Apparatus for automatically cleaning endoscope channel

Abstract

Disclosed is an automatic endoscope channel cleaning device capable of automatically cleaning two channels inside an endoscope at the same time, and easily cleaning two channels inside the endoscope, arranged in different directions by withdrawing a first wire brush and a second wire brush in different directions. The automatic endoscope channel cleaning device in which the first wire brush and the second wire brush are inserted into the endoscope and the first wire brush and the second wire brush are moved to clean the inside of the endoscope, comprises: a brush guide for generating a rotational force to withdraw, to the front, the first wire brush and the second wire brush introduced to the rear; and an operation unit for transmitting power to the brush guide to control driving of the brush guide, wherein the brush guide is configured such that the first wire brush and the second wire brush are withdrawn in different directions.

Description

Endoscope channel automatic cleaning device

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic endoscope channel cleaning device.

[0002] As medicine advances, endoscopes are being developed and used to obtain image information of the internal state of the body by inserting them directly into the body and use them for diagnosis.

[0003] In addition to simply acquiring image information, these endoscopes are also used to directly remove diseased parts inside the human body or inject drugs, and their scope of use is gradually expanding as technology advances.

[0004] As mentioned above, the types of endoscopes used by doctors in hospitals to observe the inside of patients' bodies include, for example, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, therapeutic endoscope, ultrasound endoscope, bronchoscope, laryngoscope, esophagoscope, gastrocamera, hysteroscope, hysteroscope, ureteroscope, arthroscope, cystoscope, proctoscope, laparoscope, and cardioscope. Each of these scopes is a medical device that can observe the condition of a specific part of the patient's body and simultaneously perform tissue resection and secretion collection, helping in the early detection and diagnosis of human diseases.

[0005] As mentioned above, after the endoscope has been used once by doctors to observe the inside of a patient's body, the inside of the channel hose forming the endoscope must be cleaned of any foreign substances, contamination, or other sediment remaining on the inside or the inner wall of the endoscope, disinfected with a disinfectant, and reused. In the past, when it was desired to clean the inside or inner wall of the channel, a method was used to manually insert a plastic cleaning port and clean the inside of the channel.

[0006] However, conventional endoscope cleaning methods for cleaning the inside of the endoscope channel as described above have problems such as the inner wall or inside of the channel not being cleaned thoroughly depending on the user, and there is also a concern that foreign substances or contaminants may remain, and are unsanitary.

[0007] Moreover, conventional endoscope cleaning involves manually inserting the endoscope directly into the endoscope channel to clean the inner wall or interior of the channel, which is inconvenient to use as the cleaner must use it manually, and thus has the problem of reducing the efficiency of the cleaning work and cleaning time.

[0008] Additionally, conventional endoscopes typically feature two channels (a biopsy channel and a suction channel). Therefore, disinfecting the endoscope channels requires two separate cleaning cycles, which is cumbersome.

[0009] The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic endoscope channel cleaning device capable of automatically cleaning two channels inside an endoscope simultaneously.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic endoscope channel cleaning device capable of easily cleaning two channels inside an endoscope arranged in different directions by pulling out a first wire brush and a second wire brush in different directions.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic endoscope channel cleaning device in which a brush guide can be attached or detached to an operating unit.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic endoscope channel cleaning device capable of detachably coupling a brush guide to an endoscope.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic endoscope channel cleaning device capable of preventing slippage of the first wire brush and the second wire brush when transporting the first wire brush and the second wire brush.

[0014] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0015] An endoscope channel automatic cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problem includes a brush guide that generates a rotational force to pull out the first wire brush and the second wire brush, which are pulled in backward, forward, and a control unit that transmits power to the brush guide to control the driving of the brush guide, wherein the brush guide is configured to pull out the first wire brush and the second wire brush in different directions, respectively.

[0016] The brush guide may be configured to pull out the first wire brush in a first direction parallel to the front-back direction of the brush guide, and to pull out the second wire brush in a second direction inclined at a preset angle with respect to the first direction.

[0017] The brush guide may be configured to pull out the second wire brush in an inclined direction upward or downward with respect to the pulling direction of the first wire brush, or in an inclined direction to the left or right.

