supply device for providing a probe cover integrally with a probe cover bracket.

[0011] One of the various tasks of the present invention is to provide an automatic probe cover supply device for providing a probe cover that can guide a probe to be correctly inserted.

[0012] One of the various tasks of the present invention is to provide a probe cover bracket that can be hygienically managed by preventing external infection of the probe cover with a sterilizing film.

[0013] One of the various tasks of the present invention is to provide a probe cover bracket capable of covering a probe by uniformly spreading the probe cover through a slit structure.

[0014] One of the various tasks of the present invention is to provide a probe cover bracket that can prevent damage to the probe cover when cutting a sterilization film portion with a guide cutting line.

[0015] An automatic probe cover supply device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include a housing, a cartridge in which a probe cover bracket having a built-in probe cover is stacked, a loading module for extracting the probe cover bracket from the cartridge, a fixing module for fixing the extracted probe cover bracket, a cutting module for cutting a sterilizing film wrapping the probe cover bracket, a transport module for exporting the probe cover bracket with the sterilizing film cut out of the housing, and a control module for controlling the loading module, the cutting module, and the transport module. After the probe cover bracket is extracted by the loading module and its position is fixed by the fixing module, the cutting module may be controlled to supply the sterilizing film wrapping the probe cover bracket in an at least partially cut state.

[0016] The above cutting module may include a cutting blade for cutting a sterilizing film, and the cutting blade may be controlled to circumferentially cut a central portion of the sterilizing film by a uniaxial rotational motion.

[0017] The above cutting blade can be controlled to cut only a portion of the circumference of a circular shape corresponding to the center portion of the above sterilizing film.

[0018] The above sterilizing film may be composed of a first sterilizing film covering the upper surface of the probe cover bracket and a second sterilizing film covering the lower surface of the probe cover bracket, and the cutting module may be controlled to partially cut the first and second sterilizing films respectively while the probe cover bracket is fixed by the fixing module.

[0019] The cutting module may include a first cutting blade for cutting the first sterilizing film and a second cutting blade for cutting the second sterilizing film, and the first and second cutting blades may be controlled to be driven simultaneously.

[0020] The first and second cutting blades can be controlled to be positioned to a height at which the sterilizing film is located when the probe cover bracket is fixed by the fixing module.

[0021] When the probe cover bracket is fixed by the fixing module, the first cutting blade can be controlled to descend to a height at which the first sterilizing film is positioned, and the second cutting blade can be controlled to rise to a height at which the second sterilizing film is positioned.

[0022] The above probe cover automatic supply device may further include a guide portion interposed between the loading module and the fixing module to guide movement of the extracted probe cover bracket, and a latch may be installed on an upper surface of the guide portion to prevent the probe cover bracket from being retracted.

[0023] The above-mentioned fixed module may be composed of a side wall portion formed on both sides of the guide portion and a loading bracket coupled to an end portion of the side wall portion, and the loading bracket may be provided coupled to the end portion of the side wall portion through an elastic coupling portion made of a spring elastic body.

[0024] The above transport module is coupled to the other end of the guide portion and can be controlled to horizontally move the guide portion and the fixing module together, thereby sending the probe cover bracket fixed to the fixing module out of the housing.

[0025] A probe cover bracket according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention is provided to protect a probe, and includes a probe cover composed of a cover tube and an elastic member wound therearound, and a probe cover case that accommodates the probe cover, wherein the probe cover case covers the probe by releasing the probe cover when the probe is inserted into the inside, and can prevent the probe cover from being separated from the outside of the probe cover case in a state where the probe cover is completely released.

[0026] The above probe cover case may have a hole formed to release the probe cover, and the thickness of the hole may be formed to be smaller than the thickness of the cover tube.

[0027] The probe cover case includes a first case in which the cover tube is mounted, a second case coupled to the first case and having a built-in receiving groove for receiving the cover tube, and a slit portion formed between the first case and the second case, the slit portion being a space in which the elastic member is released from the cover tube and intervened, and the slit portion may be configured as a space spaced apart by a predetermined distance between the first case and the second case.

[0028] The above probe cover case may further include sterilizing film sections installed on the upper and lower portions of the probe cover case, respectively, to prevent external infection of the probe cover.

[0029] It further includes a probe guide portion for guiding the entry position of the probe, and the probe guide portion may be made of an elastic body. In one embodiment, the probe guide portion may be made of a silicone material.

[0030] The above probe guide part is installed on the upper surface of the second case, and a guide hole may be formed in the center to guide the entry of the ultrasonic probe.

