Method for manufacturing tubular medical device cleaning ball, and tubular medical device cleaning ball manufactured using cleaning ball manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a tubular medical device cleaning ball, and a tubular medical device cleaning ball manufactured using the cleaning ball manufacturing method, the method comprising: forming a plurality of half-recess parts in an upper surface of a lower jig and a lower surface of an upper jig; using a plurality of suction nozzles of a suction device so as to arrange a plurality of polymers, and then pressing and cutting same such that a large amount of cleaning balls can be simultaneously manufactured in a single manufacturing process; and laminating a film on surfaces of a lower fabric and an upper fabric such that, during a cleaning ball manufacturing process, the surfaces of the lower fabric and the upper fabric can be protected by the film, and strength and safety can be improved.

Description

Method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device and a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device manufactured by the method for manufacturing the cleaning ball

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device and a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device manufactured by the cleaning ball manufacturing method. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device and a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device manufactured by the cleaning ball manufacturing method, which enables mass production of the cleaning ball through a simplified manufacturing process of arranging a plurality of polymers between a lower fabric and an upper fabric, followed by compression and cutting, and also improves the strength and stability of the cleaning ball by laminating a film on the surfaces of the lower fabric and the upper fabric.

[0002] Generally, an endoscope is a device inserted into an organ requiring examination to visually assess its structure and condition by inflating the lumen with gas or liquid; it is used for examinations when there are problems with the digestive, respiratory, genitourinary, and joint systems.

[0003] Endoscopy is a medical instrument that plays a very important role for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, as it allows for the direct visualization of tissue lesions without surgical incision, enables the collection of specimens for tissue biopsy and cytological examination as needed, and can also remove abnormal lesions.

[0004] Since endoscopes come into direct contact with the patient's mucosa or penetrate the mucosal barrier during surgeries such as biopsies, polypectomies, and submucosal dissections, thorough reprocessing of endoscopes, endoscopic channels, endoscopic components, and reusable endoscopic accessories is essential to prevent cross-infection between patients using endoscopes.

[0005]

[0006] Meanwhile, recently, minimally invasive surgical techniques are widely used to perform surgery by inserting surgical instruments into the patient's or the subject's body through minimal holes or small incisions to minimize the incision required for the operation.

[0007] Minimally invasive surgery is considered a priority among various surgical techniques because it has the advantage of reducing the surgical burden by allowing for smaller incisions, resulting in smaller skin scars, and faster patient recovery.

[0008] The most common form of minimally invasive surgery is endoscopic surgery, which is applied to diseases of the abdomen, uterus, thyroid, and joints; among these, the most common form is laparoscopic surgery, which involves minimally invasive examination and operation within the abdominal cavity.

[0009] Standard laparoscopic surgery proceeds by filling the patient's abdomen with gas, making at least one small incision to provide an entry point for laparoscopic surgical instruments, and inserting a trocar through the incision. At this stage, it is common practice to insert laparoscopic surgical instruments into the surgical site through the trocar and manipulate them from outside the abdominal cavity.

[0010] Meanwhile, a catheter is a tube inserted into body cavities (pleural cavity, peritoneal cavity) or organs (esophagus, stomach, intestines, bladder, ureters, blood vessels), etc., and is used to secure a passage for the injection of medication or the insertion of sensors.

[0011] In this way, it is desirable to use endoscopic channels, catheters, trocars, or tubes used for medical purposes that are inserted into human organs as single-use items rather than reusing them whenever possible, thereby preventing secondary infections that may occur when reused.

[0012] However, most ornamental medical devices are expensive, and the reality is that they are being reused after cleaning and disinfection, rather than being discarded after a single use, depending on the needs of hospital environments.

[0013] While the exterior of tubular medical devices can be easily cleaned and disinfected to the point where impurities are removed and the device can be reused through routine sterilization or washing, it is true that cleaning and disinfecting the interior is not easy. In particular, the endoscope channel serves as a passage for aspirating various organic materials and specimens, as well as for inserting endoscopic accessories such as biopsy forceps, polypectomy snares, and hypodermic needles. If these endoscope channels are not properly cleaned and washed, residues may accumulate and coagulate within the channel. These coagulated residues can form biofilms and frequently release potentially harmful microorganisms. Ultimately, because residues remaining within the endoscope channel can cause cross-infection between patients using the endoscope, their complete removal during cleaning is essential.

[0014] Because the endoscope channel has a long and narrow structure, cleaning is not easy. A typical endoscope reprocessing process can be divided into a step of manually cleaning the exterior and lumen of the endoscope and a step of disinfecting the endoscope by immersing it in a high-grade disinfectant.

[0015] In the manual cleaning step, a brush is traditionally inserted into the channel to scrape out and wipe away residue. This step must be completed thoroughly to effectively perform the subsequent sterilization and disinfection step.

[0016] However, the process of cleaning the endoscope channel with a brush is a manual task that involves directly inserting a brush as long as the channel into the channel, which requires significant time and physical labor; therefore, it is very cumbersome and may result in incomplete cleaning.

[0017] When using a brush with the endoscope shaft bent, a cleaning blind spot occurs because the brush moves mainly along the outer wall of the working channel, and the bristles hardly come into contact with the inside of the curve.

[0018] Furthermore, since residue is removed by the brush bristles directly scraping the inner surface of the channel, friction over the long term causes scratches on the inner surface. As these scratched areas are difficult to clean with a brush, residue accumulates, leading to the proliferation of harmful microorganisms and bacteria.

