JP2000139838A - Device for washing endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To unnecessitate a cleaning work such as brushing by irradiating a photocatalytic part in an endoscope duct with an exciting light. SOLUTION: A syringe or the like is connected to the respective channels 6-9 of an endoscope 1 after usage, water is supplied and stain inside the channels 6-9 is roughly cleaned. Then the optical conductor parts 22a-22c of an optical conductor 22 in a ultraviolet-ray irradiating device 2 are independently connected to the insertion port part 10 of a forceps inserting channel 6 in the endoscope 1, the cylinder 11a of a gas and water supply changeover valve device 11 and the cylinder 12a of a sucking changeover device 12. The irradiating switch 12a of the device 2 is turned-on in this state and, then, ultraviolet-rays are irradiated into the channels 6-9. Thus, the internal reflection of the ultraviolet- rays is repeated inside the channels 6-9, they reach every corner of the channels and contamination organic matters are decomposed by oxidization and removed. Thus, a cleanness is kept without brushing or the like.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an endoscope cleaning apparatus for cleaning an endoscope after use.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, an endoscope is used to clean a channel, a raised portion of a forceps and attached buttons after use to keep the endoscope clean. In particular, the channel tube is made of a material that is difficult to get dirty such as so-called Teflon,
Unless it is washed with a manual brush, there is a possibility that dirt accumulates.

[0003] Since the scale for the endoscope is gradually accumulated on the surface of the washing tank as it is used for a long period of time, it is necessary to periodically clean the inside of the washing layer with a scale remover or the like. In addition, in order to reduce the accumulation of scale and prevent the growth of bacteria and the like, the work of wiping water droplets remaining inside the washing tank with a clean cloth at the end of each day is performed.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope cleaning apparatus capable of keeping the inside of an endoscope channel and its components clean without performing cumbersome cleaning work such as brushing. And Another object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope cleaning apparatus capable of keeping the inside of a cleaning tank or the like clean without performing a troublesome cleaning operation.

[0005]

According to the present invention, there is provided an excitation light irradiating means for irradiating a photocatalytic portion having a photocatalytic action formed in a conduit of an endoscope with an exciting light for exciting the photocatalytic action. An endoscope cleaning apparatus comprising:

Further, the present invention has an excitation light irradiating means for irradiating an excitation light for exciting the photocatalysis to a photocatalytic portion having a photocatalysis formed on a component part of the endoscope. Is an endoscope cleaning apparatus.

Further, the present invention provides a photocatalyst member provided at a portion exposed to a cleaning liquid, at least a surface of which is formed of a material having a photocatalytic action, and an excitation light for exciting the photocatalytic action is applied to the photocatalytic member. An endoscope cleaning device comprising: an excitation light irradiating means for irradiating.

[0008] It is known that a photocatalyst such as titanium oxide has a property of being excited by light energy when receiving light such as ultraviolet light, and strongly decomposing dirt and bacteria adhered to the surface thereof to disappear. . The mechanism is that when exposed to light, electrons and holes are formed on the surface of the catalyst. The electrons react with oxygen in the air to form hydrogen peroxide, and the holes react with a small amount of water on the surface of the catalyst to generate OH radicals of active oxygen, a kind of strong oxidizing power. This oxidation-reduction action sterilizes the catalyst surface, and the attached organic substances are finally decomposed into carbon dioxide and water.

The present invention solves the above problem by applying this function. That is, a portion of the endoscope to which dirt adheres, for example, in a conduit, or a forceps raising base,
A photocatalyst such as titanium oxide or titanium peroxide is formed on the components of the endoscope such as buttons, or the parts exposed to the cleaning liquid such as the cleaning tank by coating, etc., and the dirty endoscope after use and cleaning thereof By irradiating the device with ultraviolet light suitable for catalytic action, dirt and bacteria can be decomposed and cleaned. In addition, by incorporating this ultraviolet irradiation device into the endoscope cleaning device, it is possible to irradiate the endoscope with ultraviolet light in conjunction with the cleaning process by the cleaning device. Reprocessing will be possible.