[0031] The first case includes a first protrusion protruding vertically upward on an outer surface, the second case includes a second protrusion and a third protrusion protruding vertically downward on both sides of the receiving groove, the second protrusion being adjacent to the first protrusion, and the third protrusion being formed on an inner surface of the second case.

[0032] The inner circumference of the first case may be larger than the inner circumference of the second case.

[0033] The above first case and the above second case can be joined through a screw assembly method, a heat-sealing method, an ultrasonic fusion method, a bonding method, or a sealing method using an O-ring.

[0034] The third protrusion may protrude vertically downward further than the upper surface on which the cover tube of the first case is seated, and the slit portion may be formed by the inner circumferential surface of the first case being spaced apart from the third protrusion by a predetermined distance.

[0035] The spacing of the above slit portions may be smaller than the diameter of the cover tube.

[0036] The above sterilizing film portion may be made of a thermoplastic plastic material.

[0037] A guide cutting line for cutting the sterilizing film portion may be further included in the upper surface edge area of ​​the second case and the lower surface edge area of ​​the first case.

[0038] An automatic probe cover supply device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include a cutting module for cutting a sterilizing film wrapping a probe cover bracket, and may automatically remove the sterilizing film through the cutting module to provide the probe cover bracket.

[0039] Meanwhile, since the probe cover can be provided integrally with the probe cover bracket, there is no need for the inspector to push the probe in while holding the probe cover directly with his / her hand in order to put on the probe cover, which has a slippery property due to being coated with a disinfectant or the like, and thus the usability and convenience of the probe cover can be improved.

[0040] In addition, since the inspector only needs to hold the probe cover bracket, which has a non-slip property because the disinfectant or the like is not applied, and insert the probe, problems such as the inspector losing the probe cover can be solved.

[0041] In addition, since the probe can be guided to be inserted into a location where the sterilization film has been removed, processes such as ultrasound examination using the probe can be performed more smoothly and easily.

[0042] The probe cover bracket according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention can hygienically manage and maintain the probe cover by preventing external infection with a sterilizing film.

[0043] In addition, the probe cover bracket can prevent the probe cover and probe guide from being damaged when cutting the sterilization film portion, including the guide cutting line.

[0044] In addition, the probe cover bracket can cover the probe without the probe cover being biased toward one area by allowing the probe cover to be spread evenly through the slit structure.

[0045] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are drawings each for explaining an automatic probe cover supply device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating the operating state of a loading module according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a fixing module and a cutting module according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0048] FIGS. 5 and 6 are drawings for explaining a guide part and a fixing module according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, respectively.

[0049] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a state of a probe cover bracket having a built-in probe cover, which is drawn out using an automatic probe cover supply device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a probe cover bracket according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating a probe cover bracket according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a probe cover bracket according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a probe cover bracket according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a probe cover bracket with a probe inserted according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0055] FIGS. 13 to 16 are drawings showing an automatic probe cover supply device according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0056] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described. The following detailed description is provided to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein. However, these are merely examples and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0057] In describing embodiments of the present invention, if a detailed description of a known technology related to the present invention is judged to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the terms described below are terms defined in consideration of their functions in the present invention, and this may vary depending on the intention or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions should be made based on the contents throughout this specification. The terminology used in the detailed description is only for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present invention and should not be limited in any way. Unless clearly used otherwise, the singular form includes the plural form. In this description, expressions such as "comprises" or "having" are intended to indicate certain features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or combinations thereof, and should not be construed to exclude the presence or possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or combinations thereof other than those described.

[0058] Additionally, in describing components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the terms.

[0059]

[0060] <Automatic probe cover supply device>

[0061] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are drawings each for explaining an automatic probe cover supply device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the automatic probe cover supply device, and FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the internal configuration of the automatic probe cover supply device.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 1, an automatic probe cover supply device (10) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include a cartridge (100) in which a probe cover bracket (200) having a built-in probe cover is stacked, a loading module (120) for withdrawing the probe cover bracket (200) from the cartridge (100), a fixing module (140) for fixing the extracted probe cover bracket (200), a cutting module (150) for cutting a sterilizing film wrapping the probe cover bracket (200), a transport module (130, 131, 132, 133) for sending out the probe cover bracket (200) with the sterilizing film cut out, and a control module (not shown) for controlling the loading module (120), the cutting module (150), and the transport module (130).