[0019] Accordingly, cleaning methods designed to remove residue and provide a cleaning effect for using such ornamental medical devices for examinations of other patients have been continuously sought, as presented in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2015-0102575 and Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2013-0000043.

[0020] To remove residue attached to the inside of a tubular medical device, a cleaning solution was aspirated and then cleaned using a brush that can be inserted into the tubule, and methods were used to sterilize the tubular medical device with hot steam, expose it to ethylene oxide gas, or perform heat drying or ultrasonic cleaning.

[0021] However, such conventional cleaning methods for tubular medical devices have problems, such as being difficult to use when the medical device is sensitive to heat, potentially causing adverse effects on the human body due to chemicals, and failing to achieve sufficient cleaning effects.

[0022] Furthermore, conventional cleaning of tubular medical devices using brushes inevitably results in blind spots that the brush cannot reach depending on the position and shape of the brush inserted into the tubule, and there is a problem in that sufficient cleaning effect cannot be obtained even if this is compensated for by spraying cleaning solution.

[0023]

[0024] Meanwhile, to solve the conventional problems, a method has been proposed to clean tubular medical devices by inserting many cleaning balls ranging in size from several mm to several cm into the interior of the tubular medical device along with a cleaning solution such as water.

[0025] A cleaning ball is inserted into the interior of a tubular medical device requiring cleaning along with a cleaning solution, and as the cleaning ball is injected and discharged, it scrapes and removes residue from the inner wall.

[0026] Compared to conventional cleaning balls, this type of cleaning ball can easily remove residue from inside tubular medical devices without any blind spots.

[0027]

[0028] However, conventional cleaning balls are made by winding yarn fibers onto a spool under strong pressure, which presents a problem in that product manufacturing is very difficult.

[0029] There is a problem in that it is very difficult to manufacture conventional cleaning balls, making it difficult to mass-produce them at once, and even if one tries to make them into a ball of yarn shape by bundling simple fibers without failure, it is not easy to manufacture them.

[0030] The present invention was developed to improve upon the aforementioned problems. The first objective of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing cleaning balls for tubular medical devices and cleaning balls for tubular medical devices manufactured by the cleaning ball manufacturing method, wherein a plurality of semi-grooves are formed on the upper surface of a lower jig and the lower surface of an upper jig, and a plurality of polymers are arranged using a plurality of adsorption nozzles of an adsorber and then pressure-cut, thereby enabling the simultaneous production of a large number of cleaning balls in a single manufacturing process.

[0031]

[0032] The second objective of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device and a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device manufactured by said method, wherein by laminating a film onto the surfaces of a lower fabric and an upper fabric, the surfaces of the lower fabric and the upper fabric can be protected by the film and strength and safety can be improved during the manufacturing process of the cleaning ball.

[0033]

[0034] The third objective of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device and a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device manufactured by the cleaning ball manufacturing method, wherein, when moving a plurality of polymers to the upper part of a lower fabric while lowering the adsorption nozzle of the adsorber, a position guide projection is guided to be inserted into the position guide hole of the lower fabric so that the adsorption nozzle of the adsorber can settle the polymers in the correct position, and furthermore, the upper jig is lowered to settle the upper part of the polymers within a semi-groove, and the position guide projection is inserted into the position guide hole of the lower fabric so that the upper jig cuts the lower fabric and the upper fabric while compressing them at the correct position.

[0035]

[0036] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0037] To achieve the above objective, a method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for scraping off residue (30) attached to the inner surface of a tubular medical device (10), comprising: a first step (S110) of positioning a lower fabric (200) on top of a lower jig (100) having a plurality of semi-grooves (110) formed in a grid pattern on its upper surface; and a second step (S120) of moving a plurality of polymers (610) to the upper surface of the lower fabric (200) using an adsorber (300) equipped with a plurality of adsorbent nozzles (310) arranged in a grid pattern, wherein the polymers (610) are positioned so as to align with the vertical line of the semi-grooves (110), and then pressurized to settle the lower portion of the polymers (610) inside the semi-grooves (110). The technical features include: a third step (S130) of positioning the upper fabric (400) on the upper side of the lower fabric (200) so that the polymer (610) is positioned between the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400); and a fourth step (S140) of lowering an upper jig (500) having a plurality of semi-grooves (510) formed in a grid pattern on its lower surface and pressing it against the lower jig (100) to seat the upper part of the polymer (610) inside the semi-grooves (110), while cutting the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400) while compressing them to manufacture a spherical cleaning ball (600).

[0038]

[0039] A method for manufacturing cleaning balls for a tubular medical device according to the first embodiment of the present invention forms a plurality of semi-grooves (110) (510) on the upper surface of a lower jig (100) and the lower surface of an upper jig (500), and by using a plurality of adsorption nozzles (310) of an adsorber (300) to arrange a plurality of polymers (610) and then pressurize them, a plurality of cleaning balls (600) can be produced in large quantities simultaneously in a single manufacturing process.

[0040]

[0041] Additionally, the cleaning ball (600) may be manufactured from a fiber fabric material having a rough surface, with the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400), and the polymer (610) may be formed from any one of silicone, elastomer, sodium polyacrylate, or polyacrylate ester so that it absorbs the cleaning liquid and expands or gels as the cleaning liquid penetrates into it, and maintains its spherical shape even under external pressure.