[0010]

[First Embodiment] A system of an endoscope cleaning apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the endoscope system.

(Configuration) In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an endoscope, and 2 denotes an ultraviolet irradiation device. The endoscope 1 includes an operation unit 3 and an insertion unit 4
And a light guide cable 5. Various types of conduits are formed in the endoscope 1. Here, a forceps insertion channel 6, an air supply channel 7, a water supply channel 8, and a suction channel 9 are provided.

The forceps insertion channel 6 is arranged from the insertion section 4 to the operation section 3, and its tip is open at the tip of the insertion section 4. The proximal end of the forceps insertion channel 6 is connected to an insertion port 10 provided in the operation unit 3.
The distal end of the suction channel 9 is connected to the insertion port 10. Then, a forceps stopper (not shown) is attached to the insertion opening 10 when the endoscope 1 is used.

The operation unit 3 has an air / water switching valve device 1
1 and a suction switching valve device 12 are provided. FIG. 1 shows only the cylinders 11 a and 12 a of the air / water switching valve device 11 and the suction switching valve device 12. In each of the cylinders 11a and 12a, a piston assembly with an operation button (not shown) is detachably mounted. The configurations of the air / water switching valve device 11 and the suction switching valve device 12 may be general ones. Cylinder 11a of air / water switching valve device 11
Is the middle part of the air supply channel 7 and the water supply channel 8
And is in communication with the air supply channel 7 and the water supply channel 8. The cylinder 12a of the suction switching valve device 12 is interposed in the middle of the suction channel 9 and communicates with the suction channel 9.

Air supply channel 7 and water supply channel 8
The suction channel 9 is guided to the connector 13 through the light guide cable 5 and connected to the respective openings 7a, 8a, 9a provided in the connector 13.
The configuration of these parts is the same as that of a general endoscope.

In the endoscope 1 having the above structure, the inner surfaces of the tube members forming the channels 6, 7, 8, 9 respectively, that is, the surfaces on the gas or liquid flow side,
A coating of titanium oxide or titanium peroxide that undergoes a photocatalytic reaction when irradiated with ultraviolet light is applied to form a photocatalytic portion having a photocatalytic action. The coating surface on the inner surface of each channel 6, 7, 8, 9 is formed as a mirror surface.

Incidentally, a fluorine-based antifouling treatment film may be formed on the inner surface of the tube member, and a photocatalyst portion may be formed on this surface. Preferably, the insertion port 10 of the forceps insertion channel 6 and the cylinder 11 of the air / water switching valve device 11 are provided.
a, the inner surface of the cylinder 12a of the suction switching valve device 12 is also formed by coating a photocatalytic portion having a photocatalytic action, and the inner surface thereof is formed as a mirror surface.

On the other hand, the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 includes an ultraviolet light source unit 21 and a flexible optical conduit (optical cable).
The ultraviolet light source unit 21 is provided with an irradiation switch 21a. The distal end portion of the light pipe 22 branches into a plurality of light pipe parts 22a, 22b, 22c,
Connectors 23a, 23b, and 23c are separately provided at the tips of the light pipe portions 22a, 22b, and 22c, respectively. The connector 23a of the light conduit 22a can be connected to the insertion opening 10 of the forceps insertion channel 6, and the connector 23b of the light conduit 22b can be connected to the cylinder 11a of the air / water switching valve device 11. The connector 23c of the light conduit portion 22c can be connected to the cylinder 12a of the suction switching valve device 12.

The connectors 23b and 23c are integrally connected by a connecting member 24 to form a single mounting adapter 25. The mounting adapter 25 is connected to the cylinder 11a in the operation unit 3 of the endoscope 1,
12a is mounted via a packing sheet 26.