[0063] The probe cover automatic supply device (10) may further include a housing (20) forming the overall appearance, and the cartridge (100), loading module (120), fixing module (140), cutting module (150), and transport module (130) may be provided built into the interior of the housing (20). An extraction portion (30) through which the probe cover bracket (200) is pulled out may be provided on a portion of the side of the housing (20). At this time, the cartridge (100), loading module (120), fixing module (140), cutting module (150), and transport module (130) may be built into the interior of the housing (20) while being seated on the bottom panel (105).

[0064] After the probe cover bracket (200) is withdrawn from the cartridge (100) by the loading module (120) and its position is fixed by the fixing module (140), the sterilizing film wrapping the probe cover bracket (200) can be controlled by the cutting module (150) to be supplied in an at least partially cut state.

[0065] Meanwhile, a cartridge bracket (110) for fixing the position of the cartridge may be installed at the bottom of the cartridge (100), and the loading module (120) may be controlled to sequentially move horizontally through the cartridge bracket (110) and the cartridge (100) to withdraw the probe cover bracket (200).

[0066] Referring to FIG. 2, a transport module (130, 131, 132) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be composed of a transport motor (130), a transport bar (131), and a push block (132).

[0067] Specifically, the transfer bar (131) may be configured to transmit power required for horizontal movement of the push block (132) by driving the transfer motor (130).

[0068] In exemplary embodiments, the transfer module (130, 131, 132, 133) is coupled to the other end of the guide portion (141, 143, 145, 147, 149) described below, and can be controlled to horizontally move the guide portion (141, 143, 145, 147, 149) and the fixing module (140) together, thereby moving the probe cover bracket (200) fixed to the fixing module (140) out of the housing (20).

[0069] Meanwhile, the transport module (130, 131, 132, 133) may further include a guide rail (133) for guiding the horizontal movement of the push block (132), and the guide rails (133) may be configured in multiple pieces and arranged to extend in a direction parallel to each other.

[0070] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the operating state of a loading module according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 3(a) is a diagram illustrating the state before the loading module is operated, and FIG. 3(b) is a diagram illustrating the state after the loading module is operated.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 3, a loading module (120) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be composed of a cover bracket loading block (121), a cover bracket push bar (122), and a loading block driving unit (123).

[0072] The cover bracket loading block (121) can be controlled to move horizontally through power provided from the loading block driving unit (123), and the cover bracket push bar (122) can be controlled to move horizontally together with the cover bracket loading block (121) by having one end fixedly connected to the cover bracket loading block (121).

[0073] In exemplary embodiments, the cover bracket push bar (122) may be controlled to horizontally move sequentially through the cartridge bracket (110) and the cartridge (100) to withdraw the probe cover bracket (200). That is, a push bar inlet groove (115) may be formed at the lower end of the cartridge bracket (110) and the cartridge (100) to connect them to each other, and the cover bracket push bar (122) may be controlled to push the cover bracket (200) located at the lowermost position among the cover brackets stacked inside the cartridge (100) by penetrating the push bar inlet groove (115), thereby allowing one probe cover bracket (200) to be withdrawn to the outside of the cartridge (100). Meanwhile, although not shown, a probe cover extraction groove (not shown) through which a probe cover bracket (200) is ejected may be formed on the opposite side of the lower part of the cartridge (100) where the push bar inlet groove (115) is formed.

[0074] In one embodiment, the other end of the cover bracket push bar (122) can be controlled to be positioned inside the cartridge (100) before the cover bracket (200) is withdrawn, and can be controlled to be positioned inside the cartridge (100) after the cover bracket (200) is withdrawn.

[0075] Meanwhile, in FIG. 3, when the loading block driving unit (123) is driven by a single-axis rotational motion, the cover bracket loading block (121) and the cover bracket push bar (122) are controlled to move horizontally together by the rotational force generated from the loading block driving unit (123). However, the concept of the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and the driving method of the loading block driving unit (123) can be freely modified as needed. That is, the loading block driving unit (123) may be driven by a horizontal motion rather than a single-axis rotational motion.

[0076] Although not shown, the cover bracket loading block (121) can be connected to the guide rail (133) of the transport module so that its horizontal movement can be guided.

[0077] FIGS. 4 to 6 are drawings for explaining a fixing module, a cutting module, and a guide part according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, a fixing module (140) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be composed of a pair of side wall portions (141) extending in the same horizontal direction as the direction in which the probe cover bracket (200) moves from the push block (132), and a loading bracket (147) coupled to an end portion of each of the pair of side wall portions (141).

[0079] The loading bracket (147) can be provided by being coupled to the end of the side wall portion (141) through an elastic coupling portion (145) made of a spring elastic body.