[0018] The second wire brush can be drawn out in a direction inclined at an angle of 10 degrees or more and 80 degrees or less with respect to the first wire brush.

[0019] The brush guide may include a pull-out guide portion that is inserted into the interior of the first adapter disposed in the endoscope and controls the pull-out angle and pull-out direction of the first wire brush and the second wire brush; and the pull-out guide portion may include a first guide portion that guides the first wire brush in the first direction; a second guide portion that guides the second wire brush in the second direction; and a partition portion that is disposed between the first guide portion and the second guide portion and partitions the first guide portion and the second guide portion.

[0020] The second guide portion may include a bending portion disposed above the second wire brush and pressurizing the second wire brush extended forward to bend the second wire brush in the second direction; and a guiding slope disposed below the second wire brush and guiding the bent second wire brush in the second direction.

[0021] The above brush guide may be configured to be detachably coupled to the endoscope.

[0022] The above brush guide may further include a guide fixing part that is inserted into the interior of a second adapter placed in the endoscope and supported on the inner surface of the second adapter.

[0023] The brush guide may further include an adapter support head including a first receiving groove in which a portion of the first adapter is received and the withdrawal guide portion is disposed at a center thereof, and a second receiving groove in which a portion of the second adapter is received and the guide fixing portion is disposed at a center thereof; a first elastic sleeve made of an elastic material, which is disposed on a front surface of the adapter support head and elastically supports an outer surface of the first adapter received in the first receiving groove; and a second elastic sleeve made of an elastic material, which is disposed on a front surface of the adapter support head and elastically supports an outer surface of the second adapter received in the second receiving groove.

[0024] The brush guide may further include a gearbox connected to the adapter support head and detachably coupled to the operating unit; an inlet guide portion connected to the gearbox and individually guiding the first wire brush and the second wire brush introduced therein into the interior of the gearbox; and a wire transfer portion arranged inside the gearbox and rotating by receiving power from the operating unit to move the first wire brush and the second wire brush in the forward and backward directions.

[0025] The wire transport unit may include a driving gear coupled to the operating unit, which grips a portion of the first wire brush and the second wire brush, and which transports the first wire brush and the second wire brush while being rotated by the operating unit; and a driven gear meshed with the driving gear, which grips another portion of the first wire brush and the second wire brush, and which transports the first wire brush and the second wire brush while being rotated by the driving gear.

[0026] The driving gear includes a first gear body rotatably coupled to the gear box and detachably coupled to the operating unit, and having a first brush receiving groove formed on an outer circumference thereof to receive the first wire brush and a portion of the second wire brush; a first gear tooth disposed on an outer circumference of the first gear body and meshed with the driven gear; and a first gripping ring made of an elastic material coupled to the first brush receiving groove, in close contact with a portion of the first wire brush and the second wire brush, and configured to pressurize and transport the first wire brush and the second wire brush while being rotated by the first gear body; and the driven gear includes a second gear body rotatably coupled to the gear box and having a second brush receiving groove formed on an outer circumference thereof to receive another portion of the first wire brush and the second wire brush; a second gear tooth disposed on an outer circumference of the second gear body and meshed with the first gear tooth; And it may include a second grip ring made of an elastic material that is coupled to the second brush receiving groove, is in close contact with another part of the first wire brush and the second wire brush, and pressurizes and transports the first wire brush and the second wire brush while being rotated by the second gear body.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problem, an automatic endoscope channel cleaning device inserts a first wire brush and a second wire brush into the inside of an endoscope, and moves the first wire brush and the second wire brush to clean the inside of the endoscope, and includes a brush guide that generates a rotational force to pull out the first wire brush and the second wire brush, which are drawn in backward, in different directions toward the front; and an operating unit that transmits power to the brush guide to control the driving of the brush guide; wherein the brush guide is detachably coupled to the operating unit.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, two channels inside an endoscope can be automatically cleaned simultaneously, thereby improving usability and enabling the channels of the endoscope to be cleaned quickly.

[0029] Additionally, since the first wire brush and the second wire brush are pulled out in different directions, two channels inside the endoscope arranged in different directions can be easily cleaned.