(Operation) Each of the channels 6, 7, 8, 9 of the endoscope 1 after use is contaminated with organic matter such as mucus, blood or bacteria of a patient. For this reason, a syringe or the like is connected to the channels 6, 7, 8, and 9 to supply water, and after roughly cleaning dirt, the light pipe portions 22a, 22b, and 22c of the light pipe 22 of the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 are viewed through the inside. Mirror 1
Of the forceps insertion channel 6, the cylinder 11a of the air / water switching valve device 11, the suction switching valve device 1
The two cylinders 12a are separately connected.
In this way, each channel 6, 7, 8,
9 at the entrance portion of the light pipe 22.
By connecting the irradiation switch 21a of the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 after connecting the b, 22c, each channel 6, 7, 8,
Ultraviolet rays are radiated in the inside 9. UV rays on channel 6,
Internal reflection is repeated in 7, 8, and 9, and it reaches every corner. In particular, since the inner surfaces of the channels 6, 7, 8, and 9 are formed as mirror surfaces, the ultraviolet rays
It reaches the end of 8,9. Channels 6, 7, 8,
The titanium oxide or titanium peroxide on the inner surface of 9 oxidizes and decomposes organic substances adhering to the inner surfaces of channels 6, 7, 8, and 9 by its photocatalysis, and decomposes and removes them.

Thereafter, the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 is detached from the endoscope 1 and a normal cleaning step is performed to sufficiently drain the remaining materials in the channels 6, 7, 8, and 9, and the channels 6, 7, 8 , 9 can be highly clean. Therefore, without performing a troublesome cleaning work such as passing a brush or the like into the channels 6, 7, 8, and 9,
The inside of 7, 8, 9 can be cleaned cleanly. Further, the photocatalytic action also has a function of eliminating and poisoning microorganisms such as bacteria, and at the same time, disinfection is performed, so that the subsequent disinfection step can be simplified and made more efficient. Also, the degree of disinfection increases.

[Second Embodiment] An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus.

(Construction) A cleaning tank 33 in which an endoscope 32 is installed is provided in an apparatus main body 31 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus.
A lid 34 for opening and closing the upper opening of the cleaning tank 33 is provided. A tower 35 is provided at the center of the cleaning tank 33 for the purpose of reducing the amount of liquid in the cleaning tank 33. The tower 35 is equipped with a basket 36 for accommodating accessories such as operation buttons and a piston unit of the endoscope 32, and an ultraviolet lamp 37 for irradiating the components in the basket 36 with ultraviolet rays.

The endoscope 32 is provided with a photocatalytic portion having a photocatalytic action in its conduit by coating or the like, similarly to the endoscope 1 in the first embodiment described above. Also,
On the outer surface of the operation buttons and other accessories of the endoscope 32,
A photocatalytic portion having a photocatalytic action is formed by coating titanium oxide or titanium peroxide. Furthermore, a photocatalyst portion is also applied by coating or the like on the surface of the component of the forceps raising base 39 at the distal end portion of the forceps insertion channel in the insertion portion 38 of the endoscope 32.

When the endoscope 32 is installed in the washing tank 33, an ultraviolet lamp 40 is installed so as to face the installation site of the distal end portion of the insertion section 38. The ultraviolet lamp 40 is used to raise the forceps raising table 39 of the endoscope 32.
Is irradiated with ultraviolet light. The basket 36
A photocatalyst part having a photocatalytic action may be formed on the surface of.

A discharge port 41 for jetting a flowing liquid is provided on the inner wall of the cleaning tank 33. The discharge port 41 injects high-pressure water or a disinfectant from this, and cleans or disinfects the outer surface of the endoscope 32 with the flowing liquid.

The apparatus main body 31 has an ultraviolet irradiation device 42
Is incorporated. The ultraviolet irradiator 42 includes an ultraviolet generator 43, an optical connector 44 provided on a side wall of the cleaning tank 33, an optical cable 45 connecting the ultraviolet generator 43 and the optical connector 44, and an optical connector 44.
And a plurality of flexible optical conduit portions 46a, 46b, 46c that can be extended into the cleaning tank 33.

Each of the light conduits 46a, 46b, 46c is individually connected to a channel of the endoscope 32. This connection method is the same as that of the first embodiment. Then, by connecting the light conduits 46a, 46b, 46c to the channels (conduits) of the endoscope 32, respectively, the light from the ultraviolet generator 43 to the optical cable 4
The ultraviolet rays transmitted through the optical connector 5 and the optical connector 44 can be irradiated into the channel of the endoscope 32 through the optical conduits 46a, 46b, 46c.