[0080] In addition, the upper surface of the loading bracket (147) and the upper surface of the side wall portion (141) can be fastened together through a rotational coupling portion (149), and accordingly, the loading bracket (147) can be fixed in position at the end of the side wall portion (141), but pressure can be continuously applied toward the inside of the fixing module (140), i.e., the inner center portion of the loading bracket (147), by the elastic force of the elastic coupling portion (145).

[0081] Between the pair of side wall portions (141) above, a guide portion (143) consisting of a bottom surface connecting them to each other can be installed, and the guide portion (143) can be interposed between the loading module (120) and the fixing module (140) to guide the movement of the extracted probe cover bracket (200).

[0082] A latch (144) may be installed on the upper surface of the guide portion (143) to prevent the probe cover bracket (200) from being retracted. According to exemplary embodiments, the latch (144) may be provided so that when the probe cover bracket (200) moves along the guide portion (143), the latch may be retracted by the height of the upper surface of the guide portion (143) to allow the probe cover bracket (200) to enter, and then when the probe cover bracket (200) is seated on the loading bracket (147), the latch may be provided so that the latch is pulled out to the original position to prevent the probe cover bracket (200) from being retracted.

[0083] A cutting module (150) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include a cutting blade (155, 157) for cutting a sterilizing film covering a probe cover bracket (200), and the cutting blade (155, 157) may be controlled to circumferentially cut a central portion of the sterilizing film by a uniaxial rotational motion. In one embodiment, the cutting blade (155, 157) may be controlled to cut only a portion of a circular perimeter corresponding to the central portion of the sterilizing film, thereby making it easier for the probe to enter the probe cover. Alternatively, the cutting blade (155, 157) may be controlled to cut the entire circular perimeter corresponding to the central portion of the sterilizing film. However, if the sterilizing film cut by the cutting blade (155, 157) falls into the inside of the probe cover bracket (200), the cut sterilizing film may be interposed between the probe and the probe cover, which may result in inaccurate measurements of the ultrasonic inspection results or bacterial contamination. Therefore, it is preferable that the cutting blade (155, 157) be controlled to cut only a portion of the circumference of a circle corresponding to the center of the sterilizing film.

[0084] Meanwhile, the sterilization film may be composed of a first sterilization film covering the upper surface of the probe cover bracket (200) and a second sterilization film covering the lower surface of the probe cover bracket (200), and the cutting module (150) may be controlled to partially cut the first and second sterilization films respectively while the probe cover bracket (200) is fixed by the fixing module (140).

[0085] In exemplary embodiments, the cutting module (150) may include a first cutting blade (155) for cutting the first sterilizing film and a second cutting blade (157) for cutting the second sterilizing film, and the first and second cutting blades (155, 157) may be controlled to be driven simultaneously.

[0086] The cutting blade (155, 157) is connected to a height adjustment part (154, 156) so that its height can be adjusted.

[0087] In exemplary embodiments, the first and second cutting blades (155, 157) may be controlled to adjust their positions to a height at which the sterilizing film is positioned when the probe cover bracket (200) is fixed by the fixing module (140). In one embodiment, when the probe cover bracket is fixed by the fixing module, the first cutting blade (155) may be controlled to lower to a height at which the first sterilizing film is positioned, and the second cutting blade (157) may be controlled to raise to a height at which the second sterilizing film is positioned.

[0088] Meanwhile, the cutting blade (155, 157) and the height adjusting part (154, 156) for adjusting the height thereof may be provided by being combined with a plurality of panels (151, 152), and the plurality of panels (151, 152) may be provided to fix the installation height of the cutting blade (155, 157) while allowing horizontal movement of the cutting blade (155, 157).

[0089] Specifically, the plurality of panels (151, 152) may be composed of a first panel (151) for controlling horizontal movement of the cutting blade (155, 157), and a second panel (152) for fixing the installation height of the cutting blade (155, 157), and the first panel (151) and the second panel (152) may be controlled to be combined with each other and move horizontally together.

[0090] Horizontal movement of the first and second panels (151, 152) can be performed by a panel transfer module (153), and the panel transfer module (153) can be installed on one side of the second panel (152).

[0091] In the above, the cutting module (150) is described as being composed of a pair of cutting blades (155, 157) positioned at the upper and lower ends, respectively. However, the concept of the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and the cutting module (150) may be configured as a device using various cutting / cutting methods such as laser cutting, ultrasonic cutting, and hot wire cutting, for example.