[0042]

[0043] Meanwhile, the method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a cleaning ball (600) for scraping off and removing residue (30) attached to the inner surface of a tubular medical device (10), comprising: a first step (S210) of laminating a film (700) having a plurality of through holes (710) in a grid pattern on each of the lower surface of a lower fabric (200) and the upper surface of an upper fabric (400); and a second step (S220) of positioning the lower fabric (200) on the upper surface of a lower jig (100) having a plurality of semi-grooves (110) formed in a grid pattern on the upper surface. A third step (S230) of moving a plurality of polymers (610) to the upper part of the lower fabric (200) using an adsorber (300) equipped with a plurality of adsorption nozzles (310) formed in a grid pattern, and then placing the polymers (610) so as to align with the vertical line of the semi-groove (110) and then applying pressure to settle the lower part of the polymers (610) inside the semi-groove (110); a fourth step (S240) of positioning the upper fabric (400) on the upper side of the lower fabric (200) so that the polymers (610) are positioned between the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400). The technical features include a fifth step (S250) of manufacturing a spherical cleaning ball (600) by lowering an upper jig (500) having a plurality of semi-grooves (510) formed in a grid pattern on the lower surface and pressing it against the lower jig (100) to seat the upper portion of the polymer (610) inside the semi-grooves (110), while cutting the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400) while compressing them.

[0044]

[0045] In the method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, during the manufacturing process of the cleaning ball (600), the film (700) can protect the surface of the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400) and improve strength and safety. That is, it has the effect of contributing to stable production without tearing or damage to the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400).

[0046]

[0047] The diameter of the above through hole (710) can be formed to be larger than the diameter of the above semi-groove (110) (510).

[0048] The diameter of the through hole (710) is formed to be larger than the diameter of the semi-groove (110), so that when the upper jig (500) and the lower jig (100) interlock to cut and compress the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400) to manufacture the cleaning ball (600), interference by the film (700) can be prevented.

[0049]

[0050] Meanwhile, the method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device according to the third embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a cleaning ball (600) for scraping off and removing residue (30) attached to the inner surface of a tubular medical device (10), comprising: a first step (S310) of laminating a film (700) having a plurality of through holes (710) in a grid pattern on each of the lower surface of a lower fabric (200) and the upper surface of an upper fabric (400), and then drilling a plurality of guide holes (G2) in a grid pattern; and a second step (S320) of positioning the lower fabric (200) on the upper surface of a lower jig (100) having a plurality of semi-grooves (110) formed in a grid pattern and a position guide projection (G1) formed thereon. A third step (S330) of moving a plurality of polymers (610) to the upper part of the lower fabric (200) using an adsorber (300) equipped with a plurality of adsorption nozzles (310) formed in a grid pattern, and then placing the polymers (610) so as to align with the vertical line of the semi-groove (110) and then applying pressure to settle the lower part of the polymers (610) inside the semi-groove (110); and a fourth step (S340) of positioning the upper fabric (400) on the upper side of the lower fabric (200) so that the polymers (610) are positioned between the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400). Step 5 (S350), wherein the upper jig (500), having a plurality of semi-grooves (510) formed in a grid pattern on the lower surface and a position guide projection (G1) formed thereon, is lowered and pressed against the lower jig (100) to seat the upper portion of the polymer (610) inside the semi-grooves (150), while the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400) are cut while being compressed to manufacture a spherical cleaning ball (600);Including, in the third step (S330), the adsorption nozzle (310) of the adsorber (300) is lowered to move a plurality of polymers (610) to the upper part of the lower fabric (200), wherein the position guide projection (G1) is inserted into the position guide hole (G2) of the lower fabric (200) to perform a process in which the adsorption nozzle (310) of the adsorber (300) places the polymers (610) in the correct position, and in the fifth step (S350), the upper jig (500) is lowered to place the upper part of the polymers (610) inside the semi-groove (110), wherein the position guide projection (G1) is inserted into the position guide hole (G2) of the lower fabric so that the upper jig (500) cuts the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400) while compressing them in the correct position. Perform the process.

[0051]

[0052] In addition, the above film (700) may be made of either a PP film or a PE film.

[0053]

[0054] In addition, a round portion (122) is formed on the upper part of the position guide projection (G1) so that the position guide projection (G1) can be smoothly inserted into the position guide groove (G2).

[0055]

[0056] Meanwhile, the cleaning ball (600) manufactured by the cleaning ball manufacturing method according to the present invention has a molded fabric (620) that wraps around the outer surface of the polymer (610) in a spherical shape, and a flange portion (630) is integrally formed at the joint portion of the molded fabric (620).

[0057] The flange portion (630) is formed with a structure that protrudes outward so as to scrape the inner wall of the tubular medical device (10) to remove residue (30).

[0058] As explained above, the present invention has the following effects.

[0059] First, by forming multiple semi-grooves on the upper surface of the lower jig and the lower surface of the upper jig, and by using multiple adsorption nozzles of the adsorber to arrange multiple polymers and then pressure cutting, a large number of cleaning balls can be manufactured simultaneously in a single manufacturing process.

[0060] Second, by undergoing a simplified manufacturing process in which a polymer is pressed onto the upper surface of a lower fabric using an adsorber to maintain a firm position, an upper fabric is laminated on top of the polymer, and then compressed and cut through the interlocking of an upper jig and a lower jig, the productivity of the cleaning ball is improved, making mass production easier.