[0030] Additionally, since the brush guide can be attached and detached to the operating unit, cleaning and maintenance of the brush guide can be easy.

[0031] In addition, since the brush guide can be detachably attached to the endoscope, the endoscope can be cleaned while the brush guide is stably fixed to the endoscope, thereby preventing the brush guide from being separated or detached during cleaning.

[0032] In addition, since the wire transport section transports the first wire brush and the second wire brush by gripping them, slipping of the first wire brush and the second wire brush can be prevented when transporting the first wire brush and the second wire brush.

[0033] The effects according to the present invention are not limited to those exemplified above, and more diverse effects are included within the present invention.

[0034] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an endoscope channel automatic cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention separated from an endoscope.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an automatic endoscope channel cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a brush guide according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a withdrawal guide part according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of a second guide part according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Fig. 6 is a schematic drawing of a wire transport unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a brush guide according to an embodiment of the present invention separated from the operating unit.

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the embodiments may be modified in various ways, and the scope of the patent application is not limited or restricted by these embodiments. It should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives to the embodiments are included within the scope of the patent application.

[0042] Specific structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments are disclosed for illustrative purposes only and may be modified and implemented in various forms. Accordingly, the embodiments are not limited to the specific disclosed form, and the scope of this specification includes modifications, equivalents, or alternatives that fall within the technical concept.

[0043] Although terms such as "first" or "second" may be used to describe various components, these terms should be interpreted solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a first component.

[0044] When it is said that a component is "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but there may also be other components in between.

[0045] The terms used in the examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood to not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0046] In addition, when describing with reference to the attached drawings, identical components will be assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the drawing numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. When describing embodiments, if a detailed description of a related known technology is judged to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the embodiment, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0047] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided solely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined solely by the scope of the claims.

[0048] In the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise defined, all terms, including technical or scientific terms, used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0049] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings for explaining embodiments of the present invention are exemplary, and therefore the present invention is not limited to the matters illustrated. In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. When the terms “includes,” “has,” and “consists of” are used in this specification, other parts may be added unless “only” is used. When a component is expressed in the singular, it includes a case where the plural is included unless there is a specifically explicit description.

[0050] When interpreting a component, it is interpreted as including the error range even if there is no separate explicit description.

[0051] When describing a positional relationship, for example, when the positional relationship between two parts is described as 'on top of', 'upper part of', 'lower part of', 'next to', etc., one or more other parts may be located between the two parts, unless 'right away' or 'directly' is used.

[0052] When elements or layers are referred to as being "on" another element or layer, this includes both directly over the other element or layer and intervening layers or elements. Like reference numerals throughout the specification refer to like elements.

[0053] The size and thickness of each component shown in the drawing are shown for convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to the size and thickness of the component shown.

[0054] The individual features of the various embodiments of the present invention can be partially or wholly combined or combined with each other, and as can be fully understood by those skilled in the art, various technical connections and operations are possible, and each embodiment can be implemented independently of each other or can be implemented together in a related relationship.

[0055] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an endoscope channel automatic cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention separated from an endoscope.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 1, an automatic endoscope channel cleaning device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “automatic endoscope channel cleaning device (100)”) inserts a first wire brush (WB1) and a second wire brush (WB2) into the interior of an endoscope (E), and moves the first wire brush (WB1) and the second wire brush (WB2) to clean the interior of the endoscope (E).

[0057] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an endoscope channel automatic cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a brush guide according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the endoscope channel automatic cleaning device (100) includes a brush guide (1) and an operating unit (2).

[0059] The brush guide (1) is coupled to the operating unit (2) and generates a rotational force to pull the first wire brush (WB1) and the second wire brush (WB2) that are drawn in backwards forward.

[0060] The brush guide (1) is configured to pull out the first wire brush (WB1) and the second wire brush (WB2) in different directions.

[0061] More specifically, the brush guide (1) can pull out the first wire brush (WB1) in a first direction parallel to the front-back direction of the brush guide (1), and pull out the second wire brush (WB2) in a second direction inclined at a preset angle with respect to the first direction.