[0092] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a probe cover bracket is pulled out using an automatic probe cover supply device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 7(a) is a drawing illustrating a state before the probe cover bracket is pulled out, and FIG. 7(b) is a drawing illustrating a state after the probe cover bracket is pulled out.

[0093] Referring to Fig. 7, the probe cover brackets (200) can be pulled out one by one from the inside to the outside of the housing (20).

[0094] At this time, the probe cover bracket (200) can be processed in a state where the sterilizing film covering the upper and / or lower surfaces thereof is partially cut by a cutting module (150) installed inside the housing (20) and pulled out to the outside of the housing (20).

[0095] Since the cutting process of the above sterilization film is performed inside the housing (20), it can be performed without being directly exposed to the outside, and since the cutting blade (155, 157) included in the cutting module (150) is not exposed to the outside of the housing (20), the risk of injury to the user due to the cutting blade (155, 157) can be prevented in advance.

[0096] In exemplary embodiments, the probe cover automatic supply device (10) may further include components for preventing infection of the probe cover bracket (200). For example, the interior of the housing (20) may further include a pressure control module for reducing the pressure of the internal space using a HEPA filter, an internal disinfection module using UV-C and / or plasma gas, and a hazardous gas blocking module for blocking hazardous gases from leaking to the outside.

[0097] As described above, the probe cover automatic supply device (10) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include a cutting module (150) for cutting a sterilizing film wrapping a probe cover bracket (200), and the sterilizing film may be automatically removed through the cutting module (150) to provide the probe cover bracket (200).

[0098] Meanwhile, since the probe cover can be provided integrally with the probe cover bracket (200), there is no need for the inspector to push in the probe while holding the probe cover directly with his / her hand in order to put on the probe cover, which has a slippery property due to being coated with a disinfectant or the like, and thus the usability and convenience of the probe cover can be improved.

[0099] In addition, since the inspector only needs to hold the probe cover bracket (200) that has a non-slip property because the disinfectant or the like has not been applied and insert the probe, problems such as the inspector losing the probe cover can be solved.

[0100] In addition, since the probe can be guided to be inserted into a location where the sterilization film has been removed, processes such as ultrasound examination using the probe can be performed more smoothly and easily.

[0101] FIGS. 13 to 16 are drawings illustrating an automatic probe cover supply device according to other embodiments of the present invention. The automatic probe cover supply device described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16 is substantially the same as or similar to the automatic probe cover supply device described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, except that the driving method and arrangement structure of the cutting module (150) have been changed. Accordingly, the same reference numbers are assigned to the same components, and repeated descriptions related thereto will be omitted.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 16, an automatic probe cover supply device according to other embodiments of the present invention may include a cartridge (100) and a cutting module (150) positioned adjacent thereto.

[0103] Specifically, the cutting module (150) can be placed on the front side of the push bar inlet groove (115) formed at the lower end of the cartridge (100), and the cutting blade (155, 157) can be driven using a plurality of gears.

[0104] In exemplary embodiments, the cutting module (150) may include a first cutting blade (155) for cutting the first sterilizing film and a second cutting blade (157) for cutting the second sterilizing film, and the first and second cutting blades (155, 157) may be controlled to be driven simultaneously.

[0105] The cutting blade (155, 157) is connected to a height adjustment part (154, 156) so that its height can be adjusted.

[0106]

[0107] <Probe Cover Bracket>

[0108] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are plan and side views, respectively, of a probe cover bracket (200) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a probe cover bracket according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the probe cover bracket (200) may include a probe cover (250) and a probe cover case (230). The probe cover bracket (200) may be provided in a form in which the probe cover case (230) protects the probe cover (250) from the upper and lower portions, and a sterilizing film portion (210), which will be described later, may be additionally provided on the upper and lower portions of the probe cover case (230), so as to safely protect the probe cover (250) and the probe cover case (230) from external contamination.

[0110] Meanwhile, a probe guide portion (220) may be additionally included between the upper case and the sterilization film portion (210), and details regarding this will be described later.

[0111] The probe cover (250) may be composed of a ring-shaped cover tube (251) and an elastic member (252) wrapped around the cover tube (251). The cover tube (251) and the elastic member (252) may be formed in the form of a thin film using a material such as elastic latex or polyurethane, and a commonly used medical condom may be utilized.

[0112] Specifically, when the probe enters from the top to the bottom of the probe cover (250), the elastic member (252) wrapped around the cover tube (251) is released to cover the probe. At this time, since the probe covered by the probe cover (250) comes into direct contact with the human body, the probe cover (250) must be maintained and managed in a sterile state without contamination.