[0061] Third, by laminating a film onto the surface (upper or lower surface) of the lower fabric and the upper fabric to protect the entire surface of the lower fabric and the upper fabric and to increase strength and stability, it can contribute to stable production without tearing or damage to the lower fabric and the upper fabric.

[0062] Fourth, by using a suction device to apply pressure to the upper surface of the lower fabric to firmly maintain its position, stacking the upper fabric on top of the polymer, and then compressing and cutting it through the interlocking of the upper jig and the lower jig, the productivity of the cleaning ball is improved, making mass production easy.

[0063] Fifth, when moving multiple polymers to the upper surface of the lower fabric while lowering the suction nozzle of the suction device, the position guide projection is guided to be inserted into the position guide hole of the lower fabric so that the suction nozzle of the suction device can settle the polymers in the correct position. Additionally, the upper jig is lowered to settle the upper surface of the polymers within the semi-groove, and the position guide projection is inserted into the position guide hole of the lower fabric so that the upper jig can stably compress and cut the lower fabric and the upper fabric at the correct position.

[0064] Sixth, a polymer is placed inside the cleaning ball and wrapped with a molded fabric having surface roughness, and the compression portion of the molded fabric is formed with a flange protruding outward, thereby having the effect of completely removing residue from the inside of the tubular medical device without any blind spots.

[0065] Seventh, the polymer contained in the cleaning ball enables the cleaning ball to maintain its original shape even under external pressure, thereby increasing cleaning efficiency.

[0066] Eighth, the molded fabric covering the polymer in the cleaning ball expands due to the infiltrated cleaning solution, which increases the surface area of ​​the cleaning ball. As it passes through the inner circumference of the tubular medical device while filling it completely, it effectively removes residues and increases overall cleaning efficiency.

[0067]

[0068] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims.

[0069] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] FIGS. 2 to 6 are drawings illustrating the manufacturing process of a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] FIGS. 8 and 9 are drawings illustrating the manufacturing process of a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] FIGS. 11 to 15 are drawings illustrating the manufacturing process of a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the usage state of a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device according to the present invention.

[0076] Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention and a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device manufactured by the cleaning ball manufacturing method will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0077] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 to 6 are drawings explaining a manufacturing process for a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, the method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for scraping off and removing residue (30) attached to the inner surface of a tubular medical device (10), and is characterized by the technical feature of manufacturing a large number of cleaning balls (600) simultaneously in a single manufacturing process.

[0079]

[0080] The method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device according to the first embodiment of the present invention has the following technical features: a first step (S110) of positioning a lower fabric (200) on the upper side of a lower jig (100); a second step (S120) of using an adsorber (300) equipped with a plurality of adsorption nozzles (310) arranged in a grid pattern to position a plurality of polymers (610) so as to align with the vertical line of the semi-groove (110) of the lower fabric (200) and then applying pressure; a third step (S130) of positioning an upper fabric (400) on the upper side of the lower fabric (200) so that the polymers (610) are positioned between the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400); and a fourth step (S140) of lowering the upper jig (500) and cutting while pressing against the lower jig (100) to manufacture a spherical cleaning ball (600).

[0081]

[0082] To examine in detail the method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a medical device for ornamental use according to the first embodiment of the present invention, first, in the first step (S110), a lower fabric (200) is positioned on the upper surface of a lower jig (100) having a plurality of semi-grooves (110) formed in a grid pattern on its upper surface. Here, a grid pattern refers to a shape configured such that horizontal and vertical lines are arranged at regular intervals at right angles, like a checkerboard. In the second step (S120), while the lower fabric (200) is wound in a roll form, a plurality of polymers (610) are moved to the upper surface of the lower fabric (200) using an adsorber (300) equipped with a plurality of adsorbent nozzles (310) arranged in a grid pattern. After arranging the polymers (610) so as to align with the vertical line of the semi-grooves (110), the lower portion of the polymers (610) is pressed to settle into the semi-grooves (110).

[0083] The adsorber (300) uses vacuum pressure to adsorb a plurality of polymers (610), moves them to the upper surface of the lower fabric (300), and then arranges them in a grid pattern on the upper surface of the lower fabric (300).

[0084] The adsorber (300) is equipped with a plurality of adsorption nozzles (310) to adsorb each polymer (610) individually. The pattern of the adsorption nozzles (310) has the same pattern as the semi-groove portion (110) of the lower jig (100), so that the polymer (610) and the semi-groove portion (110) are aligned on a vertical line.

[0085]

[0086] In the third step (S130) above, the upper fabric (400) is positioned on the upper side of the lower fabric (200) so that the polymer (610) is positioned between the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400).

[0087] In the above fourth step (S140), an upper jig (500) having a plurality of semi-grooves (510) formed in a grid pattern on its lower surface is lowered and pressed against a lower jig (100) to seat the upper portion of the polymer (610) inside the semi-grooves (110), while cutting the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400) while compressing them to manufacture a spherical cleaning ball (600).

[0088]

[0089] A method for manufacturing cleaning balls for a tubular medical device according to the first embodiment of the present invention forms a plurality of semi-grooves (110) (510) on the upper surface of a lower jig (100) and the lower surface of an upper jig (500), respectively, and by using a plurality of adsorption nozzles (310) of an adsorber (300) to arrange a plurality of polymers (610) and then pressurize them, a plurality of cleaning balls (600) can be manufactured in large quantities simultaneously in a single manufacturing process.