[0062] At this time, the brush guide (1) may pull out the second wire brush (WB2) in a direction inclined upward or downward with respect to the pulling direction of the first wire brush (WB1) as shown in the drawing, or, although not shown in the drawing, may pull out the second wire brush (WB2) in a direction inclined to the left or right with respect to the pulling direction of the first wire brush (WB1).

[0063] For example, the second wire brush (WB2) can be drawn out in a direction inclined at an angle of 10 degrees or more and 80 degrees or less with respect to the first wire brush (WB1).

[0064] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a withdrawal guide part according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the brush guide (1) may include a pull-out guide portion (11).

[0066] The withdrawal guide part (11) can be inserted into the interior of the first adapter (A1) placed in the endoscope (E).

[0067] The withdrawal guide part (11) can control the withdrawal angle and withdrawal direction of the first wire brush (WB1) and the second wire brush (WB2) that are pulled forward.

[0068] The withdrawal guide part (11) may include a first guide part (111), a second guide part (112), and a partition part (113).

[0069] The first guide portion (111) can support the outer surface of the first wire brush (WB1) extended forward and guide the first wire brush (WB1) in the first direction.

[0070] For example, the first guide portion (111) can be formed in a straight tube shape.

[0071] The second guide part (112) can support the outer surface of the second wire brush (WB2) extended forward and guide the second wire brush (WB2) in the second direction.

[0072] FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of a second guide part according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 5, the second guide portion (112) may include a bend portion (112A) and a guide slope (112B).

[0074] The bending portion (112A) is positioned on top of the second wire brush (WB2) and can bend the second wire brush (WB2) in the second direction by pressing the second wire brush (WB2) that is extended forward.

[0075] For example, the bending portion (112A) can be formed in a protrusion shape that presses the second wire brush (WB2).

[0076] The guide slope (112B) is arranged at the bottom of the second wire brush (WB2) and can guide the bent second wire brush (WB2) in the second direction while supporting it.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 4, the partition (113) is arranged between the first guide portion (111) and the second guide portion (112), and partitions the first guide portion (111) and the second guide portion (112) to prevent entanglement of the first wire brush (WB1) and the second wire brush (WB2).

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the brush guide (1) can be configured to be detachably coupled to the endoscope (E).

[0079] The brush guide (1) may further include a guide fixing member (12).

[0080] The guide fixing member (12) can be inserted into the interior of the second adapter (A2) placed in the endoscope (E) and supported on the inner surface of the second adapter (A2).

[0081] The guide fixing portion (12) may be formed in a protrusion shape that is pressed into the inner surface of the second adapter (A2). In addition, the guide fixing portion (12) may be formed in a size corresponding to the inner surface of the second adapter (A2) and may be pressed into the interior of the second adapter (A2).

[0082] More specifically, the guide fixing member (12) can be formed in a column shape having a diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the second adapter (A2).

[0083] Accordingly, the guide fixing member (12) pressed into the second adapter (A2) secures sufficient support in the radial direction to limit the movement of the endoscope (E), and through this, even when an external force is applied between the second adapter (A2) and the guide fixing member (12), the second adapter (A2) and the guide fixing member (12) can be continuously maintained in a connected state without being separated.

[0084] Additionally, the guide fixing member (12) may have a length at least 2.5 times its diameter so as to have sufficient support force when pressed into the inside of the second adapter (A2).

[0085] Additionally, a plurality of cut grooves can be formed in the guide fixing member (12).

[0086] The multiple cut grooves can induce elastic deformation in the guide fixing part (12) when the guide fixing part (12) is pressed into the interior of the second adapter (A2), thereby making it easier to combine and separate the guide fixing part (12).

[0087] Accordingly, the endoscope (E) can be cleaned while the brush guide (1) is stably fixed to the endoscope (E), thereby preventing the brush guide (1) from being separated or detached during cleaning.

[0088] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, the guide fixing member (12) can be configured so that the diameter size and overall length are variable.

[0089] Accordingly, the guide fixing part (12) can be applied and used to various endoscopes (E) having different specifications.