[0113] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a probe cover bracket (200) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a probe cover bracket (200) with a probe inserted according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, the probe cover case (230) can be configured to cover the probe by releasing the probe cover (250) when the probe is inserted inside, but prevent the probe cover (250) from being detached from the outside of the probe cover case (230) when the probe cover (250) is fully released.

[0115] In one embodiment, the probe cover case (230) may be composed of a first case (231) and a second case (232). A cover tube (251) may be mounted in the first case (231), and the second case (232) may be coupled to the first case (231) in a form in which a receiving groove for receiving the cover tube (251) is built in. Specifically, a first protrusion (241) protruding vertically upward may be formed on an outer surface of the first case (231), and a second protrusion (242) and a third protrusion (243) protruding vertically downward may be formed on both sides of the receiving groove of the second case (232), respectively.

[0116] At this time, the first protrusion (241) and the second protrusion (242) may be formed adjacently, and the third protrusion (243) may be formed on the inner surface of the second case (232). The inner surface of the first case (231) may be formed to be larger than the inner surface of the second case (232), and the third protrusion (243) may protrude further in the vertical downward direction than the upper surface on which the cover tube (251) of the first case (231) is mounted.

[0117] In addition, a first screw thread (244) is formed on the inner surface of the first protrusion (241), and a second screw thread (245) is formed on the outer surface of the second protrusion (242), so that the first screw thread (244) and the second screw thread (245) can be spirally coupled to each other so as to be interlocked. That is, the probe cover (250) can be secured between the first case (231) and the second case (232) that are coupled to each other, and can be protected from the outside.

[0118] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 11, the probe cover case (230) may have a hole formed to release the probe cover (250), and the thickness of the hole may be formed to be smaller than the thickness of the cover tube (251).

[0119] In one embodiment, a slit portion (233), which is a space spaced apart by a predetermined distance, may be included between the first case (231) and the second case (232). Specifically, the slit portion (233) may be a space spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the inner surface of the first case (231) and the third protrusion (243) of the second case (232). The slit portion (233) is a space in which an elastic member (252) is released from a cover tube (251) mounted on the first case (231) and intervened, and the elastic member (252) may pass through the slit portion (233) and be provided in a flat state under the third protrusion (243) of the second case (232).

[0120] Referring to FIG. 12, as the probe is inserted into the inside of the probe cover bracket (200), the elastic member (252) receives an external force and moves downward, and accordingly, the extra elastic member (252) wrapped around the cover tube (251) can be further released through rotation. At this time, the elastic member (252) passes through the slit portion (233) and is released, thereby enabling the probe cover (250) to cover the probe evenly without being biased or bunched to one side.

[0121] Meanwhile, the slit spacing of the slit portion (233) may be smaller than the diameter of the cover tube (251). If the slit spacing is larger than the diameter of the cover tube (251), the cover tube (251) may fall through the slits, causing the probe cover (250) to detach from the probe cover case (230). Therefore, the slit spacing may be formed to be 0.01 to 2 mm in size to prevent the cover tube (251) from falling through the slits.

[0122] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the probe cover bracket (200) may further include a probe guide portion (220) capable of guiding the entry position of the probe. In one embodiment, the probe guide portion (220) is installed on the upper surface of the second case (232), and a guide hole (225) may be formed in the center to guide the entry of the ultrasonic probe. The probe may enter the center region through the guide hole (225) so that the load is not biased to one side of the probe cover (250).

[0123] Additionally, the probe guide portion (220) may be formed of an elastic body. In one embodiment, the probe guide portion is formed of a silicone material and can fix a probe that has entered the guide hole (225). When the probe is covered by the probe cover (250) to a required area, the elastic force of the silicone can fix the probe at the point where the probe stops entering the guide hole (225).

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 12, the probe cover bracket (200) may further include a sterilizing film portion (210).

[0125] The sterilizing film portion (210) may be installed on the upper and lower portions of the probe cover case (230) to prevent external infection of the probe cover (250). Specifically, it may be installed on the lower surface of the first case (231) and the upper surface of the second case (232), respectively, to maintain the sterilized state of the probe cover (250). When the probe guide portion (220) is installed on the second case (232), the sterilizing film portion (210) may be installed on the upper surface of the probe guide portion (220).