(Operation) Next, the operation of the endoscope cleaning device will be described. First, the used endoscope 32 is set in the cleaning tank 33, and the light conduits 46a, 46b, 46c of the ultraviolet irradiation device 42 are inserted into the channel entrance of the endoscope 32.
Respectively. The accessory of the endoscope 32 is the basket 3
6, and the lid 34 of the cleaning tank 33 is closed.

When the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus is started, cleaning water is sprayed from the discharge port 41 onto the outer surface of the endoscope 32,
Washed. During or after this step, the ultraviolet ray generator 43 and the ultraviolet lamps 37 and 40 are operated to irradiate the inside of the channel of the endoscope 32 coated with titanium oxide, the forceps raising table 39 and the attached buttons with ultraviolet rays. The titanium oxide irradiated with the ultraviolet rays decomposes and removes contaminant organic substances adhered to the inner surface of the channel of the endoscope 32, the forceps raising base 39 and the attached buttons by a photocatalytic action. They can be cleaned without any cumbersome cleaning work such as brushing.

Next, when disinfecting the endoscope 32, in this step, a disinfectant is sprayed onto the outer surface of the endoscope 1 from the discharge port 41, and the endoscope 32 is immersed in the disinfectant. The endoscope 32 and the attached buttons are disinfected.
During or after this disinfection step, the ultraviolet ray generator 43 and the ultraviolet lamps 37 and 40 are operated to irradiate the inside of the channel of the endoscope 32 coated with titanium oxide, the forceps raising stand 39 and the attached buttons with ultraviolet rays. Then, due to the photocatalytic action of titanium oxide or the like, a small amount of contaminant organic matter that has adhered to the inner surface of the channel, the forceps raising base 39, and the attached buttons is slightly removed. This allows for sufficient disinfection and makes them cleaner. Normal,
Contaminated organic matter is decomposed and removed in the cleaning process,
When disinfecting, it is not always necessary to irradiate with ultraviolet rays.

[Third Embodiment] An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a system of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus.

(Structure) In FIG. 3, reference numeral 51 denotes a cleaning tank of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, in which an endoscope 52 is installed. The cleaning tank 51 is provided with a lid 53.
A disk-shaped diaphragm 55 to which, for example, a Langevin type ultrasonic vibrator 54 is attached is attached to the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 51. Then, ultrasonic vibration is oscillated in the cleaning liquid by vibrating the ultrasonic vibrator 54.

Further, at the center of the cleaning tank 51, a tower 56 is provided for the purpose of reducing the amount of cleaning water or disinfectant stored in the cleaning tank 51. Inside the tower 56, a heater 57 for heating and keeping the liquid in the washing tank 51 is provided.

At the head of the tower 56, an ultraviolet lamp 58 for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the inner surface surrounded by the washing tank 51 and the lid 53 is mounted. The inner surfaces of the cleaning tank 51 and the lid 53 that are irradiated with ultraviolet rays are coated with a photocatalytic substance such as titanium oxide to form a photocatalyst portion.

The washing tank 51 is provided with a flowing liquid jet port 61. The flowing liquid jet port 61 has a flowing liquid cleaning pump 6.
The flowing liquid washing conduit 63 connected to the second discharge port is connected. The flowing liquid jet port 61 is for jetting high-pressure water from the flowing liquid cleaning pump 62 into the cleaning tank 51. When the high-pressure water is jetted from the flowing liquid jet port 61, the object to be cleaned placed in the vicinity of the cleaning tank 51 is cleaned very well.