[0090] For example, the guide fixing member (12) may include an elastic member formed in a telescopic structure and having a length that can be selectively varied, and an elastic protrusion that is installed on the outer surface of the elastic member and protrudes from the outer surface of the elastic member. A part of the elastic member is fixedly coupled to the adapter support head (13), and another part of the elastic member is slidably coupled to a part of the elastic member so that it can be accommodated in a part of the elastic member or protruded from a part of the elastic member. At this time, a stopper for fixing them may be arranged between a part of the elastic member and the other part of the elastic member. In addition, the elastic protrusions may be arranged in multiple numbers along the outer surface of a part of the elastic member, and when an external force is applied, they may be accommodated inside the elastic member, and when the external force is released, they may be protruded to the outside of the elastic member by the elastic force. That is, when the hole of the adapter into which the guide fixing part (12) is to be inserted is larger than the diameter of the expansion part, the elastic protrusion part protrudes to the outside of the expansion part and is supported on the inner surface of the adapter, and when the hole of the adapter into which the guide fixing part (12) is to be inserted is smaller than the diameter of the expansion part, the elastic protrusion part is pressed against the inner surface of the adapter and can be accommodated on the inner surface of the expansion part. The elastic protrusion part may include a protruding member that is slidably coupled along the radial direction of the expansion part and is accommodated on the inner surface of the expansion part or protrudes to the outside of the expansion part and is supported on the inner surface of the adapter, and an elastic member that is accommodated on the inner surface of the expansion part and elastically supports the protruding member.

[0091] The brush guide (1) can be configured to support the first adapter (A1) and the second adapter (A2) when coupled to the endoscope (E) to limit the movement of the first adapter (A1) and the second adapter (A2).

[0092] The brush guide (1) may further include an adapter support head (13), a first elastic sleeve (14) and a second elastic sleeve (15).

[0093] The adapter support head (13) can accommodate and support a portion of the first adapter (A1) and the second adapter (A2).

[0094] More specifically, a first receiving groove (131) in which a part of a first adapter (A1) is received and a withdrawal guide part (11) is arranged at the center, and a second receiving groove (132) in which a part of a second adapter (A2) is received and a guide fixing part (12) is arranged at the center may be formed on the front side of the adapter support head (13).

[0095] The first elastic sleeve (14) can be placed on the front of the adapter support head (13).

[0096] The first elastic sleeve (14) can elastically support the outer surface of the first adapter (A1) accommodated in the first accommodation groove (131) between the first accommodation groove (131) and the first adapter (A1) to limit the movement of the first adapter (A1).

[0097] The first elastic sleeve (14) can be formed of an elastic material such as rubber, silicone, etc.

[0098] The second elastic sleeve (15) can be placed on the front of the adapter support head (13).

[0099] The second elastic sleeve (15) can elastically support the outer surface of the second adapter (A2) accommodated in the second accommodation groove (132) between the second accommodation groove (132) and the second adapter (A2) to limit the movement of the second adapter (A2).

[0100] The second elastic sleeve (15) can be formed of an elastic material such as rubber, silicone, etc.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 3, the brush guide (1) may further include a gear box (16), an inlet guide portion (17), and a wire conveying portion (18).

[0102] The gearbox (16) can be detachably connected to the operating unit (2).

[0103] An adapter support head (13) can be coupled to the front of the gearbox (16), and an inlet guide part (17) can be coupled to the rear of the gearbox (16).

[0104] Accordingly, the first wire brush (WB1) and the second wire brush (WB2) introduced into the introduction guide section (17) can pass through the gear box (16) and be drawn out to the adapter support head (13).

[0105] A wire conveying section (18) can be placed inside the gearbox (16).

[0106] The inlet guide part (17) is arranged in front of the gear box (16) and can be connected to the gear box (16).

[0107] The interior of the introduction guide section (17) can be divided into multiple spaces.

[0108] Accordingly, the inlet guide part (17) can individually guide the first wire brush (WB1) and the second wire brush (WB2) introduced into the interior into the gear box (16).

[0109] The wire conveying section (18) can be placed inside the gear box (16).

[0110] The wire transfer unit (18) receives power from the operating unit (2) and rotates to move the first wire brush (WB1) and the second wire brush (WB2) in the forward and backward directions.