[0126] In exemplary embodiments, the sterilizing film portion (210) may be made of a thermoplastic plastic material. In one embodiment, the sterilizing film portion (210) may be made of a breathable high-density polyethylene (HDPE) synthetic material. High-density polyethylene is characterized by high strength and excellent corrosion resistance, and is therefore utilized as a packaging film, etc. Among them, by mounting breathable high-density polyethylene, which has microscopic holes formed therein so that liquids cannot pass through but gases can pass through, as the sterilizing film portion (210), it can have functions such as tear resistance, durability, breathability, waterproofness, and microbial penetration prevention.

[0127] The sterilizing film portion (210) can be removed just before the probe is inserted into the probe cover bracket (200) so that the probe cover (250) can be hygienically maintained and managed. To this end, the probe cover bracket (200) may further include a guide cutting line (234) for cutting the sterilizing film portion (210), and may be positioned at the upper surface edge area of ​​the second case (232) and the lower surface edge area of ​​the first case (231).

[0128] In one embodiment, the guide cutting line (234) may be configured in a stepped form to facilitate cutting of the sterilizing film portion (210). Specifically, by configuring a groove in the lower vertical direction of the upper surface edge area of ​​the second case (232) and the upper vertical direction of the lower surface edge area of ​​the first case (231), the cutting device may cut the sterilizing film portion (210) in a C shape along the groove. That is, by guiding the sterilizing film portion (210) to be cut along the guide cutting line (234), the probe guide portion (220) or the probe cover (250) may be prevented from being damaged.

[0129] The probe cover bracket (200) may further include grip grooves (235) formed at regular intervals on the outer surface of the probe cover case (230). The grip grooves (235) may be formed by repeating a shape in which the outer surfaces of each of the first case (231) and the second case (232) are recessed toward the center at regular intervals to a predetermined depth. By forming the grip grooves (235), the frictional force on the outside of the probe cover case (230) can be increased, allowing the user to easily insert the probe without slipping to an appropriate position. In addition, when the probe cover bracket (200) is supplied to the probe cover automatic supply device (10), the probe cover automatic supply device (10) may be provided by fixing the probe cover case (230).

[0130] In addition, when the ultrasonic probe, which is the target object, enters the probe cover (250), a vacuum boundary may be formed between the guide hole (225) illustrated in FIG. 8 and the probe guide portion (220) illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, respectively, and thus a sealed structure may be created between the probe guide portion (220) and the guide hole (225). That is, as the ultrasonic probe moves further while passing through the probe guide portion (220) and the guide hole (225) and pushing the probe cover (250), the volume of the probe cover (250) may be forcibly increased in a sealed state, thereby generating a vacuum. Accordingly, a phenomenon occurs in which the probe cover (250) is ideally adhered to the ultrasonic probe, thereby minimizing the generation of an air layer between the ultrasonic probe and the probe cover (250).

[0131]

[0132] However, the concept of the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and the device / method / system according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be applied to various products / technology fields in addition to the products / technology fields described above.

[0133] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications to the above-described embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined not only by the claims set forth below but also by equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A probe cover provided to protect the probe and comprising a cover tube and an elastic member wrapped around the cover tube; and A probe cover case for accommodating the probe cover; A probe cover bracket characterized in that the probe cover case covers the probe by releasing the probe cover when the probe is inserted inside, but prevents the probe cover from coming out of the probe cover case in a state where the probe cover is completely released.

2. In paragraph 1, A probe cover bracket, characterized in that the probe cover case has a hole formed to release the probe cover, and the thickness of the hole is formed to be smaller than the thickness of the cover tube.

3. In paragraph 2, The above probe cover case, A first case in which the above cover tube is mounted; A second case coupled with the first case and having a built-in receiving groove for receiving the cover tube; and It includes a slit portion formed between the first case and the second case, which is a space in which the elastic member is released from the cover tube and intervened; A probe cover bracket, characterized in that the slit portion is configured as a space spaced apart by a predetermined distance between the first case and the second case.

4. In paragraph 1, A probe cover bracket, characterized in that the probe cover case further includes a sterilizing film section installed on each of the upper and lower portions of the probe cover case to prevent external infection of the probe cover.

5. In paragraph 1, It further includes a probe guide section for guiding the entry position of the above probe; A probe cover bracket, characterized in that the probe guide portion is made of an elastic body.

6. In paragraph 5, A probe cover bracket characterized in that the probe guide part is installed on the upper surface of the second case and has a guide hole formed in the center to guide the entry of the ultrasonic probe.

7. In paragraph 3, The first case includes a first protrusion protruding vertically upward on the outer surface, and the second case includes a second protrusion and a third protrusion protruding vertically downward on both sides of the receiving groove, respectively. A probe cover bracket, characterized in that the second protrusion is adjacent to the first protrusion, and the third protrusion is formed on the inner surface of the second case.