The suction side of the flowing liquid cleaning pump 62 is connected to a circulating liquid suction port 64 provided at the bottom of the cleaning tank 51. The circulating fluid suction port 64 is connected to a cleaning pipeline 66 in the scope pipeline. The other end of the in-scope channel cleaning pipe 66 is connected to the in-scope pipe cleaning pump 6.
7 is connected. Pump 67 for cleaning inside the scope pipeline
A pipe 70 is connected to the discharge port, and a check valve 68 and an electromagnetic on-off valve 69 are provided in the middle of the pipe 70. The pipe 70 is connected to the channel connection port 7 of the cleaning tank 51.
2 are connected. The channel connection port 72 is connected to the endoscope 5
The various channels 2 are connected via an endoscope channel cleaning tube 73. In the cleaning tank 51, the endoscope 52 is installed on an endoscope operation unit holding unit 74.

An air supply pipe 76 is connected to the middle of the pipe 70 via a check valve 75. A compressor 77 is connected to the air supply pipe 76. That is, the compressed air from the compressor 77 is also supplied to the endoscope 5
2 are sent to the connection ports of the various channels to remove water in those channels.

An injection port 81 is provided in the upper part of the cleaning tank 51, and the injection port 81 is connected to an antiseptic solution injection pipe 83 from an antiseptic solution tank 82 via an injection pump 84 and a check valve 85. Have been. The inlet 81 is connected to a water supply pipe 87 connected to a water supply source 86 such as a water supply. A water supply valve 88 and a water supply filter 89 are inserted in the middle of the water supply line 87, and the water supply line 87 is connected to the inlet 81 through a check valve 90.

A drain port 92 is provided at the bottom of the cleaning tank 51, and the drain port 92 is connected to the disinfectant solution collection pipe 94 through the pipe switching valve 93 through the disinfectant tank 82.
And the drainage line 95 are connected. A drain pump 96 is provided in the middle of the drain pipe 95.

A duct 97 is connected to the upper part of the washing tank 51. The duct 97 serves as an air inlet / outlet when gas-liquid flows into and out of the cleaning tank 51 during a series of processes.
Open to the atmosphere via.

(Operation) In the case of using the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus configured as described above, first, the used endoscope 52 is set in the cleaning tank 51, and the endoscope channel cleaning tube 73 is used. The endoscope 52 and the channel connection port 72 are connected. Thereafter, with the operation of various operation switches on the operation panel, the respective steps of cleaning, disinfection, rinsing, and air supply are performed. The user sets the time for cleaning and disinfection, the temperature of the disinfecting solution and the like on a setting panel (not shown).

As an example of the operation after startup, first, in the washing step, the water supply valve 88 is opened, and the washing water from the water supply source 86 is washed from the inlet 81 through the water supply filter 89 and the water supply pipe 87. It is supplied into the tank 51. In addition, before the start of the process, the user supplies the cleaning tank 5 with a predetermined amount of detergent.
Inject into 1. Then, when a certain amount of water is supplied, the liquid washing is started, and when the designated water level is reached, the water supply valve 8 is started.
8 closes. In this step, large dirt, soft dirt, light dirt, and the like attached to the endoscope 52 are washed. That is, the liquid flow swirling in the cleaning tank 51 or the flowing liquid jet port 61
Large dirt, soft dirt, light dirt, and the like are removed by the impact force of the liquid ejected from the nozzle. In addition, the endoscope 52 is wound around the tower 56 in a so-called scaly shape and installed so as to have a low height in order to minimize the amount of the disinfecting solution in the subsequent disinfecting process.

When the preset process time of the liquid washing is completed, the ultrasonic cleaning is subsequently performed. In this ultrasonic cleaning step, ultrasonic vibration is applied to the cleaning liquid by vibrating the ultrasonic vibrator 54 to strongly remove hard dirt attached to the endoscope 52, dirt on a complicated shape portion, and the like.

When the ultrasonic cleaning step is completed, the flowing liquid cleaning is performed again. In this step, the dirt and the like which has been peeled off from the endoscope 52 by ultrasonic cleaning is removed.

When these series of washing steps are completed, the drain switching valve 93 is opened to the drain side, and at the same time, the drain pump 96 is driven. Then, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank 51 is discharged to the outside. Thereafter, the water supply valve 88 is opened again to supply new water into the cleaning tank 51, and the in-scope pipe line cleaning pump 67 is driven to perform rinsing. Also,
In the latter half of the rinsing step, the pump 67 for cleaning the inside of the scope pipeline is stopped, the compressor 77 is turned on, air is sent into various channels of the endoscope 52 through the channel connection port 72, and the endoscope 52 Drainage is performed in the channel of.