[0111] Fig. 6 is a schematic drawing of a wire transport unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 6, the wire transport unit (18) may include a driving gear (181) and a driven gear (182).

[0113] The driving gear (181) can be coupled to the operating unit (2).

[0114] The driving gear (181) can hold a portion of the first wire brush (WB1) and the second wire brush (WB2), and can move the first wire brush (WB1) and the second wire brush (WB2) while being rotated by the operating unit (2).

[0115] The driving gear (181) may include a first gear body (181A), a first gear tooth (181B), and a first phasing ring (181C).

[0116] The first gear body (181A) can be rotatably coupled to the gear box (16).

[0117] The first gear body (181A) can be detachably connected to the operating unit (2).

[0118] For example, a gear-shaped coupling structure that is engaged with and coupled to the operating unit (2) can be formed on the side of the first gear body (181A).

[0119] A first brush receiving groove (G1) that receives a portion of a first wire brush (WB1) and a second wire brush (WB2) may be formed on the outer surface of the first gear body (181A).

[0120] The first gear (181B) is arranged on the outer surface of the first gear body (181A) and can be engaged and coupled to the driven gear (182).

[0121] The first phage ring (181C) is coupled to the first brush receiving groove (G1) and can be in close contact with a part of the first wire brush (WB1) and the second wire brush (WB2).

[0122] Accordingly, the first phage ring (181C) can be rotated by the first gear body (181A) to pressurize and transport the first wire brush (WB1) and the second wire brush (WB2).

[0123] The first phage ring (181C) can be formed of an elastic material such as rubber, silicone, etc.

[0124] The driven gear (182) can be meshed with the driving gear (181).

[0125] The driven gear (182) can hold other parts of the first wire brush (WB1) and the second wire brush (WB2), and can transport the first wire brush (WB1) and the second wire brush (WB2) while being rotated by the driving gear (181).

[0126] The driven gear (182) may include a second gear body (182A), a second gear tooth (182B), and a second phage ring (182C).

[0127] The second gear body (182A) can be rotatably coupled to the gear box (16).

[0128] A second brush receiving groove (G2) may be formed on the outer surface of the second gear body (182A) to receive the first wire brush (WB1) and another portion of the second wire brush (WB2).

[0129] The second gear tooth (182B) is arranged on the outer surface of the second gear body (182A) and can be engaged with the first gear (181B) tooth.

[0130] The second phage ring (182C) is coupled to the second brush receiving groove (G2) and can be in close contact with other parts of the first wire brush (WB1) and the second wire brush (WB2).

[0131] Accordingly, the second phage ring (182C) can be rotated by the second gear body (182A) to pressurize and transport the first wire brush (WB1) and the second wire brush (WB2).

[0132] The second phage ring (182C) can be formed of an elastic material such as rubber, silicone, etc.

[0133] That is, the wire transfer unit (18) transfers the first wire brush (WB1) and the second wire brush (WB2) by gripping them through the first phage ring (181C) and the second phage ring (182C), so that slipping of the first wire brush (WB1) and the second wire brush (WB2) can be prevented when the first wire brush (WB1) and the second wire brush (WB2) are transferred.

[0134] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a brush guide according to an embodiment of the present invention separated from the operating unit.

[0135] Referring to Fig. 7, the brush guide (1) can be detachably coupled to the operating unit (2).

[0136] Accordingly, since the brush guide (1) can be attached and detached to the operating unit (2), cleaning and maintenance of the brush guide (1) can be made easy.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 7, the operating unit (2) transmits power to the brush guide (1) to control the driving of the brush guide (1).

[0138] The operating unit (2) may include a guide removal head (21), a power unit (22), a control unit (23), and a battery (24).

[0139] A brush guide (1) can be detachably connected to the guide detachable head (21).

[0140] A guide receiving groove (211) in which a brush guide (1) is received can be formed in the guide removal head (21).

[0141] The guide removal head (21) may include a guide catch (212) that is coupled to the brush guide (1) accommodated in the guide accommodation groove (211) to fix the brush guide (1).