[0090]

[0091] The cleaning ball (600) is manufactured from a fiber fabric material having a rough surface, with a lower fabric (200) and an upper fabric (400), and the polymer (610) can be formed from any one of silicone, elastomer, sodium polyacrylate, or polyacrylic acid ester so that it absorbs the cleaning liquid as it penetrates into the interior, expands or gels, and maintains its spherical shape even under external pressure.

[0092]

[0093] Meanwhile, FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIGs. 8 and 9 are drawings explaining the manufacturing process of a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for scraping off residue (30) attached to the inner surface of a tubular medical device (10), and is characterized by the technical feature of being able to protect the surfaces of the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400) and improve strength and safety by laminating a film (700) having a plurality of through holes (710) in a grid pattern on each of the lower surface of the lower fabric (200) and the upper surface of the upper fabric (400) during the manufacturing process of the cleaning ball (600).

[0095]

[0096] A method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device according to a second embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first step (S210) of laminating a film (700) having a plurality of through holes (710) in a grid pattern on each of the lower surface of a lower fabric (200) and the upper surface of an upper fabric (400); a second step (S220) of positioning the lower fabric (200) on the upper surface of a lower jig (100); a third step (S230) of using an adsorber (300) equipped with an adsorption nozzle (310) to press a plurality of polymers (610) so as to align with the vertical line of the semi-groove (110) of the lower jig (100) to seat the lower portion of the polymers (610) inside the semi-groove (110); and a fourth step (S240) of positioning the polymers (610) between the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400). The technical features include a fifth step (S250) of manufacturing a spherical cleaning ball (600) by cutting and compressing the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400) while lowering the upper jig (500).

[0097]

[0098] To examine in detail the method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, first, in the first step (S210), a film (700) having a plurality of through holes (710) in a grid pattern is laminated onto the lower surface of the lower fabric (200) and the upper surface of the upper fabric (400), respectively.

[0099] In this embodiment, a film (700) is laminated to the lower surface of the lower fabric (200) and a film (710) is laminated to the upper surface of the upper fabric (400); however, conversely, a film (700) may be laminated to the upper surface of the lower fabric (200) and a film (710) may be laminated to the lower surface of the upper fabric (400).

[0100]

[0101] In the second step (S220) above, a lower fabric (200) is positioned on the upper part of a lower jig (100) having a plurality of semi-grooves (110) formed in a grid pattern on its upper surface.

[0102]

[0103] In the third step (S230), a plurality of polymers (610) are moved to the upper part of the lower fabric (200) using an adsorber (300) equipped with a plurality of adsorption nozzles (310) formed in a grid pattern, and after arranging the polymers (610) so as to align with the vertical line of the semi-groove (110), the lower part of the polymers (610) is placed inside the semi-groove (110) by applying pressure.

[0104]

[0105] In the above fourth step (S240), the upper fabric (400) is positioned on the upper side of the lower fabric (200) so that the polymer (610) is positioned between the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400).

[0106]

[0107] In the above fifth step (S250), an upper jig (500) having a plurality of semi-grooves (510) formed in a grid pattern on its lower surface is lowered and pressed against a lower jig (100) to seat the upper portion of the polymer (610) inside the semi-grooves (110), while the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400) are compressed and cut to manufacture a spherical cleaning ball (600).

[0108]

[0109] In the manufacturing process of the cleaning ball (600) of the present invention, the film (700) can protect the surfaces of the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400) and improve strength and safety.

[0110] That is, since the film (710) is laminated to the lower surface of the lower fabric (200), the film (710) comes into contact with the upper surface of the lower jig (100) first. Additionally, since the film (710) is laminated to the upper surface of the upper fabric (400), the film (700) comes into contact with the lower surface of the upper jig (500) first. Accordingly, the strength and safety of the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400) are increased, thereby effectively preventing tearing or damage to the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400) that may occur during the manufacturing process.

[0111]

[0112] The diameter of the above through hole (710) is formed to be larger than the diameter of the semi-groove (110), so that when the upper jig (500) and the lower jig (100) interlock to cut and compress the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400) to manufacture the cleaning ball (600), interference by the film (700) can be prevented.

[0113]

[0114] Meanwhile, FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 11 to 15 are drawings explaining the manufacturing process of a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 15, the method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device according to the third embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for scraping off and removing residue (30) attached to the inner surface of a tubular medical device (10), and is characterized by the technical feature of having a position guide projection (G1) and a position guide hole (G2) to guide the suction device (300) and the upper jig (500) to be aligned in the correct position when they descend.

[0116]

[0117] A method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device according to a third embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first step (S310) of laminating a film (700) having a plurality of through holes (710) in a grid pattern on each of the lower surface of a lower fabric (200) and the upper surface of an upper fabric (400), and then perforating a plurality of guide holes (G2) in a grid pattern; and a second step (S320) of positioning the lower fabric (200) on the upper surface of a lower jig (100) having a plurality of semi-grooves (110) formed in a grid pattern and a position guide projection (G1) formed thereon. A third step (S330) of moving a plurality of polymers (610) to the upper part of a lower fabric (200) using an adsorber (300) equipped with a plurality of adsorption nozzles (310) formed in a grid pattern, and then placing the polymers (610) so as to align with the vertical line of the semi-groove (110) and then applying pressure to settle the lower part of the polymers (610) inside the semi-groove (110); a fourth step (S340) of positioning the upper fabric (400) on the upper side of the lower fabric (200) so that the polymers (610) are positioned between the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400); A fifth step (S350) of manufacturing a spherical cleaning ball (600) by lowering an upper jig (500) having a plurality of semi-grooves (510) formed in a grid pattern on the lower surface and a position guide projection (G1) formed thereon, and pressing it against a lower magnetic (100) to seat the upper part of the polymer (610) inside the semi-grooves (150), while cutting the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400) while compressing them.