After the rinsing step is completed, a disinfection step is subsequently performed. In this disinfecting process, the disinfecting solution tank 82
The disinfecting solution in the tank is supplied from the inlet 81 into the cleaning tank 51 through the injecting pump 84 and the disinfecting solution injecting line 83. Here, since the check valves 85 and 90 are arranged so that the water supply and the disinfectant do not flow backward, the disinfectant does not flow backward.

On the other hand, the duct 97 is an air inlet / outlet when gas-liquid flows into and out of the cleaning tank 51 during a series of processes.
Since it is open to the atmosphere through the air pipe 98 and the gas filter 99, the vapor or the like of the disinfecting solution during the disinfection process is adsorbed or decomposed by the gas filter 99 and is not released to the atmosphere.

The entire endoscope 52 is completely immersed in the disinfecting solution stored in the cleaning tank 51, and is turned on by the operation of the cleaning pump 67 in the scope conduit.
The disinfecting solution in 1 is supplied to the channel connection port 72, and disinfection in the channel of the endoscope 52 is also performed. Since the disinfecting solution is circulated through all the contaminated pipes in the apparatus in this disinfecting process, the inside of the apparatus can be automatically disinfected. Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the pipeline switching valve 93 opens to the collecting side, and the disinfecting solution is collected in the disinfecting solution tank 82.

After the end of the disinfection step, the rinsing step is performed again. After this rinsing step, the compressor 77
Is completely drained in the channel of the endoscope 52. After a certain period of time, the drainage pump 96 stops.

After the drainage, the endoscope 52 is taken out of the washing tank 51, and when the lighting switch on the operation panel is pressed, the endoscope 52 is turned off.
The ultraviolet lamp 58 provided in 6 is turned on, and ultraviolet light is irradiated on the inner surface surrounded by the cleaning tank 51 and the lid 53 coated with a photocatalytic substance such as titanium oxide. Ultraviolet rays are irradiated throughout the cleaning tank 51 by internal reflection in the tank. A photocatalyst portion such as a coated titanium oxide is formed on the inner surfaces of the cleaning tank 51 and the lid 53 which receive the ultraviolet rays, and the photocatalytic action can effectively decompose and remove contaminant organic substances attached to the inner surface. it can. For this reason, the inside of the apparatus can always be kept clean.

In this embodiment, the ultraviolet lamp 58 is installed in the tower 56. However, the same effect can be obtained by installing the ultraviolet lamp 58 on the inner wall of the washing tank 51 or inside the lid 53. In addition, a photocatalyst section is formed in a water supply filter 89 of the water supply system through which the disinfectant does not pass, a water supply system pipe 87, an air duct 97, and an air pipe 98, and a small ultraviolet irradiation capable of irradiating the inside with ultraviolet light. By installing additional lamps, it is possible to achieve a higher level of cleanliness of the apparatus.

On the other hand, the photocatalysis is less efficient,
Since it also occurs with general visible light, it is conceivable to use a general light source for cost reduction without using an expensive ultraviolet lamp. Further, by forming the lid 53 from a transparent material such as light-transmitting glass, the cleaning tank 51 has a function of being self-cleaned by the light in the installed room even when the apparatus is not used for a long time. Can also.

Of course, by adding the ultraviolet irradiating device of the first or second embodiment to the third embodiment, the endoscope or a photocatalytic portion having a photocatalytic action formed on its components is added to the endoscope. On the other hand, irradiation with excitation light may decompose and remove dirt and bacteria.