8. In paragraph 7, A probe cover bracket, characterized in that the inner surface of the first case is larger than the inner surface of the second case.

9. In paragraph 7, A probe cover bracket characterized in that the first case and the second case are joined through a screw assembly method, a heat-sealing method, an ultrasonic fusion method, a bonding method, or a sealing method using an O-ring.

10. In paragraph 7, The third protrusion protrudes vertically downward further than the upper surface on which the cover tube of the first case is mounted, A probe cover bracket characterized in that the slit portion is formed by the inner surface of the first case being spaced apart from the third protrusion by a predetermined distance.

11. In paragraph 3, A probe cover bracket, characterized in that the spacing between the slit portions is smaller than the diameter of the cover tube.

12. In paragraph 4, A probe cover bracket characterized in that the above sterilization film portion is made of a thermoplastic plastic material.

13. In paragraph 3, A probe cover bracket further comprising a guide cutting line for cutting the sterilizing film portion in the upper surface edge area of ​​the second case and the lower surface edge area of ​​the first case.

14. Housing; Cartridge in which the probe cover bracket with built-in probe cover is laminated; A loading module for withdrawing the probe cover bracket from the cartridge; A fixing module for fixing the above extracted probe cover bracket; A cutting module for cutting a sterilizing film covering the above probe cover bracket; A transport module for transporting the probe cover bracket with the sterilization film cut out of the housing; and A control module for controlling the loading module, the cutting module and the transport module; An automatic probe cover supply device characterized in that the probe cover bracket is controlled so that, after being pulled out by the loading module and its position is fixed by the fixing module, the sterilizing film wrapping the probe cover bracket is supplied in an at least partially cut state by the cutting module.

15. In paragraph 14, The above cutting module includes a cutting blade for cutting a sterilizing film, An automatic probe cover supply device, characterized in that the cutting blade is controlled to cut the center portion of the sterilizing film in a circumferential direction by a uniaxial rotational motion.

16. In paragraph 15, An automatic probe cover supply device, characterized in that the cutting blade is controlled to cut only a portion of a circular circumference corresponding to the center portion of the sterilizing film.

17. In paragraph 14, The above sterilization film is composed of a first sterilization film covering the upper surface of the probe cover bracket and a second sterilization film covering the lower surface of the probe cover bracket. An automatic probe cover supply device, characterized in that the cutting module is controlled to partially cut the first and second sterilization films respectively while the probe cover bracket is fixed by the fixing module.

18. In paragraph 17, The above cutting module includes a first cutting blade for cutting the first sterilizing film and a second cutting blade for cutting the second sterilizing film, An automatic probe cover feeding device, characterized in that the first and second cutting blades are controlled to be driven simultaneously.

19. In paragraph 18, An automatic probe cover supply device, characterized in that the first and second cutting blades are controlled so that their positions are adjusted to a height at which the sterilization film is located when the probe cover bracket is fixed by the fixing module.

20. In Article 518, A probe cover automatic supply device, characterized in that when the probe cover bracket is fixed by the fixing module, the first cutting blade is controlled to descend to a height at which the first sterilization film is positioned, and the second cutting blade is controlled to rise to a height at which the second sterilization film is positioned.

21. In paragraph 14, It further includes a guide part interposed between the loading module and the fixed module to guide the movement of the extracted probe cover bracket; An automatic probe cover supply device characterized in that a latch is installed on the upper surface of the guide section to prevent the probe cover bracket from retracting.

22. In paragraph 21, The above fixed module is composed of a side wall portion formed on both sides of the guide portion and a loading bracket coupled to the end of the side wall portion. A probe cover automatic supply device characterized in that the loading bracket is provided by being connected to the end of the side wall portion through an elastic connecting portion made of a spring elastic body.

23. In paragraph 22, A probe cover automatic supply device characterized in that the transport module is coupled to the other end of the guide part and is controlled to horizontally move the guide part and the fixing module together, thereby sending the probe cover bracket fixed to the fixing module out of the housing.

24. In paragraph 14, An automatic probe cover feeding device, characterized in that the above cutting module comprises a laser cutting device, an ultrasonic cutting device or a hot wire cutting device.

25. In paragraph 14, A pressure regulating module for reducing the pressure in the space inside the housing using a HEPA filter; An internal disinfection module for disinfecting the interior space of the housing using UV-C or plasma gas; and An automatic probe cover supply device, characterized in that it further includes a hazardous gas blocking module for blocking hazardous gases from leaking out of the housing.

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