[0118]

[0119] In the above third step (S330), the adsorption nozzle (310) of the adsorber (300) is lowered to move a plurality of polymers (610) to the upper part of the lower fabric (200), and a process is performed in which a position guide projection (G1) is inserted into the position guide hole (G2) of the lower fabric (200) so that the adsorption nozzle (310) of the adsorber (300) settles the polymers (610) in the correct position.

[0120] In other words, rather than simply positioning the lower fabric (200) on the upper part of the lower jig (100), by maintaining the position guide projection (G1) inserted into the position guide hole (G2) of the lower fabric (200), the lower fabric (200) positioned on the upper part of the lower jig (100) is more firmly seated in the correct position. Even during the process of applying pressure to and positioning the polymer (610) on the upper part of the lower fabric (200) using the suction device (300), the lower fabric (200) positioned on the upper part of the lower jig (100) can firmly maintain its correct position without any change in position.

[0121]

[0122] Then, in the above fifth step (S350), the upper jig (500) is lowered to place the upper portion of the polymer (610) into the semi-groove (110), and the position guide projection (G1) is inserted into the position guide hole (G2) of the lower fabric (200), thereby performing a cutting process in which the upper jig (500) compresses the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400) at the correct position.

[0123]

[0124] Furthermore, in the compression and cutting process, when the upper jig is lowered, the upper jig is lowered vertically downward with the position guide projection (G1) inserted into the position guide groove (G2), thereby allowing the compression and cutting process to be performed more stably without shaking.

[0125]

[0126] And since a laminating film (700) is formed on the lower part of the lower fabric (200), the lower fabric (200) can be firmly fixed to the upper part of the lower jig (100) with improved strength and safety by means of the film (700). The film (700) can be either a PP film or a PE film.

[0127]

[0128] A round portion (122) is formed on the upper part of the position guide projection (G1) to allow the position guide projection (G1) to be smoothly inserted into the position guide groove (G2). That is, the round portion (122) serves to allow the position guide projection (G1) to be inserted smoothly and slide-like when inserted into the position guide groove (G2).

[0129]

[0130] Meanwhile, FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the usage state of a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device according to the present invention.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 16, the cleaning ball (600) of the present invention is manufactured from a fiber fabric material having a rough surface, with a lower fabric (200) and an upper fabric (400), and the polymer (610) can be formed from any one of silicone, elastomer, sodium polyacrylate, or polyacrylic acid ester so that it absorbs the cleaning liquid as it penetrates into the interior, expands or gels, and maintains its spherical shape even under external pressure.

[0132] In the cleaning ball (600) of the present invention, the molded fabric (620) wraps around the outer surface of the polymer (610) in a spherical shape, and a flange portion (630) is integrally formed at the joint portion of the molded fabric (620).

[0133] The flange portion (630) is formed with a structure that protrudes outward so as to scrape the inner wall of the tubular medical device (10) to remove residue (30).

[0134]

[0135] The usage state of the cleaning ball for a tubular medical device according to the present invention is described below.

[0136] A tubular medical device (10) that inserts surgical tools into the body and performs surgery requires cleaning and disinfection depending on use, and contains residue (30) generated by aspirating various organic materials and specimens inside and inserting endoscopic accessory instruments such as biopsy forceps, polypectomy snares, and injection needles.

[0137] To clean the tubular medical device (10), the cleaning process can be performed by ultrasonic cleaning or by immersing the tubular medical device (10) in a cleaning container. In order to completely clean and disinfect the inside of the tubular medical device (10), a cleaning process is performed by injecting and discharging a separate cleaning solution into the tubular medical device (1). At this time, the cleaning solution (20) may be saline solution, water, or a solution containing a disinfectant.

[0138] The cleaning ball (600) is injected into the interior of the tubular medical device (10) together with the cleaning solution (20), but may also be injected separately from the cleaning solution (20) if necessary.

[0139] The cleaning ball (600) for a tubular medical device according to the present invention is manufactured from a fiber fabric material having surface roughness and is formed in a spherical shape having a polymer (610) inside.

[0140] The cleaning ball (610) is injected into the interior of the tubular medical device along with the cleaning solution (20) and is discharged to the outside while scraping away and removing residue attached to the inner surface of the tubular medical device (20).

[0141] Specifically, the cleaning ball (600) is made of a fiber fabric material having surface roughness, but other materials having surface roughness may also be used. A polymer (610) is located inside, and the outside is configured such that a molded fabric (620) is formed by compressing and cutting the fiber fabric material to surround the polymer (610) in a spherical shape.

[0142] The polymer (610) has elasticity of its own and maintains its shape, or absorbs and expands or gels as the cleaning liquid (20) penetrates, thereby enabling the cleaning ball (600) to maintain its spherical shape even under external pressure.

[0143] The shape retention of the cleaning ball (600) by the polymer (610) maximizes cleaning efficiency by sufficiently scraping and removing residue (30) of the tubular medical device (20) as it passes through the interior of the tubular medical device (20). To this end, the polymer (610) is formed from one of the following materials: silicone elastomer, sodium polyacrylate, or polyacrylic acid ester. Additionally, a flange portion (630) protruding outward is formed at the joint portion of the molded fabric (620).