<Supplementary Notes> An endoscope cleaning apparatus comprising: an excitation light irradiating unit that irradiates an excitation light for exciting the photocatalytic action to a photocatalytic section having a photocatalytic action formed in a conduit of an endoscope. 2. An endoscope cleaning apparatus comprising: an excitation light irradiating unit that irradiates an excitation light for exciting the photocatalysis to a photocatalyst part having a photocatalysis formed on a component part of the endoscope. 3. A photocatalyst member provided at a portion exposed to the cleaning liquid, at least a surface of which is formed of a material having a photocatalytic action, and an excitation light irradiating means for irradiating the photocatalytic member with excitation light for exciting the photocatalytic action An endoscope cleaning device, characterized in that:

4. A cleaning chamber capable of storing an endoscope, a photocatalyst section provided in the cleaning chamber and having a photocatalytic action, and excitation light irradiating means for irradiating the photocatalytic section with excitation light for exciting the photocatalytic action. An endoscope cleaning device comprising: 5. An endoscope provided with a photocatalytic component on which a photocatalytic portion having at least a surface having a photocatalytic effect is formed, and excitation light irradiating means for irradiating the photocatalytic portion with excitation light for exciting the photocatalytic effect. Endoscope cleaning system. 6. At least on the inner surface of the internal conduit, an endoscope in which a photocatalytic portion having a photocatalytic action is formed, and an excitation light irradiating means for irradiating the photocatalytic portion with excitation light for exciting the photocatalytic action. Features endoscope cleaning system.

7. An endoscope comprising a photocatalytic component having a photocatalyst part at least a surface of which is formed of a material having a photocatalytic action. 8. In the endoscope, at least the inner surface of the channel is coated with titanium oxide or titanium peroxide, and the channel is cleaned at least during the cleaning process or the disinfection process of cleaning the endoscope after use, or before or after these processes. An endoscope system that irradiates the inside with ultraviolet light from an ultraviolet irradiation device and decomposes organic substances and bacteria attached to the endoscope by a photocatalytic reaction of titanium oxide or titanium peroxide.

9. In an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus that cleans after use of an endoscope coated with at least a titanium oxide coating or a titanium peroxide coating on the inner surface of the channel, at least the inside of the cleaning step, the disinfecting step, or before or after those steps, Endoscopes have the function of irradiating ultraviolet light into the channel of the endoscope, and irradiate the ultraviolet light to decompose organic substances and bacteria attached to the endoscope by the photocatalytic reaction of titanium oxide or titanium peroxide. Mirror cleaning and disinfecting equipment. 10. At least the inner surface of the cleaning tank is coated with titanium oxide or titanium peroxide, and an endoscope having an ultraviolet irradiation device for decomposing organic substances and bacteria attached to the cleaning tank by the photocatalytic reaction of the titanium oxide or titanium peroxide. Mirror cleaning device.

[0058]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to keep a portion of a pipe of an endoscope or the like clean without a troublesome brushing operation, so that a load on a person in charge of cleaning the endoscope is reduced. In addition to reduction, the safety factor against infection accidents is improved. In addition, since the cleaning tank of the endoscope cleaning device can be kept clean without troublesome cleaning work, it not only reduces the load on the person in charge of cleaning the endoscope cleaning device, but also provides a safety rate against infection accidents. Is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a system of an endoscope cleaning device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a system of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to a third embodiment.

[Description of Signs] 1 ... endoscope, 2 ... ultraviolet irradiation device, 6 ... forceps insertion channel, 7 ... air supply channel, 8 ... water supply channel, 9 ... suction channel, 21 ... ultraviolet light source device section,
22 ... Flexible light conduit.

Claims (3)

[Claims] An excitation light irradiating means for irradiating an excitation light for exciting the photocatalysis to a photocatalyst having a photocatalysis formed in a conduit of an endoscope. Endoscope cleaning device. 2. An endoscope comprising: excitation light irradiating means for irradiating excitation light for exciting the photocatalysis to a photocatalyst having photocatalysis formed on a component part of an endoscope. Mirror cleaning device. 3. A photocatalyst member provided at a portion exposed to a cleaning liquid, at least a surface of which is formed of a material having a photocatalytic action, and excitation light for irradiating the photocatalytic member with excitation light for exciting the photocatalytic action. An endoscope cleaning device, comprising: irradiation means.