[0142] For example, the guide catch (212) may include a fixing member that is housed inside the guide removal head (21) or protrudes outside the guide removal head (21) and is coupled to the brush guide (1), and an elastic member for guide fixing that is housed inside the guide removal head (21) and elastically supports the fixing member.

[0143] Additionally, the guide detachment head (21) may further include a detachment portion (213).

[0144] When the brush guide (1) is coupled to the guide catch (212), the detachment part (213) presses the brush guide (1) and is stored in the guide detachment head (21), and when the brush guide (1) is separated from the guide catch (212), the brush guide (1) is pressed by elastic force so that the brush guide (1) can be detached from the guide detachment head (21).

[0145] For example, the removal part (213) may include a guide pressure member that is positioned so as to be retractable from the guide removal head (21), and an elastic member for guide removal that is accommodated inside the guide removal head (21) and elastically supports the guide pressure member.

[0146] The power unit (22) is arranged on one side of the guide removal head (21) and is coupled to the driving gear (181), and can generate rotational force to rotate the driving gear (181).

[0147] For example, the power unit (22) may include a driving motor that is electrically connected to the control unit (23) and generates rotational force when a control signal is transmitted from the control unit (23), and a power transmission gear that is arranged at an end of the driving motor and coupled to a driving gear (181) and is rotated by the driving motor to rotate the driving gear (181).

[0148] The control unit (23) is electrically connected to the power unit (22) and transmits a control signal to the power unit (22) to control the rotational direction of the power unit (22) and the rotational speed of the power unit (22).

[0149] For example, the control unit (23) may include a control board that is electrically connected to the power unit (22) and the battery (24) and transmits a control signal to the power unit (22), a trigger that is electrically connected to the control board and inputs a control signal to the control board when an external force is applied, and a trigger control switch that switches the control signal input to the control board through the trigger to a forward or reverse direction and selectively blocks the control signal input to the control board from the trigger.

[0150] The battery (24) is housed inside the operating unit (2) and is electrically connected to the control unit (23), and can supply power to the power unit (22) through the control unit (23).

[0151] In this way, according to an embodiment of the present invention, two channels inside the endoscope (E) can be automatically cleaned simultaneously, so that the convenience of use is improved and the channels of the endoscope (E) can be quickly cleaned.

[0152] In addition, since the first wire brush (WB1) and the second wire brush (WB2) are pulled out in different directions, two channels inside the endoscope (E) arranged in different directions can be easily cleaned.

[0153] Meanwhile, the endoscope channel automatic cleaning device (100) may be equipped with an endoscope identification information extraction module (not shown) capable of NFC communication on the lower surface of the lower part thereof.

[0154] An endoscope identification information extraction module (not shown) can extract endoscope identification information by recognizing an NFC tag embedded in an endoscope, and transmit the extracted endoscope identification information to an endoscope integrated management system (not shown) using NFC communication to record whether the endoscope has been cleaned. The endoscope integrated management system (not shown) can be configured to comprehensively manage the storage location of each endoscope, whether it has been cleaned, whether it has been leak tested, and the results of the leak test.

[0155] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments, and various modifications may be implemented without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the present invention, but to explain it, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The protection scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

[0156] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims described below.

Claims

1. An automatic endoscope channel cleaning device that inserts a first wire brush and a second wire brush into the inside of an endoscope and moves the first wire brush and the second wire brush to clean the inside of the endoscope. A brush guide that generates a rotational force to pull the first wire brush and the second wire brush, which are drawn in backwards, forward; and It includes an operating unit that transmits power to the brush guide and controls the driving of the brush guide; An endoscope channel automatic cleaning device, wherein the brush guide is configured to pull out the first wire brush and the second wire brush in different directions.

2. In paragraph 1, The above brush guide is, The first wire brush is pulled out in a first direction parallel to the front-back direction of the brush guide, An endoscope channel automatic cleaning device configured to pull out the second wire brush in a second direction inclined at a preset angle with respect to the first direction.

3. In paragraph 2, An endoscope channel automatic cleaning device, wherein the brush guide is configured to pull out the second wire brush in an inclined direction upward or downward with respect to the pulling direction of the first wire brush, or in an inclined direction to the left or right.