[0144] The flange portion (630) serves to more easily scrape the inner wall of the tubular medical device (20) to remove residue (30).

[0145] Furthermore, the cleaning ball (600) has the effect of increasing cleaning efficiency by allowing the inner wall of the tubular medical device (20) to be scraped as the surface area of ​​the molded fabric (20) expands due to the cleaning liquid (30) according to the material properties.

[0146] Meanwhile, the cleaning ball (600) has a size ranging from several mm to several cm depending on the shape and size of the tubular medical device (20). As the cleaning liquid (30) penetrates the molded fabric (620), the cleaning ball (600) expands and is positioned to tightly fill the inner wall of the tubular medical device (20) with an increased surface area.

[0147] The cleaning ball (600), which is expanded by the suction pressure of the injected cleaning solution (30), moves along the inner surface of the tubular medical device (20) while filling the inner wall of the tubular medical device (20), and cleans and disinfects the inner wall while more completely removing the residue (30) inside the tubular medical device (20).

[0148] Accordingly, the cleaning ball (600) for a tubular medical device according to the present invention can completely remove residue (30) without any cleaning blind spots inside the tubular medical device (10).

[0149]

[0150] As explained above, the present invention has the following effects.

[0151] First, by forming multiple semi-grooves on the upper surface of the lower jig and the lower surface of the upper jig, and by using multiple adsorption nozzles of the adsorber to arrange multiple polymers and then pressure cutting, a large number of cleaning balls can be manufactured simultaneously in a single manufacturing process.

[0152] Second, by undergoing a simplified manufacturing process in which a polymer is pressed onto the upper surface of a lower fabric using an adsorber to maintain a firm position, an upper fabric is laminated on top of the polymer, and then compressed and cut through the interlocking of an upper jig and a lower jig, the productivity of the cleaning ball is improved, making mass production easier.

[0153] Third, by laminating a film onto the surface (upper or lower surface) of the lower fabric and the upper fabric to protect the entire surface of the lower fabric and the upper fabric and to increase strength and stability, it can contribute to stable production without tearing or damage to the lower fabric and the upper fabric.

[0154] Fourth, by using a suction device to apply pressure to the upper surface of the lower fabric to firmly maintain its position, stacking the upper fabric on top of the polymer, and then compressing and cutting it through the interlocking of the upper jig and the lower jig, the productivity of the cleaning ball is improved, making mass production easy.

[0155] Fifth, when moving multiple polymers to the upper surface of the lower fabric while lowering the suction nozzle of the suction device, the position guide projection is guided to be inserted into the position guide hole of the lower fabric so that the suction nozzle of the suction device can settle the polymers in the correct position. Additionally, the upper jig is lowered to settle the upper surface of the polymers within the semi-groove, and the position guide projection is inserted into the position guide hole of the lower fabric so that the upper jig can stably compress and cut the lower fabric and the upper fabric at the correct position.

[0156] Sixth, a polymer is placed inside the cleaning ball and wrapped with a molded fabric having surface roughness, and the compression portion of the molded fabric is formed with a flange protruding outward, thereby having the effect of completely removing residue from the inside of the tubular medical device without any blind spots.

[0157] Seventh, the polymer contained in the cleaning ball enables the cleaning ball to maintain its original shape even under external pressure, thereby increasing cleaning efficiency.

[0158] Eighth, the molded fabric covering the polymer in the cleaning ball expands due to the infiltrated cleaning solution, which increases the surface area of ​​the cleaning ball. As it passes through the inner circumference of the tubular medical device while filling it completely, it effectively removes residues and increases overall cleaning efficiency.

[0159]

[0160] Meanwhile, the present specification and drawings disclose preferred embodiments of the present invention. Although specific terms have been used, they are used merely in a general sense to facilitate the explanation of the technical content of the invention and to aid in understanding the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0161] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that, in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein, other variations based on the technical concept of the present invention are possible.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for scraping off and removing residue (30) attached to the inner surface of a tubular medical device (10), A first step (S110) of positioning a lower fabric (200) on the upper part of a lower jig (100) having a plurality of semi-grooves (110) formed in a grid pattern on the upper surface; A second step (S120) of moving a plurality of polymers (610) to the upper part of the lower fabric (200) using an adsorber (300) equipped with a plurality of adsorption nozzles (310) arranged in a grid pattern, and then placing the polymers (610) so as to align with the vertical line of the semi-groove (110) and then applying pressure to settle the lower part of the polymers (610) inside the semi-groove (110); A third step (S130) of positioning the upper fabric (400) on the upper side of the lower fabric (200) so that the polymer (610) is positioned between the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400); and A fourth step (S140) of lowering an upper jig (500) having a plurality of semi-grooves (510) formed in a grid pattern on its lower surface and pressing it against the lower jig (100) to seat the upper portion of the polymer (610) inside the semi-grooves (110), while cutting the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400) while compressing them to manufacture a spherical cleaning ball (600); comprising a cleaning ball manufacturing method for a tubular medical device.

2. In Paragraph 1, A method for manufacturing cleaning balls for a tubular medical device, characterized by forming a plurality of the above-mentioned semi-grooves (110) (510) on the upper surface of the lower jig (100) and the lower surface of the upper jig (500), and then using a plurality of adsorption nozzles (310) of the adsorber (300) to arrange a plurality of polymers (610) and apply pressure, thereby simultaneously manufacturing a plurality of cleaning balls (600) in a single manufacturing process.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above cleaning ball (600) is, The lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400) are manufactured from a fiber fabric material having a rough surface, and A method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device, characterized in that the polymer (610) is formed from any one of silicone, elastomer, sodium polyacrylate, or polyacrylate ester so that it absorbs and expands or gels as the cleaning solution penetrates into it, and maintains its spherical shape even under external pressure.

4. A method for manufacturing a cleaning ball (600) for scraping off and removing residue (30) attached to the inner surface of a tubular medical device (10), A first step (S210) of laminating a film (700) having a plurality of through holes (710) of a grid pattern on each of the lower surface of the lower fabric (200) and the upper surface of the upper fabric (400); A second step (S220) of positioning the lower fabric (200) on the upper part of a lower jig (100) having a plurality of semi-grooves (110) formed in a grid pattern on the upper surface; A third step (S230) of moving a plurality of polymers (610) to the upper part of the lower fabric (200) using an adsorber (300) equipped with a plurality of adsorption nozzles (310) formed in a grid pattern, and then placing the polymers (610) so as to align with the vertical line of the semi-groove (110) and then applying pressure to settle the lower part of the polymers (610) inside the semi-groove (110); A fourth step (S240) of positioning the upper fabric (400) on the upper side of the lower fabric (200) so that the polymer (610) is positioned between the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400); and A method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device, comprising: a fifth step (S250) of lowering an upper jig (500) having a plurality of semi-grooves (510) formed in a grid pattern on its lower surface and pressing it against the lower jig (100) to seat the upper portion of the polymer (610) inside the semi-grooves (110), and cutting the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400) while compressing them to manufacture a spherical cleaning ball (600).

5. In Paragraph 4, A method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device, characterized in that, in the manufacturing process of the cleaning ball (600), the film (700) protects the surface of the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400) and improves strength and safety.

6. In Paragraph 4, A method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device, characterized in that the diameter of the through hole (710) is formed to be larger than the diameter of the semi-groove (110) (510).

7. In Paragraph 6, A method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device, characterized in that the diameter of the through hole (710) is formed larger than the diameter of the semi-groove (110), so that when the upper jig (500) and the lower jig (100) interlock to cut and compress the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400) to manufacture the cleaning ball (600), interference by the film (700) is prevented.

8. A method for manufacturing a cleaning ball (600) for scraping off and removing residue (30) attached to the inner surface of a tubular medical device (10), A first step (S310) of laminating a film (700) having a plurality of through holes (710) in a grid pattern on each of the lower surface of the lower fabric (200) and the upper surface of the upper fabric (400), and then perforating a plurality of guide holes (G2) in a grid pattern; A second step (S320) of positioning the lower fabric (200) on the upper part of a lower jig (100) having a plurality of semi-grooves (110) formed in a grid pattern on the upper surface and a position guide projection (G1) formed thereon; A third step (S330) of moving a plurality of polymers (610) to the upper part of the lower fabric (200) using an adsorber (300) equipped with a plurality of adsorption nozzles (310) formed in a grid pattern, and then placing the polymers (610) so as to align with the vertical line of the semi-groove (110) and then applying pressure to settle the lower part of the polymers (610) inside the semi-groove (110); A fourth step (S340) of positioning the upper fabric (400) on the upper side of the lower fabric (200) so that the polymer (610) is positioned between the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400); and A fifth step (S350) comprising lowering the upper jig (500), which has a plurality of semi-grooves (510) formed in a grid pattern on its lower surface and a position guide projection (G1) formed thereon, and pressing it against the lower jig (100) to seat the upper portion of the polymer (610) inside the semi-grooves (150), while cutting the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400) while compressing them to manufacture a spherical cleaning ball (600); wherein In the above third step (S330), a plurality of polymers (610) are moved to the upper part of the lower fabric (200) while the adsorption nozzle (310) of the adsorber (300) is lowered, and a process is performed in which the position guide projection (G1) is inserted into the position guide hole (G2) of the lower fabric (200) so that the adsorption nozzle (310) of the adsorber (300) settles the polymers (610) in the correct position. A method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for an ornamental medical device, characterized in that, in the above 5th step (S350), the upper jig (500) is lowered to seat the upper portion of the polymer (610) within the semi-groove (110), and the position guide projection (G1) is inserted into the position guide hole (G2) of the lower fabric, thereby performing a cutting process in which the upper jig (500) compresses the lower fabric (200) and the upper fabric (400) at the correct position.

9. In Paragraph 8, A method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device, characterized in that the above film (700) is either a PP film or a PE film.

10. In Paragraph 8, A method for manufacturing a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device, wherein a round portion (122) is formed on the upper part of the position guide projection (G1) so that the position guide projection (G1) is inserted into the position guide groove (G2).

11. A cleaning ball (600) manufactured by the cleaning ball manufacturing method described in any one of claims 1 to 10 is characterized in that the molded fabric (620) wraps the outer surface of the polymer (610) in a spherical shape, and a flange portion (630) is integrally formed at the joint portion of the molded fabric (620), for use as a cleaning ball for a tubular medical device.

12. In Paragraph 11, Cleaning ball for a tubular medical device, characterized in that the flange portion (630) is formed in a structure that protrudes outward to scrape the inner wall of the tubular medical device (10) and remove residue (30).

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