4. In paragraph 3, An endoscope channel automatic cleaning device, wherein the second wire brush is pulled out in a direction inclined at an angle of 10 degrees or more and 80 degrees or less with respect to the first wire brush.

5. In paragraph 2, The above brush guide is, A first adapter disposed in the endoscope includes a first guide portion inserted into the first adapter and configured to control the angle and direction of the first wire brush and the second wire brush; The above withdrawal guide part, A first guide portion that guides the first wire brush in the first direction; A second guide part that guides the second wire brush in the second direction; and An endoscope channel automatic cleaning device, comprising a partition portion arranged between the first guide portion and the second guide portion and dividing the first guide portion and the second guide portion.

6. In paragraph 1, An endoscope channel automatic cleaning device, wherein the brush guide is configured to be detachably coupled to the endoscope.

7. In paragraph 5, The above brush guide is, An endoscope channel automatic cleaning device further comprising a guide fixing member inserted into the interior of a second adapter placed on the endoscope and supported on the inner surface of the second adapter.

8. In paragraph 7, The above brush guide is, An adapter support head including a first receiving groove in which a portion of the first adapter is received and the withdrawal guide portion is disposed at the center thereof, and a second receiving groove in which a portion of the second adapter is received and the guide fixing portion is disposed at the center thereof; A first elastic sleeve made of an elastic material that is arranged on the front of the adapter support head and elastically supports the outer surface of the first adapter accommodated in the first accommodation groove; and An endoscope channel automatic cleaning device further comprising a second elastic sleeve made of an elastic material that is arranged on the front of the adapter support head and elastically supports the outer surface of the second adapter accommodated in the second accommodation groove.

9. In paragraph 8, The above brush guide is, A gearbox connected to the above adapter support head and detachably coupled to the operating unit; An inlet guide part connected to the gearbox and individually guiding the first wire brush and the second wire brush, which are introduced into the interior, into the interior of the gearbox; and An endoscope channel automatic cleaning device further comprising a wire transfer unit that is arranged inside the gear box and rotates by receiving power from the operating unit to move the first wire brush and the second wire brush in the forward and backward direction.

10. In paragraph 9, The above wire transfer part, A driving gear coupled to the operating unit to grip a portion of the first wire brush and the second wire brush, and to transport the first wire brush and the second wire brush while being rotated by the operating unit; and An endoscope channel automatic cleaning device, comprising: a driven gear that is engaged with the driving gear, grips another portion of the first wire brush and the second wire brush, and is rotated by the driving gear to transport the first wire brush and the second wire brush.

11. In paragraph 10, The above driving gear is, A first gear body rotatably coupled to the gear box, detachably coupled to the operating unit, and having a first brush receiving groove formed on an outer surface thereof for receiving the first wire brush and a portion of the second wire brush; A first gear tooth arranged on the outer surface of the first gear body and meshed with the driven gear; and A first grip ring made of an elastic material is coupled to the first brush receiving groove, is in close contact with a part of the first wire brush and the second wire brush, and is rotated by the first gear body to pressurize and transport the first wire brush and the second wire brush; The above driven gear is, A second gear body rotatably coupled to the gear box and having a second brush receiving groove formed on an outer surface thereof to receive the first wire brush and another portion of the second wire brush; A second gear tooth arranged on the outer surface of the second gear body and meshed with the first gear tooth; and An endoscope channel automatic cleaning device, comprising: a second phage ring made of an elastic material, coupled to the second brush receiving groove, in close contact with another part of the first wire brush and the second wire brush, and rotating by the second gear body to pressurize and transport the first wire brush and the second wire brush.

12. An automatic endoscope channel cleaning device that inserts a first wire brush and a second wire brush into the inside of an endoscope and moves the first wire brush and the second wire brush to clean the inside of the endoscope. A brush guide that generates a rotational force to pull out the first wire brush and the second wire brush, which are drawn in backward, in different directions toward the front; and It includes an operating unit that transmits power to the brush guide and controls the driving of the brush guide; An endoscope channel automatic cleaning device, wherein the brush guide is detachably coupled to the operating unit.

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